The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Overview Of Operating Systems - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
Getting a job that calls for computer skills beyond a particular application usually requires some form of certification, for which there is a plethora of text books and course material. Applicants can also expect to be quizzed about their broader knowledge of, for example, various operating systems and how to use them. A title, Survey of Operating Systems, released in the Mike Meyers' Computing Skills series, is designed to provide "a broad introduction and overview of how operating systems work" how different ones handle the same problems, and their similarities and differences.
The objective is to make the student "comfortable with almost any operating system [encountered] on the job". Readers are assumed to be thoroughly computer literate. UNIX is mentioned, but is not on the list of operating systems described. However, Linux is covered in good detail. Those covered are: DOS, Winnt 4.0, Win98, Win2000 Pro, WinXP Pro, Mac OS 9 and OS X, and Linux. A final chapter is an introduction to network server operating systems.
The book is a series of tutorials with questions, lab projects, and assignments. There are no answers in the book, but a CD is available for course providers with that information, and other material (cost in the order of $90.00).
The content is well presented. Instructions are clear and supported by good screen shots and schematic diagrams. The book is a useful resource to keep on the shelf for those occasions when it is necessary to deal with an 'alien' operating system. The information is not confined to turn-on/turn-off, but provides instruction on essential functions and operations. There are also trouble shooting guidelines and recovery solutions. A sound refresher resource for anyone whose knowledge may be tested at short notice. Those teaching computer skills, whether to professionals or lay users, should find this book a valuable resource - either as a class text or for presentation ideas.
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Jane Holcombe and Charles Holcombe: Survey of Operating Systems ISBN 0-07-222511-4 Published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 465 pp., RRP $99.95 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the May 2004 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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