Introduction to GSM Operating System – JSS2 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Third Term)

An operating system (OS) is the main program inside a phone that controls the hardware and lets you run apps.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define an operating system and say why a phone needs one.
2. Name the two main mobile operating systems, Android and iOS.
3. State the creator, phone brands and app store of each.
4. List the key features of Android and iOS.
5. Compare Android and iOS using a table.

What is the difference between phone hardware and the operating system?

Hardware is the physical part of the phone, while the operating system is the program that makes the hardware work.

• Hardware: the parts you can see and touch, such as the screen, camera, buttons and battery.
• Operating system: the “master program” that tells the hardware what to do when you switch the phone on.

What does an operating system do in a phone?

An operating system manages the phone’s hardware and gives the user a way to control it.

• Starts the phone: it loads when you switch on and shows the home screen.
• Runs apps: it opens, runs and closes apps such as games, WhatsApp and the camera.
• Handles calls and messages: it makes the phone ring when your mum calls.
• Manages memory and battery: it shares the phone’s resources among the apps.
• Connects to networks: it joins the phone to the GSM network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Keeps the phone safe: it controls what apps are allowed to do.

What does GSM mean?

GSM means Global System for Mobile communication, the standard used by mobile phone networks to send calls and text messages.

• GSM repair: fixing mobile phones, both the hardware and the software.
• Link to this topic: a repairer must know the operating system a phone uses before working on it.

What are the main mobile operating systems?

There are two main mobile operating systems: Android and iOS.

What is Android OS?

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and used by many phone makers.

• Popularity: it is the most widely used phone operating system in Nigeria and the world.
• Why it is common: Google allows many companies to put Android on their phones.
• Brands: Samsung, Tecno, Infinix and Xiaomi all make Android phones.

What are the key features of Android?

• The Play Store: the “market” where you download games and apps.
• Customisation: you can change the icons, the wallpaper and even the font.
• Affordability: many companies make Android phones, so prices range from very cheap to very expensive.
• Notifications: a pull-down menu keeps track of all your messages and alerts.

What is iOS?

iOS is the mobile operating system made by Apple for its own devices only.

• Closed system: Apple does not allow other phone makers to use its software.
• The golden rule of iOS: you will only find iOS on an iPhone (and Apple’s tablet, the iPad).
• Examples of what does not exist: there is no “Tecno iPhone” and no “Samsung iOS”.

What are the key features of iOS?

• The App Store: Apple’s market, known for being safe and strict about which apps can join.
• Simplicity: it is easy to use, and the screens are clean and simple.
• Security: Apple works hard to make it difficult for hackers to get into an iPhone.
• iCloud: it keeps your photos and messages synced across your Apple devices.

What is the difference between Android and iOS?

Android is an open system used by many brands, while iOS is a closed system used only on Apple devices.

• Android: like a school where you choose your own uniform and books.
• iOS: like a school where everyone wears the same uniform, the building is of high quality and the gate is tightly guarded.

How do you choose the right operating system?

The better operating system depends on what the user needs.

• Choose Android: if you love changing how your phone looks and want many phone brands to pick from.
• Choose iOS: if you want a phone that is simple, safe and works well with other Apple products, such as a Mac computer.

How do you identify the operating system of a phone?

You identify a phone’s operating system by checking its start-up logo, brand and settings menu.

1. Switch the phone on and watch the logo on the start-up screen.
2. An Apple logo means the phone runs iOS.
3. A brand name such as Samsung, Tecno or Infinix means the phone most likely runs Android.
4. Open Settings and look for the “About” option to see the system details.

Evaluation

1. Who is the creator of the Android operating system?
2. If your friend buys an Infinix phone, which operating system is it likely running?
3. Name the special store where iPhone users download their apps.
4. Why is it impossible to find iOS on a Samsung phone?
5. Which operating system is known for being easier to customise (change the look)?

Assignment

Draw a table comparing Android and iOS under four headings: creator, phone brands, app store and price. Then write two lines on which one you would choose and why.

Teacher’s note

• Activity: ask students to raise their hands if they have ever used a phone.
• Follow-up: ask them to say whether it was an Android or an iPhone, based on the logo they see when it starts up.