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

Competencies (Page 1 of 2) Describe the differences between system software and application software Discuss the four types of system software Discuss operating systems Describe Windows, Mac, OS, UNIX, & Linux Page 120

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 120

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 Page 122

Operating Systems A collection of programs that handle technical tasks Every computer has an operating system Performs three types of functions Manages computer resources Provides user interface Runs applications 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 systems Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, 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 run cross platform Page 123

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 – computer is already on and you restart it without turning off the power Cold boot – starting a computer that has been turned off Page 123

Categories of Operating Systems Hundreds of operating systems Three basic categories Embedded – 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 Page 124

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 125

Windows The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market Comes in a variety of different versions Windows XP is the latest version Windows has over 90 percent of the market More application programs are designed to run under Windows than any other operating system Page 126

Mac OS An operating system designed to run on Apple computers Not used as widely as Windows Mac OS X is the latest version First introduced in 1984 Provided one of the first GUIs Powerful and easy-to-use operating system Mac OS X provides photo-quality icons and easy-to-use menus Page 127

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 127

Utilities Specialized programs to make computing easier Most essential utilities Troubleshooting (diagnostic) Antivirus Uninstall Backup File compression Utilities – specialized programs designed to make computing easier Hard disk crashes Antivirus programs Computer freeze-ups Decrease operation slow-downs Page 128

Windows Utilities Backup Disk CleanUp Disk Defragmenter These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu Backup – makes a copy of all files or selected files Disk CleanUp Used to improve system performance Identifies and eliminates unneeded files on the hard disk Disk Defragmenter Locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments Rearranges files and unused space Speeds up file access Page 128

Backup Utility program included with many Windows versions If you backup your files, you have a copy of your data in case of a disk failure Page 129

Disk CleanUp Identifies and eliminates nonessential files When you search the Web, a variety of programs and files are saved to your hard drive Use disk cleanup to get rid of these unnecessary files Page 129

Disk Defragmenter Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments Disk Defragmenter should be run on your computer often Some end-users run this utility program daily, while some run it once a week Page 131

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 McAfee Similar programs Page 131

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 Page 133

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 137

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 143

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 143