Operating Systems
In partitioning and formatting my hard drive I created both a primary DOS partition and an extended DOS partition to allow for “dual boot,” that is two or more operating systems on one hard drive disk. I did this for several reasons. I wanted to be able to have access to all of the features and functions of all the different operating systems, both to learn how to use the operating systems themselves and to utilize all the capabilities of this specific computer system. I also feel that having only one partition and operating system on a computer system is too much like “putting all your eggs in one basket.” If an external antecedent produces disastrous results in an operating system, it can be contained within that partition and the computer system can still function. Also, it is then easier to diagnose and repair the damaged operating system. After a little trial and error, I chose FAT32 partition format for a dual boot Windows 98 and Windows 2000 on my primary hard drive. I would also like to incorporate the Linux operating system with the Windows 98.
Drivers
Drivers are an intermediate level of software that allow the components and operating systems communicate with each other. These drivers are usually included with the components when they are purchased, but sometimes these are not the most recent drivers for the component or the approved drivers for the operating system they are being installed on. It is very important that the most recent drivers and the specific drivers approved for each operating system are installed to achieve the best functionality of the computer system. Be sure to check with the component manufacturers and the operating system developer to obtain the correct drivers. It is also important to install these drivers in the correct order and with the correct methods. This is usually determined by the operating system automatically, but sometimes a newly installed operating system and the components of the computer system it is installed on do not “see eye to eye” at first and this can be a difficult process. This is usually eased by having the correct version of the driver and installing the driver correctly, but I have found it is important to approach this procedure methodically.
Applications
Applications are the highest level of software in the system hierarchy. They allow for the highest level of system functionality. These are the programs that produce the end results of any task a computer system is assigned and each application is designed to accomplish only one specific task. They are generally very easy to install using the add/remove programs wizard of an operating system, but the same considerations must be taken regarding the compatibility of operating systems and applications as with operating systems and drivers, although to a lesser degree, as incompatibility or failure to install the most recent version will not affect system functionality. It will only effect the functionality of the application and applications can be added or removed in the system at any time. The applications I need to install to achieve the level of functionality required in this system are:
- Word processing application
- Data processing and management programs
- Video and audio editing software
- Video and audio recording software
- Removable media copying software
- Interactive entertainment programs
- Web browser
- HTML editor/converter
I chose the Corel WordPerfect Office 2000 Suite for it’s word processing and data processing and management applications. All the audio and video applications the system requires were included with the purchase of the respective components. I have purchased the combat flight simulator Janes USAF and the strategy game Risk as my personal choices for interactive entertainment applications. I use the CompuServe web browser as the default internet access application and the Macromedia ColdFusion Suite for editing and publishing HTML documents and web hosting.
Utilities
Utilities are programs that are extremely useful for system maintenance and protection. I chose the Norton Utilities Suite by Symantec for it’s dependability and comprehensive coverage of system maintenance and antivirus programs.
Conclusion
This articlehas been an attempt to illustrate the theory of the design, construction, and implementation of a computer system. The assignment specified that this be a “virtual system,” but I am lucky enough to have been able to construct an actual system, upon which this paper was based. I am happy to include the fact that to this point in the operation of that system, the theory has been validated by fact and this system has fulfilled all of my expectations for it.
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