Competencies (Page 1 of 2)

• Describe the differences between system

software and application software
Chapter 5 • Discuss the four types of system software
• Discuss the basic functions, features, and
categories of operating systems
System Software
• Describe the Windows,
Mac OS, UNIX, &
Linux operating systems

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Introduction
Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
Computers and computer applications are
• Describe the purpose of utilities and utility ubiquitous in our lives so much so that we
suites expect them to “be there when we need
• Identify the five most essential utilities them”. We often give little thought to the
• Discuss Windows utility programs processes and programs running behind the
scenes to keep our computers functioning
• Describe device drivers, including printer
effectively. These kinds of programs and
drivers processes (i.e. operating systems, utility
programs, device drivers, etc…) fall under
the topic of system software and are covered
in this chapter.
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System Software Operating Systems

• Handles technical details • Manage computer resources
• Works with end users, application • Provide an interface between the users and
computer
software, and computer hardware
• Runs applications
• Four types of programs
• A collection of programs that handle
– Operating system technical tasks
– Utilities • Every computer has an operating
– Device drivers system
– Language translators

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1
 Functions of an Operating
Features of an Operating System
System
• Performs three types of functions • Booting
– Manages computer resources • Features in common with application
• Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers
• Monitor system performance software
• Provide security – Icons
• Start-up the computer – Pointers
– Provides user interface – Windows
• Character-based interface
• Graphical user interface (GUI) – Menus
– Runs applications – Dialog boxes
• Multitasking – Help
• Foreground & background applications

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Categories of Operating Systems More on Operating Systems

• Hundreds of operating systems • OS often called software environment or
• Three basic categories platform
– Embedded operating systems – hand-held • Operating systems commonly used by
individuals
– Windows – most widely used
– Network operating systems – linked computers – Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
– UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
– Stand-alone operating systems – desktop – LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web

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Windows Mac OS
• The most popular microcomputer • An operating system designed to run on
operating system – over 90 percent of Apple computers
the market • Not used as widely as Windows
• Comes in a variety of different versions • One of the most innovative operating systems
• Windows XP is • Mac OS X is the latest version
the most widely used • The next version of Mac OS, Leopard, to
version be introduced in early 2007
• Windows Vista was
released in late 2006
Return Return
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2
 UNIX and LINUX Utilities
• UNIX operating system • Specialized programs to make computing
– Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a easier
network • Most essential utilities
– Used by powerful microcomputers – Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
• LINUX is a version of UNIX – Antivirus programs
– Not proprietary – Uninstall programs
– Open source – Backup programs
– File compression programs

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Windows Utilities Backup

• Backup • Utility program included
with many Windows
versions
• Disk Cleanup
• Makes a copy of all files or
selected files that have been
• Disk Defragmenter
saved on a disk
• Helps prevent against
Accessing Windows XP utilities: disk failure
Click Start, Select All Programs, Select Accessories,
Choose System Tools
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Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter

• Identifies and eliminates • Identifies and eliminates unnecessary
nonessential files fragments
• Frees up valuable space • Rearranges files and
and improves system unused disk space to
performance optimize operations
• Speeds up file access

Return
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3
 Utility Suites Device Drivers
• A group of several utility programs bundled • Specialized programs that allow
for sale communication between a device
• Buying the package is economical and the computer
• Popular suites • Loaded into memory each
– Norton System Works time a computer is started
– McAfee Office • When a new device is added,
– V Communications new device drivers must be installed
SystemSuite

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Virus Protection and

Careers In IT
Internet Security
• Internet Security Suite • Computer support specialist
– Runs a number of provide technical support to
programs customers and other users
– Continually monitors your
computer • Resolve common networking
problems and use
• VirusScan troubleshooting programs to
– Controls the frequency of diagnose problems
searches for viruses
– Quarantines or deletes • Employers look for a
infected files bachelors degree, good
• PrivacyService analytical and communication
– Helps protect your privacy skills
online • Computer support specialist
– Block websites, cookies, can expect to earn $31K -
and ads $53K annually
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A Look to the Future Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2)

IBM's Aware Supercomputer
• IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI) • Describe system software. What are the four
– Handles time-consuming maintenance types of system programs?
– Self-regulating and virtually invisible
• What are the basic functions of every
• Self-maintaining servers operating system? What are the three basic
– Self-repairing operating system categories?
– Self-updating
• Explain the differences and similarities
– Self-protecting
between Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

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4
 Discussion Questions (Page 2 of 2)
• Discuss utilities. What are the five most
essential utilities? What is a utility suite?
• Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss
the Add Printer Wizard and Windows Update.

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