1. 5 SYSTEM SOFTWARE CHAPTER
System software handles behind the scenes activities that we don't usually think about
These include tasks such as:
Loading and running programs
Coordinating networks that share resources
Organizing files
Protecting computers from viruses

2. System Software
System Software: It is a system of programs that Handle technical details by Working 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 handle hundreds of technical details
En-users focus on application programs more than the system software, but it is important to understand how system software works

3. Performs three types of functions
Operating Systems
A collection of programs that handles technical tasks related to using computer
Performs three types of functions
Manages computer resources ( memory , processor, devices like printer and monitor)
Provides user interface character-based (writing commands) and Graphical user Interface(GUI) (windows and icons)
Runs applications ( one program or multi-tasking(ability to run more than one program at the same time)
Resources
coordinate input and outputs such as keyboard, microphones, printers, mouse, storage devices and memory
User interface
primarily graphical user interface (GUI)
use of icons
Applications
word processing
spreadsheets
databases
supporting multitasking
Windows most popular operating system
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 2002, Windows XP
MAC OS – designed to run Macintosh computers
Unix – used by powerful microcomputers, servers on the Web, and minicomputers in network environment
Linux – non-proprietary operating systems that runs cross platform

4. Categories of Operating Systems
Three basic categories
Embedded OS– hand-held
Network OS – linked computers
Stand-alone OS – desktop
Operating system is sometimes called the software environment or platform
Most are proprietary – owned and licensed by a corporation
Non-proprietary – source code is available to the public
Called open source
Linux is an open source program

5. More on Operating Systems
OS often called software environment or platform
Operating systems commonly used by individuals
Windows ( XP,VISTA,WINDOWS 7)
Mac OS – powerful and easy to use (Mac OS X ) run on Apple computers
UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
LINUX – non proprietary; free off Web
Note that LINUX easier to learn; easily transfer to UNIX
UNIX originally designed for cross-platform to help “integrate” the Web

6. Utilities Specialized programs to make computing easier
Most essential utilities
Troubleshooting
Antivirus: protect computer damaging programs like virus
Uninstall: safely and completely remove unneeded programs
Backup :make copies of files
File compression :reduce size of files
Utilities – specialized programs designed to make computing easier
Hard disk crashes
Antivirus programs
Computer freeze-ups
Decrease operation slow-downs

7. These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu
Windows Utilities
Backup
Disk Cleanup :troubleshooting utility that identifies and eliminate nonessentials files .This free up disk space and improve system performance.
Disk Defragmenter : Locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments and Rearranges files and unused space
These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu
Backup – makes a copy of all files or selected files
Disk Cleanup
Used for troubleshooting
Identifies and eliminates unneeded files on the hard disk
Disk Defragmenter
Locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments
Rearranges files and unused space

8. Utility Suites A group of several utility programs bundled for sale
Popular suites
McAfee Office
Norton System Works
Norton Utilities
AntiVirus
Cleansweep
CrashGuard
Web Services
Connection Keep Alive
GoBack Personal Edition
McAfee
Similar programs

9. Device Drivers
Specialized programs that work with OS to allow communication between a device(printer , mouse,…) and the rest of computer system.
Loaded into memory each time
Device drivers - programs that work with operating system to allow communication between device(s) and rest of physical system

10. The End of Chapter 5