The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software, & Networking: An Information Technology Approach, 5th Edition

CHAPTER 16

THE USER VIEW OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

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16.0 INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 15, we introduced you to two different views of the role of the operating system as part of the overall computer architecture. Specifically, we looked at the operating system both as a means of delivering services to the user and as a way of controlling and operating the system facilities. In this chapter, we take a closer look at the operating system from the perspective of service to the user.

Much of the material in this chapter is at least superficially very familiar to you. You have worked closely with at least one type of computer system and quite possibly with more than one. You are familiar with some of the tasks, services, and capabilities that are provided for you by the system or systems that you have worked with. You are familiar with the different types of interfaces that you have used to perform those tasks and with the commands and the command structure that are built into the system for you.

In this chapter, we are interested in two aspects of the operating system as it pertains to the user. First, we will consider the services that are provided to the user, and second, we will consider the medium for delivery of those services, namely, the type and appearance of the user interface that the system provides. You will see the standard ...