This week’s topics
Why we need operating systems: from mainframes to today's desktop and mobile systems
- History and need for operating systems: from mainframe queues to kernels
- Common desktop and mobile operating systems
What you will be able to do
- 1.1 Outline a range of common operating systems for computers and mobile devices.
- 1.2 Describe the historical development and need for operating systems.
Activity
Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: outline a range of common operating systems for computers and mobile devices.
Study materials
Videos
- Operating system · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students
- The operating system · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 3 (lower secondary level) · for registered students
- Introduction to Operating Systems · YouTube · Neso Academy · 17 min · for registered students
- TYPES OF COMPUTERS || MICROCOMPUTER || MINICOMPUTER || MAINFRAME COMPUTER || SUPERCOMPUTER · YouTube · Make It Easy Education · 5 min · for registered students
Further resources
- Introduction to Computer Science, 6.1: What Is an Operating System? · PDF · OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science (2024), 6.1: functions of an OS, with Windows, macOS and Linux examples, pp. 240–245 · for registered students
- Workplace Software and Skills, 1.2: Operating Systems · PDF · OpenStax Workplace Software and Skills (2023), 1.2 on what an OS does and on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, p. 29 · for registered students
- Workplace Software and Skills, 1.1: Computing from Inception to Today · PDF · OpenStax Workplace Software and Skills (2023), 1.1: computers at work and at home, mobile devices, gaming, wearables and smart spaces, pp. 8–26 · for registered students
Materials marked “for registered students” open in the student portal, which is set up as soon as you receive final acceptance.
