Syllabus Focus: Unit 1 Module 2 Content 4
Specific Objective 4: Describe the purpose and functions of software components.
Content: Purpose, functions and types of software including application, system (operating systems,
language translators, and utilities); proprietary versus open source software; information systems
including embedded systems: monitoring and control systems; data processing systems; management
information systems, decision support systems, executive information systems; expert systems, data
warehouses; definitions and examples; major input and output from each type of information system, such
as data, information, processed transactions, reports including detailed, summarized. exception, ad hoc.
OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS)
Operating systems are a set of programs that monitor and co-ordinate software and hardware
within a computer system. Operating systems are the most important programs and must be
present in all computer systems for other programs to run. Examples of operating systems are
Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mas OS and DOS. When a computer system is switched on the OS
will be loaded into memory in order for the computer to start up. This process is called booting.
The OS is needed in a computer system to perform the following main functions:
Process management
File management
Memory management
Input/output device management
Provide security
Provide a friendly user interface
Process Management
A program that is running can be considered as a process and a program can have many sub-
programs. Therefore, many processes would occur in a computer system when a program is
being executed. The process management function of the operating system involves allocating
adequate time and resources of the CPU to each process.
File Management
All the files created in secondary storage media, such as the hard disk, are stored within its
various files. The OS is responsible for creating, deleting, renaming of files and folders and also
making back-up copies of files.
Memory Management
Main memory or RAM stores programs and data that are presently being used by the CPU. The
OS allocates areas of memory to different programs so that each program can function
effectively.
CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module2 Content 4 1
Input/Output Device Management
There are many peripheral devices such as keyboards, mouse and monitors that can be connected
to the system unit. The OS makes the communication possible between the peripheral devices
and the system unit.
Provide Security
Modern computer systems require the entry of a password in order to access the system. The
operating system provides the user with password protection to prevent unauthorized access. It
also provides back up and recovery routines in case of system failure.
Provide a Friendly User Interface
The method by which a user interacts with a computer system is called its user interface. The
operating system provides the user with a friendly interface that will help the user to interact with
the computer system. For example, if your computer has a Windows operating system you will
see a desktop from which you can interact with the computer system. Both systems software and
application software have user interfaces.
TRANSLATORS OR LANGUAGE PROCESSORS
Computers understand only binary language. All other programming instructions have to be
converted into binary language or machine language. Translators are systems software that
convert other programming language instructions to machine language. Three main types of
translators are assemblers, interpreters and compilers.
UTILITIES
Utilities are systems software that support the operating system in its housekeeping tasks to
increase the efficiency of the computer system. Some of the functions performed by utility
programs include:
Image viewer- a utility that displays the content of a file.
Backup Utility- allows user to copy or backup, selected files or an entire hard disk onto another
disk or tape.
Screen saver- is a utility that causes a monitor’s screen to display a moving image or blank
screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time.
Disk Defragmenter- A disk defragmenter is a utility that reorganizes the file and unused space
on a computer’s hard disk so the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run
faster.
Antivirus program- is a utility that prevents, detects and removes viruses from a computer’s
memory or storage devices.
File Compression Utility- is used to reduce or compresses the size of a file. Compressed file
takes up less storage space on a hard disk or floppy disk.
CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module2 Content 4 2
Diagnostic Utility- is a utility that compiles technical information about your computer’s
hardware and then prepares a report outlining any identified problems.
File Encryption- is the process of making information useless by converting it into secret codes.
Firewall- is a utility program that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized
intrusions.
Disk repair- a disk repair utility scans a hard disk or floppy disk for bad sectors (defective areas)
and either makes repairs to these sectors, or marks the defective area so that the operating system
will not store any data in that location.
Language translators- language translators (assemblers, compilers and interpreters) translate a
program written by a programmer into machine language (the language the computer can
understand).
Sources:
Heinmann Information Technology for CSEC by K Mary Reid, Deepak Dinesan and
Rayman Khan
Log on to IT for CSEC by Roland Birbal and Michele Taylor
Open Source vs Proprietary Software
Written on the 31st of January 2012
A common question we get asked by potential clients is about the pros and cons of using Open Source
software vs Proprietary Software. In today's article, we'll look at some of the biggest factors you need to
consider when choosing your Content Management System (CMS) to help you make a well informed
decision.
What is Open Source Software?
Open Source Software is software that has been developed by lots of individuals for free on a volunteer
basis. The Source Code is made available for other people to use and alter, which often makes it very
appealing for developers who don't want to build something from scratch.
What is Proprietary Software?
Proprietary Software is owned by the individual or company that commissioned or developed it. In this
instance the source code is kept secret because this is the company's competitive edge over others in the
industry. The software that runs your Bloomtools Website and Database Marketing is an example of
proprietary software. It has been developed in-house by our own team of developers and it is our unique
design which sets us apart from other website developers that use the open source Wordpress or Joomla
CMS applications that other website developers may use.
The Cost
Contrary to what the name may suggest, Open Source Software is not necessarily free. Although it is
developed for free by volunteers, developers can, and do, charge for Open Source Software. There is
CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module2 Content 4 3
almost always a cost to integrate your website design into an Open Source CMS and you may find that
there are a number of hidden costs with using Open Source Software, including charges for any simple
customisations you may need. Furthermore, a business needs to update their website every two to three
years. This means that you will need to either pay someone to update your current website (which could
be a massive job depending on how fast the Internet has advanced) or get a whole new website built. This
costs money.
A proprietary software company is likely to look more expensive at first. After all, these companies have
invested a lot of money in developing the source code from scratch and are offering a solution that is
unlike anything else on the market. However you may actually find that the price evens out after a few
years, particularly if you require regular updates to the software that is running your website. Companies
like Bloomtools take it upon themselves to keep the software at the forefront of technology, so updates
are regularly released to our clients for free - a service you would have to pay for if you were using Open
Source Code. Furthermore, it takes a lot less effort to do an overhaul of an old website. In most cases, it's
only the website skin that needs replacing because the software is already the most up-to-date version.
When Security Matters
Because the original source code of Open Source Software is readily available, they leave themselves
open to hackers to find holes in the code which could compromise the security of your website.
Furthermore, because your website developer did not create the software, they are not responsible for any
security holes in the source code. If your website is hacked, you will then have to pay more money to
your website developer to get it fixed.
On the other hand, proprietary software developers are fully responsible for the security of the
application. At Bloomtools, our team are constantly monitoring any potential malicious attacks and
researching new ways to prevent against possible future attacks. For more information, you can download
our Security Whitepaper.
Research
Of course, whenever you are about to make a big investment, you should always do your research. Each
person's ideal solution is likely to be different to the next. A university student with limited funds who
just wants a unique website to share with their friends and family are likely to find the solution they need
in Open Source Software. However, a large company that stores sensitive data will require a more
sophisticated solution that is always kept at the forefront of technology.
Taken from: http://www.bloomtools.com/articles/open-source-vs-proprietary-software.html, retrieved on
February 5, 2013
NB.: You are encouraged to do additional readings outside of that provided by the handout.
CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module2 Content 4 4
