Operating Systems and Utility

Programs
System Software
 installed on the hard disk.
 consists of the programs that control or
maintain the operations of the computer and its
devices.
 serves as the interface between the user, the
application software, and the computer’s
hardware.

Types of System Software

Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of
programs containing instructions that work together
to coordinate all the activities among computer
hardware resources.
It performs similar functions that include:
 starting and shutting down a computer,
 providing a user interface,
 managing programs,
 managing memory,
 coordinating tasks,
 configuring devices,
 establishing an Internet connection,
 monitoring performance,
 providing file management and other
utilities,
 and automatically updating itself and certain
utility programs.
Some operating systems also allow users to
control a network and administer security and can
run from an optical disc and/or flash memory
mobile media, in most cases, the operating system
is installed and resides on the computer’s hard
disk. On handheld computers and many mobile
devices, the operating system may reside on a
ROM chip.

Utility Programs
A utility program, also called a utility, is a
type of system software that allows a user to
perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.