Chapter 5 System Software

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 operation systems Page 132

Competencies (Page 2 of 2) Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites Identify the five most essential utilities Discuss Windows utility programs Describe the device drivers, including printer drivers Page 132

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 handle 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 Utilities are also referred to as service programs (Key Term) Page 134

Operating Systems Coordinates 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) MAC OS (Key Term) – designed to run Macintosh computers Unix – used by powerful microcomputers, servers on the Web, and minicomputers in network environment Linux – nonproprietary operating systems (Key Term) that run cross platform (Key Term) Page 135

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 Page 135

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 Page 135

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 (Key Term) – owned and licensed by a corporation Non-proprietary – source code is available to the public Called open source (Key Term) 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 Page 136

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 Page 137

Windows The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market Comes in a variety of different versions Windows XP is the most used Windows Vista is the latest used. Windows has over 90 percent of the market More application programs are designed to run under Windows than any other operating system Windows Future Storage (WinFS) (Key Term) – keeps track of files stored on your computer system allowing retrieval based on description of content Return Page 137

Mac OS An operating system designed to run on Apple computers Not used as widely as Windows Mac OS X is the latest version The next version of Mac OS, Leopard, to be introduced in late 2006 First introduced in 1984 Provided one of the first GUIs Powerful and easy-to-use operating system Mac OS X, version 10.4 – also known as Tiger (Key Term), provides photo-quality icons and easy-to-use menus Spotlight (Key Term) – advanced search tool Dashboard widgets (Key Term) – collection of specialized programs that update and display information Return Page 139

UNIX and LINUX UNIX operating system LINUX is a version of UNIX Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network Used by powerful microcomputers LINUX is a version of UNIX Not proprietary Open source UNIX Used by powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web There are a large number of different versions of UNIX LINUX One of the most popular and powerful alternatives to the Windows operating system Page 139

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 Page 140

Windows Utilities Backup Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu Page 140

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 Return Page 141

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 Return Page 141

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 Page 143

Utility Suites A group of several utility programs bundled for sale Buying the package is economical Popular suites McAfee Office Norton System Works V Communications SystemSuite Norton Utilities AntiVirus CleanSweep Web Cleanup Connection Keep Alive GoBack Personal Edition One button checkup (Key Term) - integrates several of the separate troubleshooting utilities McAfee Similar programs Page 143

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 Page 145

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 Page 146

Careers In IT Computer support specialist provide technical support to customers and other users Resolve common networking problems and use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems Employers look for a bachelors degree, good analytical and communication skills Computer support specialist can expect to earn $25K - $50K annually Page 149

A Look to the Future IBM's Aware Supercomputer IBM concentrating research efforts on eLiza Handles time-consuming maintenance Autonomic computer Self-maintaining servers Self-repairing Self-updating Self-protecting Computers may be able to fix themselves in the future Autonomic computing is a system that allows machines to run with little human intervention Page 149

Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2) 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? Explain the differences and similarities between Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Have students turn to the end of Chapter 5 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements Page 157

Discussion Questions (Page 2 of 2) Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite? Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add Printer Wizard and Windows Update. Have students turn to the end of Chapter 5 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements Page 157