Oleary2012Comp ppt ch05

Chapter 05: System
Software

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mputing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

Competencies
2)

(Page 1 of

• 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
ã Describe Windows,
Mac OS, UNIX, Linux,
and virtualization

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Competencies
2)

(Page 2 of

• Describe the purpose of utilities and
utility suites
• Identify the five most essential
utilities
• Discuss Windows utility programs
• Describe device drivers, including
Windows’
Add a Device Wizard and Update

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Introduction
• Computers are ubiquitous 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.

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System Software
• Handles the technical details
– Includes the operating system,
utilities,
device drivers, and language
translators

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Operating Systems
• A collection of programs that handle
technical tasks, including managing
computer resources
• Every computer has an operating
system (OS), such as Windows 7 or
Mac OS X
• The OS provides the interface
between the user and computer, and
is required to run applications

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Functions of an Operating
System

• 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 and background applications

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Features of an Operating
System
ã Booting
ã Features in common with application
software







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Icons
Pointers
Windows
Menus
Dialog boxes
Help

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Categories of Operating
Systems
• Hundreds of operating systems
• Three basic categories
– Embedded operating systems (handheld)
– Network operating systems (linked
computers)
– Stand-alone operating systems (desktop)

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More on Operating
Systems

• An 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 – non proprietary; free from the
Web

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Windows
• The most popular microcomputer
operating system – over 90 percent of
the market
• Comes in a variety of different
versions
• Windows 7 provides several
improvements over Windows Vista

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Mac OS
• Mac OS X is designed to run on Apple
computers
• One of the most innovative operating
systems, but not used as widely as Windows
• Mac OS (Boot Camp) allows you to run both
the Mac OS and
Windows

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UNIX and LINUX
• UNIX operating system
– Originally designed to run on networked
minicomputers

• LINUX is a version of UNIX
– Open source

– Not proprietary

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Virtualization
• 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

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ã Host operating system
ã Guest operating system

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mputing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

Mobile Phone Operating
Systems
• Type of embedded operating system
that is present in every smartphone
• Some of the best known (with release
dates):
–
–
–
–
–

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Symbian (2009)
BlackBerry OS or RIM OS (1999)
iPhone OS (2007)
Android (2007)
Windows Phone 7 (2010)

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Utilities
• Specialized programs to make
computing easier
• Most essential utilities
–
–
–
–
–

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Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
Antivirus programs
Uninstall programs
Backup programs
File compression programs

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Windows Utilities
•
•

•

Backup and Restore
Disk Cleanup
Disk Defragmenter

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Backup and Restore
• Utility program included with
many Windows versions
• Makes a copy of all files or selected
files that have been saved on a disk
ã Helps prevent against disk failure

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Disk Cleanup
• Identifies and eliminates
nonessential files
• Frees up valuable space and
improves system performance

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Disk Defragmenter
• Identifies and eliminates unnecessary
fragments
• Rearranges files and unused disk
space to optimize operations
ã Speeds up file access

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