Sparklabs Learning / Digital Technology
JSS 2 First Term
Week 3: Operating Systems and File Management
- School
- Creative Brains Academy
- Subject
- Digital Technology
- Pack
- Learner notes
- Prepared
- 7 November 2026
Week index
- 01Review and Classification of Computers
- 02Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware
- 03Operating Systems and File Management
- 04Computer Networks
- 05Network Components and Topologies
- 06Internet, Web and Online Services
- 07Cloud Computing and Digital Storage
- 08Cybersecurity and Online Safety
- 09Data, Information and Data Protection
- 10Spreadsheets and Presentations
- 11Revision
- 12Examination
Week 3 / First Term
Operating Systems and File Management
Monday 21 September 2026 to Friday 25 September 2026
Lesson notes
Learning Objectives
- Define an operating system and state its functions.
- Compare a graphical user interface and a command-line interface.
- Explain files, folders and drives.
- Practise good file management skills.
What is an Operating System
An operating system is the most important piece of system software on a computer. It is the first program to load when the computer is switched on, and it manages all the hardware and software resources of the computer.
Common operating systems are Windows, used on most desktop and laptop computers; macOS, used on Apple computers; Linux, which is free and open source; Android, used on many phones and tablets; and iOS, used on iPhones and iPads.
Functions of an Operating System
The operating system manages hardware by communicating with the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and other devices. It manages memory by deciding which programs use the RAM and how much each one gets. It manages files and folders by keeping track of where everything is stored.
It provides a user interface so that a person can control the computer. It manages programs by loading them, running them and closing them, and it reports errors when something goes wrong.
Graphical and Command-Line Interfaces
A graphical user interface, or GUI, lets the user interact using pictures called icons, windows and menus with the mouse. Most people use a GUI because it is easy to learn.
A command-line interface, or CLI, requires the user to type text commands. On Windows it is opened through the Command Prompt, and on Linux and macOS it is called the Terminal. A CLI is faster for experts but harder for beginners.
Files, Folders and Drives
A file is a named collection of data stored on a computer. Every file has a name and an extension that shows its type. For example, essay.docx is a document and photo.jpg is a picture. The extension tells the operating system which program to use to open the file.
A folder, also called a directory, is a container used to organise files. Folders can hold other folders, called sub-folders, giving a tree of folders. A drive is a storage area such as the C drive. A USB flash drive may be labelled D or E.
File extension means the part of a file name after the dot that shows its type.
File Management Skills
Good file management makes work easy to find. Use clear, descriptive names instead of names like Document1. For example, save a file as JSS2 Science Essay Week3. Save each file in the correct folder, and save your work often using Ctrl and S.
To create a folder, right-click on an empty area, choose New and then Folder. To rename, right-click and choose Rename. To move a file, drag it to the new folder. To copy it, hold Ctrl while dragging. Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin and can be restored until the bin is emptied.
| Operating system | Made by | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 and 11 | Microsoft | Desktops, laptops, schools, offices |
| macOS | Apple | MacBook and iMac computers |
| Linux | Community | Schools, servers, developers |
| Android | Smartphones and tablets | |
| iOS | Apple | iPhone and iPad |
| Feature | GUI | CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Interaction | Clicking icons and menus | Typing text commands |
| Ease of use | Easy for beginners | Hard for beginners, fast for experts |
| Uses pictures | Yes | No, text only |
| Memory used | More | Less |
| Task | Steps |
|---|---|
| Create a folder | Right-click, New, Folder, type the name, Enter |
| Rename a file | Right-click, Rename, type the name, Enter |
| Move a file | Drag the file to the new folder |
| Copy a file | Hold Ctrl and drag, or Copy and then Paste |
| Delete a file | Right-click and Delete, or drag to the Recycle Bin |
Practical Work
- Create a folder called School Work on the desktop, then create three sub-folders inside it.
- Rename one file correctly, move a file into a folder and copy a file to a flash drive.
- Delete a file, then restore it from the Recycle Bin.
- Open the Command Prompt and type dir to list the files in a folder.
Scenario-Based Questions
- Emeka saves his project as Document1 on the desktop. Two weeks later he cannot remember what it contains. What naming mistake did he make, and how should he have saved the file?
- Kemi wants to keep her schoolwork organised. Describe the steps to create a folder called Science Project on the main hard drive.
- Amina finishes a poster and wants a copy on her flash drive while the original stays on the desktop. Should she copy or move the file? Explain.
- Tunde deletes a report by mistake. Where can he look before the file is permanently lost, and how does the Recycle Bin work?
- Chidi is typing a long essay when the power goes off and he had not saved. Explain why saving often matters and give the keyboard shortcut he could have used.
- Fatima downloads a file called report.pdf and it opens in the wrong program. Using file extensions, explain why this happened and how to fix it.
- Explain two differences between a graphical user interface and a command-line interface.