Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. McGraw-Hill Chapter 05: System Software

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-2 McGraw-Hill Competencies (Page 1 of 2) Describe the differences between system software and application softwareDescribe the differences between system software and application software Discuss the four types of system softwareDiscuss the four types of system software Discuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systemsDiscuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems Describe Windows,Describe Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, and virtualization

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-3 McGraw-Hill Competencies (Page 2 of 2) Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suitesDescribe the purpose of utilities and utility suites Identify the five most essential utilitiesIdentify the five most essential utilities Discuss Windows utility programsDiscuss Windows utility programs Describe device drivers, including Windows’ Add a Device Wizard and UpdateDescribe device drivers, including Windows’ Add a Device Wizard and Update

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-4 McGraw-Hill Introduction Computers are ubiquitous in our lives and we expect them to “be there when we need them”.Computers are ubiquitous in our lives and we expect them to “be there when we need them”. We give little thought to the processes and programs running behind the scenes to keep them functioning effectively.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.Such programs (i.e. operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers) are the system software you learn about here.

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-5 McGraw-Hill System Software Handles the technical detailsHandles the technical details –Includes the operating system, utilities, device drivers, and language translators

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-6 McGraw-Hill Operating Systems A collection of programs that handle technical tasks, including managing computer resourcesA collection of programs that handle technical tasks, including managing computer resources Every computer has an operating system (OS), such as Windows 7 or Mac OS XEvery computer has an operating system (OS), such as Windows 7 or Mac OS X The OS provides the interface between the user and computer, and is required to run applicationsThe OS provides the interface between the user and computer, and is required to run applications

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-7 McGraw-Hill Functions of an Operating System Manages computer resourcesManages computer resources –Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers –Monitor system performance –Provide security –Start-up the computer Provides user interfaceProvides user interface –Character-based interface –Graphical user interface (GUI) Runs applicationsRuns applications –Multitasking –Foreground and background applications

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-8 McGraw-Hill Features of an Operating System BootingBooting Features in common with application softwareFeatures in common with application software –Icons –Pointers –Windows –Menus –Dialog boxes –Help

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-9 McGraw-Hill Categories of Operating Systems Hundreds of operating systemsHundreds of operating systems Three basic categoriesThree basic categories –Embedded operating systems (handheld) –Network operating systems (linked computers) –Stand-alone operating systems (desktop)

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-10 McGraw-Hill More on Operating Systems An OS is often called the software environment or platformAn OS is often called the software environment or platform Operating systems commonly used by individualsOperating systems commonly used by individuals –Windows – most widely used Windows –Mac OS – powerful and easy to use Mac OS Mac OS –UNIX – network; originally designed for Web UNIX –LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web LINUX

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-11 McGraw-Hill Windows The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the marketThe most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market Comes in a variety of different versionsComes in a variety of different versions Windows 7 provides several improvements over Windows VistaWindows 7 provides several improvements over Windows Vista

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-12 McGraw-Hill Mac OS Mac OS X is designed to run on Apple computersMac OS X is designed to run on Apple computers One of the most innovative operating systems, but not used as widely as WindowsOne of the most innovative operating systems, but not used as widely as Windows Mac OS (Boot Camp) allows you to run both the Mac OS and WindowsMac OS (Boot Camp) allows you to run both the Mac OS and Windows

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-13 McGraw-Hill UNIX and LINUX UNIX operating systemUNIX operating system –Originally designed to run on networked minicomputers LINUX is a version of UNIXLINUX is a version of UNIX –Open source –Not proprietary

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-14 McGraw-Hill Virtualization Ability to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machineAbility to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine Virtualization softwareVirtualization software –Physical machine can be logically separated into separate and independent virtual computers called virtual machines Host operating systemHost operating system Guest operating systemGuest operating system

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-15 McGraw-Hill Mobile Phone Operating Systems Type of embedded operating system that is present in every smartphoneType of embedded operating system that is present in every smartphone Some of the best known (with release dates):Some of the best known (with release dates): –Symbian (2009) –BlackBerry OS or RIM OS (1999) –iPhone OS (2007) –Android (2007) –Windows Phone 7 (2010)

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-16 McGraw-Hill Utilities Specialized programs to make computing easierSpecialized programs to make computing easier Most essential utilitiesMost essential utilities –Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs –Antivirus programs –Uninstall programs –Backup programs –File compression programs

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-17 McGraw-Hill Windows Utilities Backup and RestoreBackup and RestoreBackup and RestoreBackup and Restore Disk CleanupDisk CleanupDisk CleanupDisk Cleanup Disk DefragmenterDisk DefragmenterDisk DefragmenterDisk Defragmenter

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-18 McGraw-Hill Backup and Restore Utility program included with many Windows versionsUtility program included with many Windows versions Makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved on a diskMakes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved on a disk Helps prevent against disk failureHelps prevent against disk failure Return

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-19 McGraw-Hill Disk Cleanup Identifies and eliminates nonessential filesIdentifies and eliminates nonessential files Frees up valuable space and improves system performanceFrees up valuable space and improves system performance Return

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-20 McGraw-Hill Disk Defragmenter Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragmentsIdentifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operationsRearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations Speeds up file accessSpeeds up file access Return

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-21 McGraw-Hill Utility Suites A group of utility programs bundled for saleA group of utility programs bundled for sale Buying the package is more affordableBuying the package is more affordable Popular suitesPopular suites –Norton System Works –McAfee Office –V Communications SystemSuite

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-22 McGraw-Hill Device Drivers Specialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computerSpecialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computer Loaded into memory each time a computer is startedLoaded into memory each time a computer is started When a new device is added, new device drivers must be installedWhen a new device is added, new device drivers must be installed

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-23 McGraw-Hill Virus Protection and Internet Security Internet Security SuiteInternet Security Suite –Continually monitors your computer VirusScanVirusScan –Controls the frequency of searches for viruses –Quarantines or deletes infected files Privacy ServicePrivacy Service –Helps protect your privacy online –Block websites, cookies, and ads

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-24 McGraw-Hill Careers In IT Computer support specialist provide technical support to customers and other usersComputer support specialist provide technical support to customers and other users Resolve common networking problems and use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problemsResolve common networking problems and use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems Employers look for a bachelors degree, good analytical and communication skillsEmployers look for a bachelors degree, good analytical and communication skills Computer support specialist can expect to earn $32K - $53K annuallyComputer support specialist can expect to earn $32K - $53K annually

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-25 McGraw-Hill A Look to the Future IBM's Aware Supercomputer IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI) –Handles time-consuming maintenance –Self-regulating and virtually invisible Self-maintaining serversSelf-maintaining servers –Self-repairing –Self-updating –Self-protecting

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-26 McGraw-Hill Open-Ended Questions(Page 1 of 2) Describe system software. What are the four types of system programs?Describe system software. What are the four types of system programs? What are the basic functions of every operating system? What are the three basic operating system categories?What are the basic functions of every operating system? What are the three basic operating system categories? Explain the differences and similarities between Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Discuss virtualization.Explain the differences and similarities between Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Discuss virtualization.

Copyright © 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You 5-27 McGraw-Hill Open-Ended Questions(Page 2 of 2) Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite?Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite? Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add a Device Wizard and Windows Update.Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add a Device Wizard and Windows Update.