Lenovo PC 300GL Understanding Your Personal Computer 6267, 6277, 6287 - Page 49

Operating Systems, Device Drivers, Latest Level Device Drivers

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Operating Systems An operating system is a complex collection of utility programs and device drivers that control what a computer does. It is the operating system that enables a computer to accept information from a keyboard, display it on a monitor, print it, and save it on a disk. The operating system has built-in routines for performing input and output operations, such as reading and writing disk files. When an application program gives a command to the operating system to save a file, the operating system communicates with the BIOS to transfer the file from memory to disk. Just as the BIOS defines how the hardware works, the operating system defines how software works by establishing a set of rules all software must follow. For example, the operating system defines how files are named, what commands can be used, and how memory is organized. Your computer is designed to use a variety of operating systems to meet many different needs. Device Drivers Device drivers are programs that support a specific type of hardware device, such as a printer or high-resolution monitor. These programs provide instructions that allow the computer to interact with the device or take advantage of the special features of a device. Device drivers are necessary because the BIOS cannot be large enough or current enough to contain all the code needed to control every hardware device. If your computer has IBM-preinstalled software, the device drivers might be included with your operating system or application programs. Also, some device drivers are located on the IBM Software Selections CD. Hardware optional features also might include diskettes that contain the device drivers you need to make the optional features work. Latest Level Device Drivers The latest device drivers are always available on the World Wide Web or from the IBM Personal Systems Group Bulletin Board System (BBS). For more help information, refer to the PC 300GL User Guide. The IBM PC Company Bulletin Board System (BBS) can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Modem speeds of up to 14 400 baud are supported. Long distance telephone charges might apply. To access the PC Company BBS: In the U.S., call 1-919-517-0001. In Canada: - In Halifax, call 902-420-0300. - In Montreal, call 514-938-3022. - In Toronto, call 905-316-4255 or 416-956-7877. - In Vancouver, call 604-664-6461 or 604-664-6464. Software 41

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Operating Systems
An operating system is a complex collection of utility programs and device drivers that
control what a computer does.
It is the operating system that enables a computer to accept
information from a keyboard, display it on a monitor, print it, and save it on a disk.
The
operating system has built-in routines for performing input and output operations, such as
reading and writing disk files.
When an application program gives a command to the
operating system to save a file, the operating system communicates with the BIOS to
transfer the file from memory to disk.
Just as the BIOS defines how the hardware works, the operating system defines how
software works by establishing a set of rules all software must follow.
For example, the
operating system defines how files are named, what commands can be used, and how
memory is organized.
Your computer is designed to use a variety of operating systems to
meet many different needs.
Device Drivers
Device drivers are programs that support a specific type of hardware device, such as a
printer or high-resolution monitor.
These programs provide instructions that allow the
computer to interact with the device or take advantage of the special features of a device.
Device drivers are necessary because the BIOS cannot be large enough or current enough to
contain all the code needed to control every hardware device.
If your computer has
IBM-preinstalled software, the device drivers might be included with your operating system
or application programs.
Also, some device drivers are located on the
IBM Software
Selections CD
.
Hardware optional features also might include diskettes that contain the
device drivers you need to make the optional features work.
Latest Level Device Drivers
The latest device drivers are always available on the World Wide Web or from the IBM
Personal Systems Group Bulletin Board System (BBS).
For more help information, refer to
the
PC 300GL User Guide
.
The IBM PC Company Bulletin Board System (BBS) can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
Modem speeds of up to 14 400 baud are supported.
Long distance telephone charges
might apply.
To access the PC Company BBS:
±
In the U.S., call 1-919-517-0001.
±
In Canada:
–
In Halifax, call 902-420-0300.
–
In Montreal, call 514-938-3022.
–
In Toronto, call 905-316-4255 or 416-956-7877.
–
In Vancouver, call 604-664-6461 or 604-664-6464.
Software
41