Discovering Computers

Chapter 9: Operating Systems

Essential analogies for an operating system

Mac OS X Yosemite is the latest operating systems for Apple computers and the subject of this video. However, all operating systems such as Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, basically do the same thing. Its the interface and the layout of the controls that differentiate the Operating Systems. In this video you will learn about the essentials of all operating systems, Mac OS X is just the example used here.
Video is 07m:52s

Learn more about the latest Mac OS:

Top Windows 8.1 tips

  1. By default, Windows 8.1 is set up to save to the OneDrive cloud storage (you get 10GB for free). Did you know you can turn off this default setting, if desired?  Here's how.
    Video is 02m:29s.
  2. Quick tips to customize your task bar.
    Video is 01m:28s.
  3. Enabling God Mode.
    Video is 01m:42s.

Understand Operating Systems (OS); the basics

  • What is an operating system? Which ones are the most popular?
    Watch this video to answer those questions and more.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Standard user accounts recommended by security experts

When you purchase a new computer, you are required to establish an administrator account, which has unrestricted permission. Security experts recommend to create a standard user account for everyday use. Standard accounts are restricted. Using a standard account for everyday use reduces the chance of spyware and malware attacks. Below are step-by-step directions for creating a standard account on Windows 8/8.1, 10 and Mac.

Windows 10

  1. Click Start, then Settings, Accounts.
  2. Next, click Family & other users.
  3. Then click Add someone else to this PC and then the link for I don't have this person's sign-in information.
  4. Finally, click Add a user withot a Microsoft account.
  5. For the question "Who's going to use this PC?," consider something like "Everyday Use."
  6. A password is not required.
  7. The extra account will be Standard by default. To see it, click Change account type for the new account.
  8. To switch accounts, click Start and then click your current logged in account name at the top of the Start menu.

Windows 8/8.1

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
  2. Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Other accounts.
  3. Tap or click Add an account, and then tap or click Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended).
  4. Tap or click Local account.
  5. Enter a user name for the new account.
  6. If you want this person to sign in with a password, enter and verify the password, add a password hint, and then tap or click Next.
  7. If your PC is on a domain, depending on the domain's security settings, you might be able to skip this step and tap or click Next, if you prefer.
  8. Tap or click Finish.

Mac

  1. To create a user account
  2. Apple menu, System Preferences and click Accounts.
  3. Click the lock icon to unlock it and type and administrator name and password.
  4. Choose Standard for the type of account from the New Account pop-up menu.
  5. Enter a name and password for the account.
  6. Click Create Account.