CCNC/CCNC Module 1/Software/Subsection Level CCNC Template10

As mentioned earlier, it is the operating system that actually makes the computer function. The following is a list of some of the functions of the operating system:


 * Boot-up the computer.


 * Control the hard drives: This includes such features as formatting and defragmenting disks as well as saving files to and retrieving files from disk.


 * Control input devices such as keyboards, mice and scanners.


 * Control output devices such as the video display and printer.


 * Control the external ports: Ports are the external connections that enable peripheral devices to be connected to a computer. Common types of ports are serial, parallel, usb and firewire. Of these the USB ports are the most important.


 * Provide the functionality for computers to be linked in a network.


 * Provide the foundation for application software to be launched.


 * Enable application software to access and use the hardware.

The following list names some operating systems. They are grouped according to similarity.

Unix; Linux; Free BSD

Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows Me, Windows NT4 Workstation / Server; Windows 2000 Workstation / Server; Windows XP; Windows 2003 Server; Windows Vista.