I started teaching. Before I went in the class Gord, the guy who hired me, asked me if he can sit in the class just to make sure that the kids paying attention to me.
I knew that he was telling me a white lie. I also knew that he wanted to make sure that I was on the right track. To be totally honest, he didn’t know me from Adam, and I appreciated the fact that he wanted to make sure that I am capable of teaching.
I said there’s no problem, Gord.
Gord introduced me to the class before he sat in the back of the class.
I totally ignored him and started chatting with the kids.
There were 62 kids in the class, and they were all in their second year of their BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree. They all were sitting behind their PC (Personal Computer) but looking at me with an insatiable curiosity.
I said let me start by saying that if you don’t understand my accent, please just raise your left hand and if you have a question raise your right hand.
I saw their smiling faces.
I continued – As I understand that I am supposed to teach you the Operating System (OS) and before I started saying anything on the subject, I would like to know what do you know about an operating system? and I would like John to start talking.
Somebody shouted – How did you know my name, Dr. Ali.
I looked at the kid in the back and said it was a lucky guess, John. Initially I thought I should start with David, but I changed my mind as I find those two names are very common and I bet you find them almost in every class.
Somebody shouted yes, I am David.
I looked at the other kid and said great. Let me ask you this who would like to start talking about OS?
David said I don’t mind starting and saying that to me an operating system is an inventory of devices attached to it.
I said it’s an interesting way of saying, David. How about you John?
John said I agree with David except that those devices don’t necessarily have to be attached.
I said another interesting interpretation; you both are right with the only exception that David could have said “Control” instead of “Inventory” which is neither here nor there. The important thing is that he understood the basic concept.
I asked if anybody else has anything to add?
There was no answer.
I said when I learned about the operating systems in the 60’s, everything was on mainframes and telecommunications was in its inception.
Knowing the fact, those days we used to define an operating system as a human brain. We all knew that brain controls human body, and every part of our body is attached. From that perspective, David was correct in saying “Devices attached to it”.
However, we need to keep in mind that telecommunication began with the invention of telephone and telegraph but now it encompasses a wide range of technologies including radio, television, cellular, and internet which allowed the current operating systems to control devices without being attached. From that perspective, John is correct.
Here’s a better definition of OS to cover all its aspects and I will have to write it down for you. I used the white boat to write it down:
- An operating system is software that manages all the hardware and software on a computer. It allows to interact with the computer and run programs. In the case of Windows, it provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to navigate, run applications, manage files, and control hardware like printers or monitors.
They all were watching intensely each word which only took a couple of minutes. I continued – Perhaps the best way to explain it would be to say that the PCs you all are using appeared to be on a network and there must also be some printers on the same network. If you use one of your PC and follow the instructions, you would be able to print anything from your PC on any of those printers regardless of where they are located. The point is that because of the advancements in the field of telecommunications, devices like printers don’t have to be attached.
One of the kids raised his right hand.
I said I take it you have a question and what’s your name?
He stood up and said my name is Gary and what I would like to know sir that who had invented OS?
I said WOW!
I continued – I should have expected this kind of questions from you smart kids but unfortunately, I have no clue. I don’t know who invented the OS. Nevertheless, I guarantee you Gary, I will have the answer the next time we meet. Then asked – is it okay with you Gary.
Gary said that will be wonderful, Dr. Ali.
The next thing I knew that Gord got up and left the class and I thought here goes my opportunity to teach another class.
If I remember correctly, I spend the rest of the time going over the importance of an OS, giving all kind of examples and encouraging students to participate without thinking or hesitating.
Finally, I looked at the clock and said I will try to cover the functions of OS in details, in the next class but I do have a few minutes now just in case any of you have any more questions.
Somebody said can you please give us a preview of the next class.
I said why didn’t I thought about that.
I continued – Now everybody in this room knows that an OS can be defined as an interface between the user and the computer’s hardware, enabling seamless interaction and efficient resource allocation.
I asked if I was right?
Almost everybody shouted “YES”.
Now the question is “How”?
Every aspect of the interface between a user and computer is typically classified as a function and there are ten major functions of an OS.
I said unfortunately, I don’t remember exactly each function but let me see if I got that information in my briefcase.
When I found the information, I said I will write it down on the white board. However, I don’t have time to go into any details now and leave it for the next classes.
I started writing down each function:
- User Interface;
- Process Management;
- Memory Management;
- File Management;
- Device management;
- Security and Access Control;
- Networking;
- Error Handling and Recovery;
- System Resources Allocation; and
- Software Installation and Updates.
I said please keep in mind that these are the function of “Windows Operating System” but all operating systems have the same main functions.
When they finished copying those functions, I said we will take each function and go into details in the next classes but for now we are done.
Everybody said thanks, Dr. Ali.
Once students left the class, I started thinking whether I will be able to teach another class as my boss, Gord, had left the class abruptly.
When I was organizing my briefcase to leave the class, Gord popped in the class and said – Sorry Mir. I should have said something before I left. In any case, I liked your style of teaching. You appeared to be very good at getting students to speak and participate in the discussion which indeed is an excellent approach.
I thought I did something wrong when I didn’t know the answer to what Gary wanted to know.
He said to be totally honest with you that was the highlight of your class. I don’t know any professor would admit to the fact that whether he or she doesn’t know the answer to any question.
Gord said can I tell you another thing.
I said shoot.
He said one of my professors who was supposed to teach this class found out recently that he has some kind of cancer and he would not be able to continue to teach. So, I didn’t have any other professors to take care of this class. Hence, I was going to ended up teaching this class until my boss gave me your resume with the letter that you had written to him, not too long ago. The rest is history.
