Week 2-3 - System and Application Software
Week 2-3 - System and Application Software
Software
System Software
System Software
• Works with end users, application programs and computer hardware to handle
many details relating to computer operations.
• Not a single program but a collection or system of programs, these programs
handle hundreds of technical details with little or no user intervention.
Four kinds of Systems Programs
Operating Systems – coordinate resources, provide an interface
between users and the computer, and run programs.
Utilities – perform specific tasks related to managing computer
resources.
Device drivers – allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Language translators – convert programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers can understand and
process.
Operating Systems
Operating System (software environments, platforms) handle
technical details.
Functions
Managing resources
Providing User Interface (GUI)
Running Applications
Multitasking allow switching between different applications
stored in memory; current programs run in foreground; other
program run in background.
Features
Booting starts (cold) or restart (warm) a computer system. The desktop
provides access to computer resources. Common features include:
Icons
Pointer
Windows
Menus
Tabs
Dialog boxes and
Help
Data and programs are stored in a system of files and folders
Categories of OS
• Embedded – used with handheld computers; operating system stored
within device.
• Network (NOS) – controls and coordinates networked computers;
located on the network server.
• Stand-alone (desktop) – controls a single computer; located on the
hard disk.
Operating systems are often called software environments or
platforms.
Remember:
• Mac Os
• Virtualization
Windows
• The most widely used operating system , is designed to run with Intel
and Intel compatible microprocessors. There are numerous versions of
windows. Windows 10 is the most recent version of Windows. It
provides improved handwriting recognition; taskbar with previews,
large icons and personalization features and advanced search
capabilities.
MAC OS
• An innovative, powerful, easy-to-use operating system, runs on
Macintosh computers. Recent versions provide Spotlight, an
advanced search tool, and Dashboard Widgets, a collection of
specialized programs. Some versions of MAC OS X come with Boot
Camp, which allows Macintosh computers to run both Mac OS and
Windows Operating Systems.
UNIX and Linux
UNIX was originally designed to run on minicomputers in network
environments. Now, it is used by powerful microcomputer and
servers on the Web. There are many different versions of UNIX. One
version, Linux, a popular and powerful alternative to the Windows
operating system, is open-source software. Google’s Chrome OS is
based on Linux and designed for netbooks and cloud computing.
Virtualization
• Is a process that allows a single physical computer to support multiple
operating systems that operate independently. Virtualization
software creates virtual machines. Host operating systems run on
the physical machine. Guest operating systems operate on virtual
machines.
Mobile Operating System
Mobile OS are embedded in every smartphone. These systems
are less complicated and more specialized for wireless
communication than desktop operating systems.
Types of Mobile OS
• Symbian
Originated in Japan with Nokia, Sony and others. It controls more
smartphones world wide than any other mobile OS.