Chapter 5 - System Software

Chapter
System Software
Topic 5
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Learning Objectives
1. Describe the differences between system

software and application software.
2. Identify the four types of system software.
3. Explain the basic functions, features, and
categories of operating systems.
Computing Essentials 2017
4. Discuss the popular OS used today

5. Explain the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
6. Identify the four most essential utilities.
Introduction
Computers and computer applications have

become a part of the fabric of every day life
They are great as long as they are working
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.
System Software
Software is divided into two :

 System software and
 Application software (chapter 6)
SOFTWARE
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System Software
System Software works

with end users, application
software, and computer
hardware to handle the
majority of technical
details.
System Software
System software consists of FOUR(4) types of programs :

Operating system
Utilities
Device drivers
Language translators
Language
Operating Device
Utilities translator
System Drivers
s
Operating Systems
An operating system ( OS) is a collection of programs

that handle technical tasks.
OS Functions
 Managing computer resources : such memory, processing, storage, I/O devices,

Monitor system performance, Schedule tasks, Administer security ,Start-up the
computer.
 Providing User Interface : OS allows users to interact with application programs and
computer hardware through a User Interface.
 Graphical User Interface – GUI
 Command Line Interface - CLI
Operating Systems
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - With a Graphical user interface , you interact with menus and visual images
Operating Systems
Command Line Interface ( CLI ) - With a Command-line interface, a user uses the keyboard to enter data and
instructions
Operating Systems
OS Functions
 Running Applications : OS load and run applications such as word processors and
spreadsheets. Most OS support multitasking – the ability to switch between different
applications stored in memory. For example with multitasking you could have Word and
Excel running at the same time and switch easily between the two applications.
 Foreground – the program that you are currently working on is described as running in the foreground.
 Background – the other programs are running in the background.
Start and shut Establish an

Provide a user Manage Manage Coordinate Configure Monitor
down a Internet
interface programs memory tasks devices performance
computer connection
Automatically Control a Administer

Provide utilities
update network security
Operating Systems
Operating System
OS Features
 Booting – starting or restarting the computer
There are two ways to boot a computer :
 a warm boot – occurs when the computer
is already on and you restart it without
turning off the power.
 a cold boot – starting a computer that
has been turned off is called a cold boot.
Operating System
OS Features
Features in common with application software
Icons – graphics representations for a program, type of file or function.

Pointer – controlled by a mouse, trackball or touch screen.
Windows – rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs.
Menus – provide a list of options or commands that can be selected.
Tabs – divide menus into major activity areas such as format and page layout.
Dialog boxes – typically provide information or request input.
Help – provide online assistance for operating system functions and procedures.
Gesture Control – ability to control operations with finger movements such as
swiping, sliding and pinching.
Files and Folders

Files are used to store data and programs
Folders store related files.
Categories of Operating Systems
Three basic categories

Embedded operating systems – RTOS (real-
time operating systems)
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Video game systems
Stand-alone operating systems

Also called desktop operating system
Network operating systems (linked
computers)
Windows Server, Linux, Unix
OS stored on network server which coordinates all
communication between the other computers
Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile OS
Embedded
operating system
Less complicated
and more
specialized for
wireless
Some of the
best known
Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Desktop Operating Systems
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
Windows - Most Used OS
Windows 8 Windows 10
Integrates the desktop Merges Windows
OS with its mobile OS desktop and mobile
operating systems
Mac OS
Mac OS X runs on Apple

computers
Two most recent versions:
OS X Mavericks
Improved power management
OS X Yosemite
New user interface
UNIX and LINUX
UNIX operating system

Servers on the Web
Mainframe computers
Personal Computers
LINUX - version of UNIX
Alternative to windows
Open source - free
Google Chrome OS based on Linux
Focuses on Internet connectivity and cloud
computing
Speed is determined by the speed of the Internet
Virtualization
Ability to support multiple operating

systems on a single physical
machine
Virtualization software
Each virtual machine appears as a
separate independent computer

Host operating system
Guest operating system
Parallels
Mac to run Windows programs in OS X
Utilities
Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing

easier eg perform maintenance-type tasks.
Most essential utilities

Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
Recognizes and correct problems
Antivirus programs
Guard your computer against viruses
Backup programs
Copies of files to restore if necessary
File compression programs
Reduces the size of files for more efficient storage
Making IT Work for You – Mac OS X Activity Monitor
Has your computer ever just stopped responding?

What do you do?
Mac OS X Activity Monitor is designed to help.
Windows Utilities
Windows Operating Systems includes utilities such

as:
File History
Can create a backup for your hard drive
Disk Cleanup
Identifies and eliminates non essential files

Disk Defragmenter
Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize
performance
File History
Utility program included with Windows 8

Makes a copy of all files in the libraries,
contacts, favorites and the desktop
Helps prevent the effect of disk failure
Disk Cleanup
Identifies and eliminates nonessential files

Frees up valuable space and improves system performance
Disk Defragmenter
Files are organized in tracks and sectors

Tracks – concentric ring
Sectors – wedge-shaped sections of a track
Optimize drives - utility program
Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments
Files become fragmented
Broken up and stored in non contiguous space
Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations
Utility Suites
Combine several programs into one

package
Less expensive
Popular suites
Bit Defender
Norton Utilities
Kaspersky
Device Drivers
A device driver is a program that controls a

particular type of device that is attached to a
computer.
A driver provides a software interface to
hardware devices such as printers, displays,
CD-ROM readers and so on.
Language Translators
Computers are digital devices. All types of commands,

data and instructions required to be converted into
machine code which is the combination of 0’s and 1’s.
The instructions is given to the computer in a language
which is similar to English and easier to understand.
The computer translates these instructions into the
machine language with the help of language
translators. Language translators are of three types :

assembler, interpreter and compiler.
Careers In IT
Computer Support Specialist or Technical

Support Specialist
Provide technical support to customers and other
users
Resolve common networking problems and use
troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems
Employers look for an advanced associate degree

or bachelors degree, good analytical, customer
service, communication and people skills
Computer support specialist can
expect to earn $29K - $40K annually
A Look to the Future – Self Healing Computers
Self Healing Computers

Could mean an end to computer crashes and
performance problems
Fix software problems
Reroute functions around broken hardware
IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)
Handles time-consuming maintenance

Self-regulating and virtually invisible
Self-maintaining servers
Self-repairing
Self-updating
Self-protecting
Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 2)
1. Describe system software. Discuss each of the four

types of system programs.
2. Define operating systems. Describe the basic features

and the three categories of operating systems.
3. What are mobile operating systems? Describe leading

mobile operating systems.
Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2)
4. What are desktop operating systems? Compare

Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Chrome OS. Discuss
virtualization.
5. Discuss utilities. What are the most essential utilities?

What is a utility suite?

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Chapter

1. Describe the differences between system

4. Discuss the popular OS used today

Computers and computer applications have

Such programs (i.e. operating systems, utility

Software is divided into two :

System Software works

System software consists of FOUR(4) types of programs :

An operating system ( OS) is a collection of programs

 Managing computer resources : such memory, processing, storage, I/O devices,

Start and shut Establish an

Automatically Control a Administer

has been turned off is called a cold boot.

Features in common with application software

Icons – graphics representations for a program, type of file or function.

Files and Folders

Three basic categories

Stand-alone operating systems

Operating systems commonly used by

LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web

Mac OS X runs on Apple

UNIX operating system

Ability to support multiple operating

separate independent computer

Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing

Most essential utilities

Has your computer ever just stopped responding?

Windows Operating Systems includes utilities such

Identifies and eliminates non essential files

Utility program included with Windows 8

Identifies and eliminates nonessential files

Files are organized in tracks and sectors

Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations

Combine several programs into one

A device driver is a program that controls a

Computers are digital devices. All types of commands,

translators. Language translators are of three types :

Computer Support Specialist or Technical

Employers look for an advanced associate degree

Self Healing Computers

Handles time-consuming maintenance

1. Describe system software. Discuss each of the four

2. Define operating systems. Describe the basic features

and the three categories of operating systems.

3. What are mobile operating systems? Describe leading

4. What are desktop operating systems? Compare

5. Discuss utilities. What are the most essential utilities?

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