1. Chapter 4

2. Computers are everywhere in our lives and we expect them to “be there when we need them”.
We give little thought to the processes and programs running behind the scenes to keep them functioning effectively.
Such programs (i.e. operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers) are the system software you learn about here.

3. Handles the technical details
Includes the operating system, utilities, device drivers, and compilers
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

4. A collection of programs that handle technical tasks
Manage resources
Provide user interface
Run applications
Provide platfrom to greate programs
Examples:
Windows 7
Mac OS X
Also called the software environment or platform

5. Manages computer resources
Coordinate memory, processing, storage, printers and monitors
Monitor system performance
Schedule tasks
Provide security
Start-up the computer
Provides user interface
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Runs applications
Multitasking
Foreground and background applications
Multitasking – the ability to switch between applications
Foreground – the program you are currently working on
Background – the other program that is running but not the active window

6. Features in common with application software
Booting
Features in common with application software
Icons
Pointer
Windows
Menus
Tabs
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

7. Three basic categories
Embedded operating systems (handheld)
Smartphones
Video game systems
Network operating systems (linked computers)
Windows Server
Unix
OS stored on network server which coordinates all communication between the other computers
Stand-alone operating systems (desktop)
Also called client operating system
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

8. The OS is often called the 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 – open source; 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

9. Host operating system - OS of the physical machine
Ability to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine
Virtualization software
Physical machine can be logically separated into separate and independent virtual computers called virtual machines
Host operating system
Guest operating system
Host operating system - OS of the physical machine
Guest operating system - OS of virtual machine

10. Mobile OS Some of the best known
Embedded operating system in every smartphone
Some of the best known
Symbian
BlackBerry OS or RIM OS
iOS
Android
Windows Phone 8
WebOS
Symbian – Nokia, Sony
BlackBerry OS or RIM OS
iOS- formerly iPhone OS, iPod Touch, iPad
Android – owned by Google
Windows Phone 7
WebOS – HP smartphones and tablets

11. 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

12. Backup and Restore Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter
Backup and Restore can be accessed by clicking Start>Maintenance
Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter can be accessed by clicking Start>Accessories>System Tools

13. Combine several programs into one package Less expensive
Popular suites
Norton Utilities
BitDefender

14. 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
Windows already has many drivers within the system software
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