During the third week of the course, we will learn about operating systems. The most prevalent operating systems today will be studied from the angle of hardware interaction. We will also learn about the startup sequence and installation of Windows, Linux, and macOS from scratch. By the end of the module, the student should be able to directly interact with Windows and Linux operating systems in a Qwiklabs environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand persistent components constituting an operating system.
- Understand the boot process of an operating system.
Install an operating system. - Create a file in both Windows and Linux operating systems.
PRACTICE QUIZ: WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
1. What are the two main parts that make up an operating system?
- Kernel and Packages
- Users and Software
- Windows and Mac
- Kernel and Userspace (CORRECT)
Wohoo! The operating system comprises either two main components-the kernel and the user space-or only one of those components.
2. What are the main components of file management? Check all that apply.
- File data (CORRECT)
- Metadata (CORRECT)
- NTFS
- File system (CORRECT)
You got it! Key components of managing files comprise storage of data, file metadata, and the file system.
3. Which of these are true? Check all that apply.
- A program is a process that is executed. A process is a program that we can run.
- A program is initially stored in RAM. A process is initially stored in the hard drive.
- A program is an application that we can run. A process is a program that is executed. (CORRECT)
- You can have many processes running for one program. (CORRECT)
Great job! A program is a functional software application, while a process is a released version of an application being executed. Indeed, multiple processes can be run concurrently from the same program.
4. What are the characteristics of virtual memory? Check all that apply.
- Allows our computer to have more memory than it physically has. (CORRECT)
- Combination of RAM and hard drive space. (CORRECT)
- It is where we store pages that are being executed.
- Stores pages that are currently not in use by physical memory. (CORRECT)
Excellent job! Using disk space, we can simulate additional RAM on the machine. This means the physical memory can be extended beyond what it has already for using virtual memory.
5. Which of these is a GUI? Check all that apply.
- Option One
- Option Two (CORRECT)
- Option Three (CORRECT)
- Option Four
Great job! Those are all instances of the graphical user interface (GUI).
6. Which of these are considered I/O devices? Check all that apply.
- Speakers (CORRECT)
- Hard disk drives (CORRECT)
- Monitors (CORRECT)
- Web cams (CORRECT)
Excellent job! Input and output devices are classified as any devices that can be used to receive or produce output.
7. What is the last step in booting a computer?
- Execute the bootloader.
- Load up drivers.
- Perform a POST.
- User space is launched. (CORRECT)
Well done, you! The final step in booting a computer is launching the user space, which includes components like the login window, graphical user interface (GUI), and other user-facing applications.
8. ____ are files that record system events on our computer just like a system’s diary. Check all that apply.
- Metadata
- Kernels
- Logs (CORRECT)
- Bootloaders
Correct: You’re correct! A log is the system diary of your computer-a record of events, activities, and errors that occur during computer operation.
PRACTICE QUIZ: INSTALLING AN OPERATING SYSTEM
1. True or false: If you have a 32-bit CPU architecture, it’s recommended to use a 64-bit operating system.
- TRUE
- FALSE (CORRECT)
Correct! Yes, it has much to do with the use of a compatible architecture for both CPU and OS. For example: 64-bit OS need 64-bit CPU for proper operation. Enhances compatibility and performance.
2. If you want to boot into a USB drive, how do you change your boot settings?
- Login to the machine.
- Replace the CPU.
- Go into the BIOS settings and change the boot settings (CORRECT)
- Wipe the computer.
Right on! Yes, that’s right! You will need to change the BIOS settings as predisposing, i.e. from the above point of booting up until the operating system loads. This initiation may be achieved by pressing a certain key like F2, F12, or Delete during booting. You could configure parameters such as the boot order, enable or disable a hardware device, and so on.
3. What is the file manager in macOS called?
- Finder (CORRECT)
- File Explorer
- Konqueror
- Midnight Commander
Correct! Thanks! macOS has its inbuilt files manager called Finder.
4. What command can you use to create a file using bash?
- cat
- ls
- touch (CORRECT)
- mkfile
You got it! In Bash, by using the command “touch,” a new file can be created.
5. A ____ is an emulation of a physical machine.
- BIOS
- virtual machine (CORRECT)
- driver
- kernel
That’s right! A virtual machine clearly emulates a physical machine for the purpose of running various operating systems on a single host machine.
GRADED QUIZ: ACCESSING QWIKLABS
1. How long do you have to complete each Qwiklab?
- 20 minutes
- 1 hour (CORRECT)
- 24 hours
- As long as you need.
Great job! Every lab in this program will be allotted a duration of one hour for its completion.
2. True or false: It can take some time for the labs to load once you click “start lab.”
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Yep! The laboratories could take some time to load so this is the perfect opportunity to use the lab instructions given.
3. True or false: It can take some time for the working instance of Linux and Windows OS to load.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
That’s exactly right! We are loading for you an instance of the OS that is working. Every time you turn the OS on, we will have to download some of the important application software which will take some time.
4. What do you need to do to finish a lab and have your grade posted to Coursera?
- Close all lab windows
- Refresh the Coursera course page
- Click the red “End Lab” button (CORRECT)
Excellent! Your rating is going to be sent to Coursera once you click on the red “End Lab” button.
5. Are you able to access your work once you click the “End Lab” button?
- Yes
- No (CORRECT)
You got it! You can’t access the work once you click “End Lab” anymore.