Chapter 5 ITC 100

System Software

System Software

The operating system and utility programs that control a computer system and allow you to use your computer

Application Software

Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a computer

Operating System

A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities taking place within a computer

File Management

Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be

retrieved when needed

Security

Passwords, Biometric characteristics, Firewalls

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to have more than one program (task) open at one time

Multithreading

The ability to rotate between multiple threads so that processing is completed faster and more efficiently

Thread

Sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of other thread

Multiple processors

(or multiple cores) are used in one computer system to perform work more efficiently

Memory Management

Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)

Virtual memory

Memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM

Buffer

Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is used by different hardware devices or programs

Buffering or Spooling

Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed

Command Line Interface

Require users to input commands using the keyboard

Graphical User Interface

Graphics based interface and Used by most operating systems

Personal (Desktop) Operating Systems

Designed to be installed on a single computer

Server (Network) Operating Systems

Designed to be installed on a network server

Internet Monitors

Locked-down system with restricted functionality Essentially just a monitor that provides Internet access

DOS (Disk Operating System)

traditionally used a command-line interface

PC-DOS

Created originally for IBM microcomputers

MS-DOS

Created for use with IBM-compatible computers Can enter DOS commands in Windows

Windows

The predominant personal operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation

Different Version of windows

Windows 1.0, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8

Mac OS

Proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple Corporation

UNIX

Operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange servers

Linux

Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991—resembles UNIX but

was developed independently

Chrome OS

The first cloud operating system

iOS

Designed for Apple Mobile phones and mobile devices

Android

Linux-based operating system created with current mobile device capabilities in mind, Can create applications that take full advantage of all

the features a mobile device has to offer

Mobile Linux

Other mobile operating systems based on Linux besides Android and iOs

Utility Program

Software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing or maintaining the computer system

Search Tools

Designed to search for documents and other files on the user’s hard drive

File Compression Programs

Reduce the size of files to optimize storage space and transmission time

Security Concerns

Viruses, spyware, identity theft, phishing schemes