Settings: where a device is told what to do
Remember Week 7: the operating system is the key software on a device. It coordinates the hardware and the software, and without it a computer is useless. It also checks what each program needs: how much of the processor’s power, how much memory and how much storage. Think of a school headteacher who makes sure every class has a room, a teacher and books. Computers and phones use different systems; some are paid for and some are free. To change how a device works we use the settings tool, which you can imagine as a control room. Every system gives it a different name and look, so ask your teacher where it is. In it you can change things such as the time, the language, the display, the sound, the printers and the network. A change made there reaches the programs on the device automatically. We only study this; do not change a real device’s settings without a grown-up.
| The operating system checks… | Like a headteacher checking… |
|---|---|
| processor power | is there a teacher for the class? |
| memory | is there a desk to work at? |
| storage | is there a cupboard for the books? |
| Setting | What it changes |
|---|---|
| time | the clock shown |
| language | the words on the screen |
| display | size and brightness |
| sound | volume |
| network | which Wi-Fi to join |
Control room map. Draw a large rectangle called ‘Settings’. Inside it draw six small boxes: time, language, display, sound, printers, network. Under each box write one thing a person might change there (for example: ‘bigger letters’ under display). Then write why the operating system is called the most important software.