Understanding System Software

Operating Systems and Utility Programs

Operating system:  A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities taking place

                            within a computer system

Functions of an Operating System:

1. Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)
2. Booting the computer
3. Configuring devices
    a. Device drivers are often needed
    b. Plug and Play devices are recognized automatically
4. Managing resources and jobs
5. File management
6. Security

Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

1. Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to work with more than one program (task) at one time.
     a. CPU rotates between tasks
     b.Tasks are performed concurrently
     c. Multi-programming: Multitasking with a multi user operating system

2. Multithreading: The ability to run multiple threads for a program at one time so that processing is completed faster and more efficiently CPU rotates between tasks
      a. Thread: Sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of other threads

3. Multiprocessing: Multiple processors are used in a single computer, usually to process multiple jobs at one time faster than with a single processor
      a. Simultaneous processing
       b. used with servers and mainframes; used with
       c. desktop PCs now (dual-core processors)

4. Parallel processing: Multiple processors are used in a single computer, usually to process a single job faster
       a. Simultaneous processing
       b. Most often used with supercomputers

5. Coprocessing: Utilizing special processors for specialized chores
       a. Math and graphics coprocessors

6. Memory management: Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
       a. Virtual memory: Memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM

Operating Systems for Desktop PCs

1. Windows Vista: Most recent version of Windows
     a. Features the Aero visual interface
         i. Transparency and animations
         ii. Live Thumbnails
     b.The Vista Start menu is more streamlined
     c. Built-in security features
     d. Improved networking ands multimedia
     e. Additional features
         i.Sidebar, Instant Search, etc.
     f. Hardware requirements for Vista have increased over earlier versions of Windows
     g. Four editions (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate)

2. Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple Corporation
    a.Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set the standard for graphical user interfaces
    b.Mac OS X Leopard: Most recent personal version
    c.Mac OS X Server: Most recent server version
    d.Includes
       i.Support for 64-bit processors
       ii.Safari Web browser
       iii.New features like Time Machine, Stacks, Quick Look, Boot Camp, etc.

Utility Programs

     Utility program: Type of software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing or                     maintaining the computer system
     a. Many utilities are built into operating systems (for finding files, viewing images, backing up files, etc.)
     b. Utilities are also available as stand-alone products and as security suites

Some Common Examples of Utility Programs

     1. Search tools: Designed to search for files on theuser’s hard drive
         a.Windows Vista includes new search tools
     2. Diagnostic programs: Evaluate your system and make recommendations for fixing any errors found
     3. Disk management programs: Diagnose and repair problems related to your hard drive
     4. File compression programs: Reduce the size of files so they take up less storage space on a storage
          medium or can be transmitted faster over the Internet
         i. Both zip and unzip files
         ii. WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)

     5. Uninstall utilities: Remove programs from your hard drive without leaving bits and pieces behind
         i.Uninstall capabilities are built into most operating systems
         ii.Uninstall utility programs are also available as stand-alone programs
         iii.Sometimes an uninstall option is included in a program’s folder when that program is originally

             installed
         iv. Important to properly uninstall programs, not just delete them
     6. Cleanup utilities
         i.Designed to delete temporary files

     7. Security programs: Protect computers and users
         i. Antivirus programs
         ii. Antispyware programs
         iii. Firewalls
         iv. Many are included in Windows and other operating systems

     8. File management programs: Enable the user to perform file management tasks, such as:
         i. Looking at the contents of a PC or storage medium
         ii. Creating folders
         iii. Copying, moving, and renaming files and folders
         iv. Deleting files and folders
         v. File management program in Windows is Windows
         vi. Explorer