1. Chapter 5
System Software

2. Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
Describe the differences between system software and application software
Discuss the four types of system software
Discuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems
Describe the Windows,
Mac OS, UNIX, &
Linux operating systems
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3. Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites
Identify the five most essential utilities
Discuss Windows utility programs
Describe device drivers, including printer drivers
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4. System Software Handles technical details
Works with end users, application software, and computer hardware
Four types of programs
Operating system
Utilities
Device drivers
Language translators
System software is not a single program but is a collection of programs that handles hundreds of technical details
End-users focus on application programs more than the system software, but it is important to understand how system software works
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5. Operating Systems Manage computer resources
Provide an interface between the users and computer
Runs applications
A collection of programs that handle technical tasks
Every computer has an operating
system
Resources
Coordinate input and outputs such as keyboard, microphones, printers, mouse, storage devices, and memory
User interface (Key Term)
Primarily graphical user interface (GUI)
Use of icons (Key Term)
Applications
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Databases
Supporting multitasking (Key Term)
Windows most popular operating systems
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP (Key Term), Windows Vista (Key Term)
MAC OS – designed to run Apple computers
Unix – used by powerful microcomputers, servers on the Web, and minicomputers in network environment
Linux – nonproprietary operating systems that run cross platform (Key Term)
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6. Functions of an Operating System
Performs three types of functions
Manages computer resources
Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers
Monitor system performance
Provide security
Start-up the computer
Provides user interface
Character-based interface
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Runs applications
Multitasking
Foreground & background applications
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7. Features of an Operating System
Booting
Features in common with application software
Icons
Pointers
Windows
Menus
Dialog boxes
Help
Booting is the process of starting a computer
Warm boot (Key Term) – computer is already on and you restart it without turning off the power
Cold boot (Key Term) – starting a computer that has been turned off
Files (Key Term) – used to store data and programs
Folders (Key Term) – stores and organizes related files. May also house other folders
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8. Categories of Operating Systems
Hundreds of operating systems
Three basic categories
Embedded operating systems – hand-held
Network operating systems – linked computers
Stand-alone operating systems – desktop
Operating system is sometimes called the software environment (Key Term) or platform
Most are proprietary operating systems– owned and licensed by a corporation
Non-proprietary – source code is available to the public
Called open source
Linux is an open source program
In certain situations, the desktop operating system (Key Term) may also be referred to as a client operating system (Key Term)
Network server (Key Term) – coordinates all communication between the other computers
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9. More on Operating Systems
OS often called software environment or platform
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
Note that LINUX is easier to learn; easily transfer to UNIX
UNIX originally designed as cross-platform to help “integrate” the Web
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10. Utilities Specialized programs to make computing easier
Most essential utilities
Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
Antivirus programs
Uninstall programs
Backup programs
File compression programs
Utilities – specialized programs designed to make computing easier
Hard disk crashes
Antivirus programs
Computer freeze-ups
Decrease operation slow-downs
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11. Windows Utilities Backup Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter
These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu
Accessing Windows XP utilities:
Click Start, Select All Programs, Select Accessories, Choose System Tools
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12. Backup Utility program included with many Windows versions
Makes a copy of all files or
selected files that have been
saved on a disk
Helps prevent against
disk failure
If you backup (Key Term) your files, you have a copy of your data in case of a disk failure
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13. Disk Cleanup Identifies and eliminates nonessential files
Frees up valuable space
and improves system
performance
When you search the Web, a variety of programs and files are saved to your hard drive
Use disk cleanup (Key Term) to get rid of these unnecessary files
Files are stored and organized on a disk according to tracks and sectors
Tracks (Key Term) – concentric ring
Sectors (Key Term) – wedge-shaped sections of a track
OS tries to save a file on a single track across contiguous sectors. Often the file has to broken into small parts and stored wherever space is available and the disk over time becomes fragmented
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14. Disk Defragmenter Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments
Rearranges files and
unused disk space to
optimize operations
Speeds up file access
Disk Defragmenter (Key Term) should be run on your computer often
Some end-users run this utility program daily, while some run it once a week
Fragmented (Key Term) files - result of a file having to be broken apart into smaller parts so it can be stored wherever space is available
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15. Device Drivers
Specialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computer
Loaded into memory each time a computer is started
When a new device is added, new device drivers must be installed
Device drivers - programs that work with the operating system to allow communication between device(s) and the rest of the physical system
Device drivers are also referred to simply as “drivers” (Key Term)
Step-by-step guidance is offered by Windows in the form of wizards that assist with installing drivers e.g. “Add Printer Wizard” (Key Term)
Drivers can also be easily updated in Windows by utilizing the Windows Update (Key Term) functionality
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16. Virus Protection and Internet Security
Internet Security Suite
Runs a number of programs
Continually monitors your computer
VirusScan
Controls the frequency of searches for viruses
Quarantines or deletes infected files
PrivacyService
Helps protect your privacy online
Block websites, cookies, and ads
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