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

System Software System Software: It is a system of programs that Handle technical details by Working 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 En-users focus on application programs more than the system software, but it is important to understand how system software works

Performs three types of functions Operating Systems A collection of programs that handles technical tasks related to using computer Performs three types of functions Manages computer resources ( memory , processor, devices like printer and monitor) Provides user interface character-based (writing commands) and Graphical user Interface(GUI) (windows and icons) Runs applications ( one program or multi-tasking(ability to run more than one program at the same time) 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 system Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 2002, 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 runs cross platform

Categories of Operating Systems Three basic categories Embedded OS– 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

More on Operating Systems OS often called software environment or platform Operating systems commonly used by individuals Windows ( XP,VISTA,WINDOWS 7) Mac OS – powerful and easy to use (Mac OS X ) -run on Apple computers UNIX – network; originally designed for Web LINUX – non proprietary; free off Web Note that LINUX easier to learn; easily transfer to UNIX UNIX originally designed for cross-platform to help “integrate” the Web

Utilities Specialized programs to make computing easier Most essential utilities Troubleshooting Antivirus: protect computer damaging programs like virus Uninstall: safely and completely remove unneeded programs Backup :make copies of files File compression :reduce size of files Utilities – specialized programs designed to make computing easier Hard disk crashes Antivirus programs Computer freeze-ups Decrease operation slow-downs

These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu Windows Utilities Backup Disk Cleanup :troubleshooting utility that identifies and eliminate nonessentials files .This free up disk space and improve system performance. Disk Defragmenter : Locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments and Rearranges files and unused space These utilities can be accessed from the System Tools menu Backup – makes a copy of all files or selected files Disk Cleanup Used for troubleshooting Identifies and eliminates unneeded files on the hard disk Disk Defragmenter Locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments Rearranges files and unused space

Utility Suites A group of several utility programs bundled for sale Popular suites McAfee Office Norton System Works Norton Utilities AntiVirus Cleansweep CrashGuard Web Services Connection Keep Alive GoBack Personal Edition McAfee Similar programs

Device Drivers Specialized programs that work with OS to allow communication between a device(printer , mouse,…) and the rest of computer system. Loaded into memory each time Device drivers - programs that work with operating system to allow communication between device(s) and rest of physical system

The End of Chapter 5