1. Research on the different types of operating systems and state its features, advantages and disadvantages if any.

( Minimum of 3 operating systems) [15marks] (1)Ubuntu10.10 (Linux) Features: 1) The boot times of a computer will be able to speed up by the latest kernel version. 2) The 3D multiple desktop of Ubuntu can be used to run many applications and softwares. 3) The Always On Top feature o Ubuntu allows user easily to keep track open applications and softwares. 4) Multi-touch function of Ubuntu has been installed to make user to interact with computer more easily . 5) Ubuntu is an very popular operating system for desktops, servers, netbooks and laptops. 6) 24 languages are offered in Ubuntu. Advantages: 1) Ubuntu is a free operating system. Besides, it is also an open source operating system. It is more secure because the source codes can be reviewed. 2) There are many other softwares can be found in Ubuntus Software Center for free. 3) Ubuntu has not many viruses. 4) Ubuntu can reduce operating costs because hardware is not need to upgrade oftenly due to x86 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Beside it is fixed to many kinds of processor architectures. Disadvantages: 1) The programs of Ubuntu is free but charge for installation and support.
2) Ubuntu has not many new games and new softwares to use. 3) Many the user of Windows has to learn how to use Ubuntu. 4) Most of the funds of the Linux company are come from donations.

(2) Windows 7 Features: 1) Piracy has been improved to code piracy problem.
2) Windows7 has a new Aero features that display outlines of every open window

behind active window.

3) Windows 7 has more advanced hardware support, such as multitouch support. 4) The 64-bit version of Windows 7 can hold 192 GB of RAM. 5) The Bitlocker of Windows 7 helps to protect the data against loss or theft. 6) Windows 7 is offered in 35 languages.

Advantages: 1) There are so many famous and new softwares are built for Windows 7. 2) Many softwares can run in Windows 7 because the compile of Windows programs are not depend on the local machine. Therefore, many softwares are able to run in latest Windows. 3) During the setup of Windows 7, the first user account belongs to a member of the administrators group. 4) Windows 7 uses RAM more efficiently and uses less RAM for its GUI functions. 5) Windows 7 has XP mode. Softwares, which are unable to run in Window 7, can run in XP mode.

Disadvantages: 1) After installing every service pack and driver, Windows 7 needs to reboot again. 2) Most of the old hardware system is not supported by Windows 7. Therefore, old equipments may have to be upgraded. Upgrade hardware is expensive. 3) Windows 7 can be installed only in a high end computers. 4) Many viruses are designed to harm Windows 7. Therefore, extract software protection, such as Norton Antivirus and Firewall, need to be installed. 5) Windows 7 is closed-source, only Microsoft-employed programmers can fix the errors of Windows 7. Therefore, consumers have to count on Microsoft company.

(3)Mac OS X Features: 1) Mac OS X is built on UNIX basis and designed to be easy and intuitive. 2) Mac OS X has a perfect combination of hardware and software. The software and the hardware are made by Mac company itself. Therefore, the interaction between software and the hardware will work perfectly. 3) Mac OS X has great interface and astonishing graphics. 4) Mac OS X is compatibility with many devices without any seperated drivers. 5) Mac OS X has Windows mode. Advantages: 1) Mac OS Xs Aqua UI takes up less system resources. 2) Mac OS X has better secuity than Windows. 3) Mac OS X has a simple, easy-to use interface. 4) Mac OS X does not has system crashed. 5) Mac OS X doesnt get viruses easily because the design is highly secured and difficult for network invasions.

Disadvantages: 1) Mac OS X cant be upgraded. 2) Mac OS X cost more expensive than any other operating system. 3) Mac OS X is closed-source, only Mac company can fix bugs. 4) Mac OS X is not compatible with all new games, software or peripherals.

2. Describe what is LAN? Provide a diagram with proper labels and description of the devices being used in the diagram.[25marks] LAN means local area network. It is a computer network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical place, such as home and school. LAN consists of Internet, modem, router, Ethernet, WiFi and others. Wireless is the most popular technology today. LAN connects workstation and personal computers. Every computer in a LAN can run programs and the computer is able to access data and devices every where on the LAN.

Internet The internet is a global data communication system. Computer It is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and manipulates data. The computer will be able to communicate with other computers or internet sources through the Ethernet hub. Printer It will received data from a computer through Ethernet hub to provide printer services. Scanner- It will scan an image to a computer through Ethernet hub.

3. Describe what is WAN? Provide a diagram with proper labels and description of the devices being used in the diagram.[25 marks] WAN is Wide Area Network that it is no geographical limits or a large geographical area. Such as a state, province or country. WANs often connect to multiple LANs through Internet. WAN has a large number of computers. Every computer is called Host. Those Hosts are connected by subnet. Subnet consists of transmission lines and switching elements. Transmission lines are usually called leased lines. A router connects with one side of leased line. At the other side of router will be connected to LAN and a hub.

1) Host It is also known as network host which is a computer connected to a computer network. 2) LAN - It is a computer network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical place. 3) Subnet It is a subdivision of an IP network. IP network is a set of communication protocols used for the internet and other similar networks. 4) Internet The internet is a global data communication system. 5) Modem It is a device that can produce a signal to transmit easily and it can decode the transmitted information. The latest modem has built in firewall to prevent hackers from intrusion. 6) Router It is an device that can access to the internet, email and other devices Ethernet Switch or hub It is a device that joins multiple computers together and other devices like printer or scanner.

4. Describe the steps on how to install a new printer. Include screenshots.[20 marks] (1) left click on Start button on computer taskbar.

(2) move the cursor to control panel and double left click on Printers and Faxes.

(3) In left Printer Task, left click Add a printer.

(4)Follow the Printer Wizard to add the new printer. And click Next Button.

(5) Choose which one we want. If we use printer at home or personally, we select the Local printer attached to this computer. If we use printer at company or school, we select A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer. Have two choice.

First choice. (6) When we select the Local printer attached to this computer , and then click Next Button.

(7) select the port that we want. Or we can create a new port. And click Next Button.

(8) we select Manufacturer and Printers that we need. And then click Next Button.

(9) If we select Keep existing driver(recommended), the other driver still exist. If we select Replace existing driver, the other driver will be replaced. And click Next Button.

(10) If we select Yes, the printer will become the default printer. Otherwise, the printer will not be the default printer. And then click Next Button.

(11) If we select Do not share this printer, the printer will not be appeared in the network. Otherwise, the printer will be appeared in the network. And click Next Button.

(12) If we select Yes, the printer will print a test page before we print document. And

then click Next Button.

(13)Last, click Finish Button.

Second choice. (6) When we select the A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer , we choose what kind of printer to connect. And then click Next Button.

(7) Type the name of printer, and click Next Button.

(8) If you want to make this printer to default printer, just select Yes. And then click Next Button.

(9) Last, click Finish.

5.What are input, output and storage devices? Give 3 examples for each type of device with images.[15 marks] Input devices are used to input data or instructions into a computer. For example, keyboard, mouse, scanner.

Keyboard

Mouse

Scanner

Output devices are used to display the results of processing actions. For example, monitor, printer, earphones.

Monitor

Printer

Earphones

Storage devices are used to store data, instructions, and information for retrieval and future use. For example, diskettes, zip disks, CD-ROMs.

Diskette

Zip

CD-ROM

References: 1) Ubuntu (operating system). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(operating_system) 2) Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) Desktop Edition. www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371323,00.asp? kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530 3) Mac OS X. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X 4) Features new to Windows 7. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_new_to_Windows_7 5) Comparison of operating systems. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparision_of_operating_systems 6) What are the advantages and disadvantages of Windows 7? wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_Windows _7 7) 10 Advantages of Ubuntu over Vista. Ubuntulinuxhelp.com/10-advantages-ofubuntu-over-vista/ 8) What are the advantages and disadvantages of Mac OS? www.brighthub.com/computing/mac-platform/articles/73326.asp. 9) Local area network. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network 10) Wide area network. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_area_network 11) Advantages and disadvantages of using Linux Techtipster.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-usinglinux/