System Software and Operating Systems

Types of Software

• Categories of Software:
  • System Software: Maintains computer functionality; primary focus in this module.
  • Application Software: Assists users with various tasks; covered in separate modules.
  • Malware: Another distinct category, discussed separately.

System Software Components

• Three Main Components:
  • Operating System (OS): Manages hardware resources, runs applications, provides common user services.
  • System Utilities: Assist in configuring, optimizing, and maintaining the system.
  • Drivers: Enable the OS to communicate with hardware devices.

Operating Systems (OS) Overview

• Definition: Manages computer hardware; acts as an intermediary between applications and hardware.
• Devices with an OS: Found on PCs, mobile phones, servers, etc.
• Examples:
  • Windows, UNIX, Linux, macOS

Microsoft Windows

• History: Introduced in 1985 to meet needs for graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
• Versions: Includes 3.1, 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.
• Current Usage (Oct 2024):
  • Windows 10: 71.9%
  • Windows 11: 13.6%
  • Windows 8.1: 2.7%
  • Windows 7: 10.6%
  • Windows XP: 0.4%

Other Operating Systems

• UNIX:
  • Origin: Developed in 1969; popular for servers.
  • Uses: Mainly on multi-user systems, with declining use in recent years.
• Linux:
  • Type: Open-source, UNIX-like OS with various distributions.
  • Growth: Used in 100% of supercomputers due to open-source nature and efficiency.
• macOS:
  • Foundation: Built on an open-source UNIX layer called Darwin.
  • Features: Includes iCloud services, notifications, and direct file sharing.

OS Capabilities

• Historical Context: Modern OS features emerged in the 1960s; personal computers in the 1980s popularized multi-user and multitasking capabilities.
• Kernel: The core part of the OS managing resources and processes, remains in RAM while operating.

Embedded Operating Systems

• Definition: Installed within larger systems with specific functionalities.
• Examples: Found in smartphones, cars, and devices like microwaves.

OS Updates and Maintenance

• Importance: Regular updates for new features and security patches are essential for stability.
  • Microsoft: Automatic updates recommended for Windows.
  • Apple: User approval required for updates.

User Interface (UI)

• Definition: Component allowing user interaction.
• Types: Can be graphical (GUI) or textual (command line).
• Windows 8 vs. Windows 10:
  • Windows 8 removed the familiar start button; Windows 10 reintroduced this feature addressing usability issues.

System Utilities

• Function: Designed for analyzing, configuring, and optimizing systems; examples include disk management and task managers.
• File Manager: Manages files through various operations; crucial for file organization and security.

Disk Management

• Check Disk (CHKDSK): Verifies the integrity of the file system.
• Defragmentation: Organizes files to improve access speed; not necessary for SSDs.

Backup and Restore

• Backups: Essential for data recovery; should be external and regularly scheduled.
• Restore Points: Snapshots of the system allowing rollback to previous states.

Resource Monitoring

• Definition: Tools to assess system performance; includes CPU load and RAM usage checks.

Virtualization and Multi-Boot Systems

• Virtualization: Allows emulation of different platforms, beneficial for software compatibility.
• Multi-Boot: Installing multiple operating systems on one machine; managed by a boot manager.

Additional Concepts

• Drivers: Software enabling OS communication with hardware; crucial for functionality.
• Anti-Malware: Essential for system protection, covering firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Conclusion

• Understanding these system software components is essential for utilizing computers efficiently and effectively, ensuring optimal performance and security.