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 operating systems Page 126

Competencies (Page 2 of 2) Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites Identify the five most essential utilities Discuss Windows utility programs Describe device drivers, including printer drivers Page 126

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 handles 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 128

Operating Systems Manage 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), Windows Vista (Key Term) MAC OS – designed to run Apple computers Unix – used by powerful microcomputers, servers on the Web, and minicomputers in network environment Linux – nonproprietary operating systems that run cross platform (Key Term) Page 129

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 129

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 129

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– owned and licensed by a corporation Non-proprietary – source code is available to the public Called open source 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 130

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 131

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 134

Windows Utilities Backup Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu Accessing Windows XP utilities: Click Start, Select All Programs, Select Accessories, Choose System Tools Page 134

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 135

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 OS tries to save a file on a single track across contiguous sectors. Often the file has to broken into small parts and stored wherever space is available and the disk over time becomes fragmented Return Page 136

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 137

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 139

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 140