Operating systems and applications

Understand the concepts, functions, and implications of operating systems, including:

• the role of an operating system in terms of file management, hardware management (drivers), resource allocation and security
• the role of utility applications, including disk defragmenters, firewalls and anti-virus software
• the differences between graphical user interfaces and command-line user interfaces
• the features of an operating system with a graphical user interface, including user interface, accessibility and ease of use
• the features and benefits of operating systems for mobile devices, including user interface, accessibility and ease of use
• the role of productivity applications, including office software, graphics, multimedia and web-authoring software
• the benefits of using suites of productivity applications
• the factors to consider when installing or upgrading an operating system or productivity application:
  • hardware platform
  • accessibility features
  • compatibility with preferred applications and hardware
  • cost (licence, set-up, training, maintenance)
  • speed
  • security features (including firewalls, malware management, setting user permissions, user support).