1. Principles of Information Technology
Understanding Types &
Uses of Software

3. Lesson Objectives Define operating systems software
Identify fundamentals of operating systems software
Define application software
Identify components of operating systems software
Identify open source and proprietary licenses
Demonstrate proper use of system management tools

4. Operating Systems Software
Definition: An operating system, also called OS, is program code/software that tells the computer hardware what to do.

5. Operating Systems Software Fundamentals
When a computer is turned on, it first begins a Power-On Self Test, often referred to as POST.
During the POST, you may hear a series of beeps. Depending on the manufacturer of the hardware, you could hear any combination of long or short beeps, and each combination has its own meaning.
The OS is responsible for the look of the desktop at power-up.
The OS usually is loaded onto the hard drive memory of the computer.
The OS allows the hardware pieces to communicate with each other.

6. Operating Systems Software Fundamentals
The OS displays icons on the desktop of different programs/applications that are loaded onto the computer.
Application software: programs written to perform a specific function specified by the user such as Word processing or a spreadsheet application.
As the user is creating a document, the OS is what allows the key presses on the keyboard to register as alphabet characters, or numbers, or symbols on the application.
When you save the document, it is the OS that allows the document to be placed in the memory on the drive the user selects.

7. Operating Systems Software Fundamentals
Most modern Operating Systems have a user friendly GUI
GUI: stands for Graphical User Interface
Example of GUI: Most current Operating Systems use the same basic picture/icons for each window using graphics:
Each button in the upper right corner performs the same function, no matter which window or application you have open
Minimize
Maximize/Restore
Close

8. Operating Systems Software Components
If you open the control panel you will see many available components/functions of the operating system
Adding new hardware
Security settings
Performance Tools

9. Operating Systems Software Components
Display/Appearance
Desktop color
Desktop background
Screensaver
Sounds
Mouse Pointers
Monitor Resolution

10. Proprietary vs. Open Source Software
Proprietary: software that is the property of the maker and can be used by the purchaser/customer but only with certain restrictions. It can’t be reproduced, modified, or resold by the customer.
Open source: software that allows the user to modify the program structure/ computer code. Users may distribute the modified version.