CHAPTER 5  System Software

Learning Objectives

1.Describe the differences between system software and application software.
2.Identify the four types of system software.
3.Explain the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems.
4.Compare mobile operating systems iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
5.Compare desktop operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, and virtualization.
6.Explain the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
7.Identify the four most essential utilities.
8.Describe Windows utility programs.
  

                                            Introduction

—Computers and computer applications have become a part of the fabric of every day life
—They are great as long as they are working
—We give little thought to the processes and programs running behind the scenes to keep them functioning effectively.
—Such programs (i.e. operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers) are the system software you learn about here.
  

                                                     System Software

—Works with end users, application software, and computer hardware
—Handles the technical details

Includes

-operating system-utilities-device drivers-language translators
       

                                       Operating Systems

A collection of programs that handle technical tasks
—Functions
—Manages computer resources
—Coordinate memory, processing, storage, printers and monitors
—Monitor system performance
—Schedule tasks
—Provide security
—Start-up the computer
—Provides user interface
—Graphical user interface (GUI)
—Runs applications
—Multitasking
—Foreground and background applications
 

                     Features of an Operating System

—Booting – starting or restarting the computer
—Features in common with application software
—Icons
—Pointer
—Windows
—Menus
—Tabs
—Dialog boxes
—Help
—Gesture Control
—Files and Folders
—Files share data and programs
—Folders store related files
  

                     Categories of Operating Systems

—Three basic categories
—Embedded operating systems – RTOS (real-time operating systems)
—Smartphones
—Smartwatches
—Video game systems
—Stand-alone operating systems
—Also called desktop operating system
—Network operating systems (linked computers)
—Windows Server, Linux, Unix
—OS stored on network server which coordinates all communication between the other computers
       
                                                 

                          Mobile Operating Systems

—Mobile OS
—Embedded operating system
—Less complicated and more specialized for wireless
—Some of the best known
—Android
—iOS
—Windows Phone
          
                         Desktop Operating Systems

—Operating systems commonly used by individuals
—Windows – most widely used
—Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
—UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
—LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web
     

                            Windows - Most Used OS

—Windows 8
 —Integrates the desktop OS with its mobile OS
 —Windows 10
 —Merges Windows desktop and mobile operating systems
      
                                     Mac OS

—Mac OS X runs on Apple computers
—Two most recent versions:
—OS X Mavericks
—Improved power management
—OS X Yosemite
—New user interface

      
                                    UNIX and LINUX

- UNIX operating system- Servers on the Web- Mainframe computers- Personal Computers- LINUX - version of UNIX
- Alternative to windows- Open source - free- Google Chrome OS based on Linux- Focuses on Internet connectivity and cloud computing- Speed is determined by the speed of the Internet