SOFTWARE

Module 1.2
Operating systems

• System software
• Control all activities inside the computer
• Use a GUI to communicate with the user

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 Operating systems: Examples
Operating systems for Cost Size Hardware and platform
desktop and portable
computers

Microsoft Windows Depending on version ±4GB Newer versions need

R600-R2000 stronger hardware

OS X Included with all Apple ±4GB Alle Apple computers (iMac,

computers, but upgrades cost MacBook or Mac Pro)
±R300

Linux Can be downloaded free from Size depends on the apps, Can be used on any PC.
the website. from ±4GB to ±10GB
 Operating systems: Examples
Operating system for Cost Size Hardware and platform
mobile devices

iOS Included with all iOS devices. ±700MB iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

Android Included with all Android-type ±700MB Any Android smartphones

devices and tablets

Windows RT Included with all Windows tablets ±12GB Tablets with ARM CPUs.
with ARM-based CPUs

Windows Phone 8 Included with all Windows-based Unknown Smartphones designed for
smartphones Windows Mobile

Blackberry OS 10 Included with all Blackberry Unknown Blackberry smartphones

smartphones and tablets
Processing techniques

• Functions of an operating system

• Provides an interface
• Manages processes
• Manages memory
• Manages input and output
• Manages the drives

• Process – is a number of consecutive instructions executed by the

CPU
• Program
• Set of instructions to execute a specific task
• Thread
• A part of a bigger program
Processing techniques
Processing techniques
Processing techniques
Virtual memory

• Is a storage area on the hard disk that the OS uses for its own use.
• When the RAM is full, space on the hard drive is used
• When needed data is moved between the RAM and hard drive as pages

• Remember
• Storage is slower than RAM
• To speed up, close unnecessary programs
• Buy more RAM to increase speed
• Use 64-bit software
• Thrashing
Programming languages
Types of programming languages

• Low level
• Assembly languages
• Fewer commands than high level languages
• High speed optimized code used for the development of
O/S.
• Also used for embedded code
• High level
• Programming languages that look more like normal day to
day language
• More commands and libraries with code
• C++, C, Delphi, Java, Pascal, etc.
Compilers vs. Interpreters
• Compiler
• Translates whole program to machine language
• Tests for and produces a list of errors that must first be
corrected
• Then generates an executable file
• C++, Delphi
• Interpreter
• Translates and executes one line of code at a time
• Python
• Java
• Scratch
Virtualisation

Advantages
Saves time and
money
Efficient

Examples
VirtualBox
(Freeware)
Parallels
VM Ware
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