Chapter 2: Software Components (3)

App History Tab

  • The App History Tab is crucial for viewing a computer's history of application utilization.

  • It helps users track which applications were used and their duration, providing insights into application performance and user habits.

Windows Resource Monitor

  • Open Resource Monitor: Access this through the performance tab.

  • Monitored Resources: It tracks four critical resources:

    • CPU

    • Hard Disk

    • Memory

  • Resource Monitor initially opens to the Overview Tab.

  • Overview Features: Figure 2.20 illustrates an overview of resource usage along with four graphs on the right side.

    • Users can click a chevron to access more detailed information.

    • Additional insight is available under the tabs for CPU, memory, disk, and network statistics.

CentOS Seven System Monitor

  • The System Monitor is used to review process activity in real-time.

  • It displays the most CPU-intensive tasks via a sortable list by CPU usage percentage.

  • The display updates every five seconds, promoting ongoing monitoring.

Tabs in System Monitor

  • The monitor encompasses more than just the Processes Tab:

    • Resources Tab (Figure 2.22): Shows real-time metrics for:

      • CPU History: Graphs for total CPU usage.

      • Memory and Swap History: Visual representation of memory and swap spaces.

      • Network History: Tracks network activity by bytes received and sent.

  • File Systems Tab (Figure 2.23): Displays total space, free space, and available space for each allocated partition, essential for managing application space.

Applications Overview

  • Applications on PCs include a variety of software:

    • Word processors

    • Spreadsheets

    • Presentation software

    • Web browsers

    • Email clients

    • Games

    • Graphics software

  • Applications are composed of smaller programs that collaborate to deliver functionality.

Microsoft Office Suite

  • Microsoft Office includes:

    • Word: Dominant word processor with a proprietary document format, now incorporating XML-based formats.

    • Excel: Spreadsheet software, historically a competitor to Lotus 1-2-3, now a standard in the market.

    • PowerPoint: Used for creating and presenting slide shows incorporating various media.

LibreOffice

  • LibreOffice: A free and open-source office suite developed by the Document Foundation, based on OpenOffice.org since 2010.

    • Enhances document compatibility with Microsoft Office on Linux distributions.

  • Components:

    • Writer: Word processor similar to Microsoft Word, supports .doc and PDF exports.

    • Calc: Spreadsheet application comparable to Excel with unique graphing features and supports .xlsx and PDF formats.

    • Impress: Presentation software akin to PowerPoint, can export to various formats including Flash and PDF.

  • Recommended for CentOS seven users due to its broad compatibility and functionality.

Freeware for Windows 10

  • Freeware: Software available for free personal use, distributed online while the author retains copyrights.

  • Users are cautioned not to alter or sell freeware.

  • A list of examples is provided in Table 2-3 for Windows 10 applications.