System Software Notes

System Software

  • Software is divided into two categories:
    • System Software
    • Application Software

Types of System Software

  • Operating System (OS)
  • Utilities
  • Device Drivers
  • Language Translators

Operating System (OS)

  • Collection of programs that handle technical tasks.

  • OS Functions:

    • Managing Computer Resources: Memory, processing, storage, I/O devices.
    • Monitor System Performance: Schedule tasks, administer security, start-up the computer.
    • Providing User Interface: Allows users to interact with applications.
      • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
      • Command Line Interface (CLI)
    • Running Applications: Load and run applications, supports multitasking.
      • Foreground: Current program.
      • Background: Other programs running.

  • OS Features:

    • Booting: Starting or restarting the computer.
      • Warm boot: Restarting while the computer is on.
      • Cold boot: Starting a computer that has been turned off.
    • Common features with application software: Icons, pointer, windows, menus, tabs, dialog boxes, help, gesture control, files, and folders.

  • Categories of Operating Systems:

    • Embedded operating systems (RTOS): Smartphones, smartwatches, video game systems.
    • Stand-alone operating systems: Desktop operating systems.
    • Network operating systems: Windows Server, Linux, Unix.

  • Mobile Operating Systems:

    • Examples: Android, iOS, Windows Phone

  • Stand-alone Operating Systems:

    • Windows: Most widely used.
    • Mac OS: Powerful and easy to use.
    • UNIX: For networks.
    • LINUX: Nonproprietary and free.

  • Virtualization:

    • Ability to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.
    • Virtualization software: Each virtual machine appears as a separate independent computer.
      • Host operating system
      • Guest operating system
    • Parallels: Mac to run Windows programs in OS X.

Utilities

  • Specialized programs designed to make computing easier.
  • Most Essential Utilities:
    • Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs.
    • Antivirus programs.
    • Backup programs.
    • File compression programs.
  • Windows OS Utilities:
    • File History: Creates a backup for the hard drive.
    • Disk Cleanup: Identifies and eliminates non-essential files.
    • Disk Defragmenter: Rearranges files and unused disk space.

Utilities Suites

  • Combine several programs into one package.
  • Examples: Bit Defender, Norton Utilities, Kaspersky.

Device Drivers

  • Program that controls a particular type of device attached to a computer.
  • Provides a software interface to hardware devices.

Language Translator

  • Converts commands, data, and instructions into machine code (0s and 1s).
  • Types:
    • Assembler: Converts assembly language to machine code.
    • Interpreter: Converts coding (e.g., Python, JavaScript) to machine code.
    • Compiler: Converts high-level language code (e.g., C, C++, Java) into machine code.