OPERATING SYSTEMS

Windows 95 and 98 are widely used operating systems, but they are now being slowly over taken by more modern operating systems like Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

The modern systems are particularly popular in the Middle East because they allow Arabic writing.

Your computer relies on the operating system to manage all the other software programs installed and all of the hardware devices connected to your computer.

Without a functioning operating system, no other program or device will run on your computer. The operating system is also responsible for the flow of information through your computer system. It dictates how data is saved to your computer, keeps track of your file names and their location. When you turn on your computer, the Operating System automatically starts.

Windows has a built-in file management system called Windows Explorer which allows you to create, manipulate and organise drivers, files and folders on your computer. It helps you gather information about your files; makes searching for file information easy and lets you display files of a certain type, sort files or change their properties.

In addition to helping you organise your work, it can answer your questions. Windows operating system comes with a ‘help’ system which you can access whenever you encounter a problem.

While each software program has its own help system which you can access from the Help menu, you can access Window's Help from the Start Menu.

Think of it as a filing cabinet ...