5.

0 System Software
INTRODUCTION
OPERATING SYSTEM
DESKTOP OPERATING SYSTEM
MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM
UTILITY PROGRAM
DEVICE DRIVERS
 Learning outcomes

 At the end of this class, you should be able to:

 Identify the types of system software

 Describe the functions of an operating system

 Explain the purpose of the utilities included with most

operating systems
 Discuss about desktop and mobile operating systems

 Identify devices that use embedded operating systems

 What is software?

 A set of instructions that tells the computer what to

do
 Also called a program, provides means to us to
interact with and use the computer
 System Software

 When you purchase a personal computer, it usually

has system software installed on its hard disk.
 System software consists of the programs that
control or maintain the operations of the computer
and its devices
 System software serves as the interface between the
user, the application software and the computer
hardware.
 System software

 Types of system software are:

 Operating systems

 Utility programs

 Device driver program

A layer structure
showing where the
operating system
software and
application software
are situated while
running on a typical
desktop computer
 Operating system

 An operating system (OS) is a set of programs

containing instructions that coordinates all the
activities among computer hardware resources.
 In most cases, the operating system is installed and
resides on the computer’s hard disk.
 On handheld computers and many mobile devices,
however, the operating system may reside on a ROM
chip
 Operating system functions

 Most operating system perform similar functions that

includes:
1. Starting a computer
2. Providing a user interface
3. Managing programs
4. Managing memory
5. Scheduling jobs
6. Configuring devices
7. Monitoring performance
8. Providing file management utilities
9. Establishing internet connection
10. Administer security
11. Control a network
 Operating system functions:
1. Starting a computer

 Starting a computer
 Booting is the process of starting or restarting a computer

 When turning on a computer that has been powered off

completely, it calls performing a cold boot
 A warm boot, by contrast, is the process of using the
operating system to restart a computer.
 When you install new software or update existing
software, often an on-screen prompt instructs you to
restart the computer. In this case, a warm boot is
appropriate
 Operating system functions:
1. Starting a computer
 Each time you boot a computer, the kernel and other
frequently used operating system instruction are loaded, or
copied, from the hard disk (storage) into the computer’s
memory (RAM)
 The kernel is the core of an operating system that manages
memory and devices, maintain the computer’s clock, start
applications and assign the computer’s resources, such as
devices, programs, data and information.
 The kernel is memory resident, which means it remains in
memory while the computer is running
 Other parts of operating system are nonresident, that is, these
instructions remain on hard disk until they are needed.
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface
 A program that controls a display for the user
(usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the
user to interact with the system) .
 The user interface allows the user to communicate
with the operating system
 The user interface provides means of:
 Input - allowing the users to manipulate a system
 Output - allowing the system to indicate the effects of the
users' manipulation.
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface
 Types of User Interface
 Command line interface

 Graphical user interface

 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface
Command line interface
 To configure devices, manage system resources and
troubleshoot network connections, network
administrator and other advanced users work with a
command-line interface (CLI)
 In CLI, a user types commands or presses special
keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions
 CLI often are difficult to use because they require
exact spelling, grammar and punctuation
Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

Figure: Example of command-line interface

 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

 Example of command:

Command Description
DIR To display list of files or folder
COPY To copy file or folder
MD To make new folder
CLS To clear screen
QUIT To quit
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface
Graphical user interface
 Is a type of user interface which allows people to
 interact with computer with images rather than text
commands.
 Accept input via keyboard and pointing devices.
 Easy to learn
 Elements of Graphical User Interface
 Pointer
 Icons
 Desktop
 Windows
 Menus
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

 Pointer  Icons •
 A symbol that appears on  Small pictures that
the display screen and that represent commands, files,
you move to select objects or windows.
and commands.
 Usually, the pointer
appears as a small angled
arrow.
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

 Desktop
 The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often
referred to as the desktop because the icons are intended to
represent real objects on areal desktop.
 Windows
 Used to divide the screen into different areas.

 In each window, you can run a different program or display a

different file.
Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

Figure: Example of windows

 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

 Menus
 Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by
selecting a choice from a menu.
 Two types of menu:
 Pull-down menu
 Pop-up menu
 Operating system functions:
2. Providing a user interface

Figure: pop-up menu

Figure: Pull-down menu

 Operating system functions:
3. Managing programs

 Some operating systems support a single user and

only one running program at a time
 Others support thousands of users running multiple
programs
 A single user/multitasking operating system allows a
single user to work on two or more programs that
reside in memory at the same time
 Users today typically run multiple programs
concurrently.
 Operating system functions:
4. Managing memory

 The purpose of memory management is to optimize

the use of random access memory (RAM).
 RAM consists of one or more chips on the
motherboard that hold items such as data and
instructions while the processor interprets and
executes them.
 Operating system functions:
4. Managing memory

 Main memory provides a fast storage that can be

accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be
executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating
System does the following activities for memory
management
 Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use
by whom, what part are not in use.
 In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get
memory when and how much.
 Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
 De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or
has been terminated.
 Operating system functions:
5. scheduling jobs

 The operating system determines the order in which jobs

are processed. A job is an operation the processor
manages.
 Jobs include receiving data from an input device,
processing instructions, sending information to an
output device, and transferring items from storage to
memory and from memory to storage.
 A multiuser operating system does not always process
jobs on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes, one
user may have a higher priority than other users. In this
case, the operating system adjusts the schedule of jobs.
 Operating system functions:
5. scheduling jobs

 Sometimes, a device already may be busy processing one

job when it receives a second job. This occurs because the
processor operates at a much faster rate of speed than
peripheral devices.
 For example, if the processor sends five print jobs to a
printer, the printer can print only one document at a
time and store as many documents as its memory can
handle.
 While waiting for devices to become idle, the operating
system places items in buffers.
 A buffer is a segment of memory or storage in which
items are placed while waiting to be transferred from an
input device or to an output device.
 Operating system functions:
5. scheduling jobs
 The operating system commonly uses buffers with
print jobs. This process, called spooling,
 sends print jobs to a buffer instead of sending them
immediately to the printer. The buffer holds the
information waiting to print while the printer prints
from the buffer at its own rate of speed.
 By spooling print jobs to a buffer, the processor can
continue interpreting and executing instructions
while the printer prints. This allows users to work on
the computer for other tasks while a printer is
printing.
 Operating system functions:
5. scheduling jobs

Multiple print jobs line up in a queue (pronounced Q) in the buffer. A

program, called a print spooler, intercepts print jobs from the operating
system and places them in the queue
 Operating system functions:
6. Configuring Devices

 A driver is a small program that tells the operating

system how to communicate with a specific device.
 Each device on a computer, such as the mouse,
keyboard, monitor, printer, and scanner, has its own
specialized set of commands and thus requires its
own specific driver.
 When you boot a computer, the operating system
loads each device’s driver.
 Operating system functions:
6. Configuring Devices
 If you attach a new device to a computer, such as a
printer or scanner, its driver must be installed before you
can use the device.
 For many devices, the computer’s operating system
includes the necessary drivers. If it does not, you can
install the drivers from the CD provided with the
purchased device.
 Today, many devices and operating systems support Plug
and Play. Plug and Play means the operating system
automatically configures new devices as you install them.
 With Plug and Play, a user can plug in a device, turn on
the computer, and then use the device without having to
configure the system manually.
 Operating system functions:
7. Monitoring Performance
 Operating systems typically contain a performance
monitor.
 A performance monitor is a program that assesses and
reports information about various computer resources
and devices.
 The information in performance reports helps users and
administrators identify a problem with resources so they
can try to resolve any problems.
 If a computer is running extremely slow, for example, the
performance monitor may determine that the computer’s
memory is being used to its maximum.
 Thus, you might consider installing additional memory
in the computer
 Operating system functions:
8. Providing File Management and Other Utilities

 Operating systems often provide users with the

capability of managing files, searching for files,
viewing images, securing a computer from
unauthorized access, uninstalling programs,
scanning disks, defragmenting disks, diagnosing
problems, backing up files and disks, and setting up
screen savers.
 Operating system functions:
9. Establishing an Internet Connection

 Operating systems typically provide a means to

establish Internet connections.
 You can establish wired connections, such as canble
and DSL, or wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi,
mobile broadband and satellite
 Some connections are configured automatically as
soon as you connect to the Internet
 With others you have to set up manually
 Operating system functions:
9. Establishing an Internet Connection
 Operating system functions:
10. Administering Security

 The network administrator uses the network OS to

establish permissions to resources.
 These permissions define who can access certain
resources and when they can access those resources.
 For each user, the network administrator establishes
a user account,which enables a user to access, or log
on to, a computer or a network.
 Each user account typically consists of a user name
and password
 Operating system functions:
11. Controlling a Network
 Some operating systems are network operating systems. A
network operating system, or network OS, is an operating
system that organizes and coordinates how multiple users
access and share resources on a network.
 Resources include hardware, software, data, and information.
For example, a network OS allows multiple users to share a
printer, Internet access, files, and programs.
 Some operating systems have network features built into
them. In other cases, the network OS is a set of programs
separate from the operating system on the client computers
that access the network.
 When not connected to the network, the client computers use
their own operating system. When connected to the network,
the network OS may assume some of the operating system
functions.
 Types of Operating Systems

1. Real-time operating system

 Very fast small OS
 Built into a device
 Respond quickly to user input
 MP3 players, Medical devices

2. Single user/Single tasking OS

 One user works on the system
 Performs one task at a time
 MS-DOS and Palm OS
 Take up little space on disk
 Run on inexpensive computers
 Types of Operating Systems

3. Single user/Multitasking OS
 User performs many tasks at once
 Most common form of OS
 Windows XP and OS X
 Require expensive computers
 Tend to be complex

4. Multi user/Multitasking OS
 Many users connect to one computer
 Each user has a unique session
 UNIX, Linux, and VMS
 Maintenance can be easy
 Requires a powerful computer
Categories of Operating Systems
 Desktop Operating System

 History of Windows Operating Systems

 Desktop Operating System

 Microsoft Windows — Microsoft’s Windows operating

system is available for use on a variety of PC brands, tablets,
and even video game consoles, but because of its proprietary
nature, it is not very flexible.
 There have been a number of releases over the years in the
Windows NT family of operating systems that have helped
define the evolution of PC computers, including Windows XP,
Windows Vista, and Windows 10.
 Windows is compatible with a number of programs but is
convenient if you are used to using other Microsoft products,
such as Microsoft Office.
 The integration with Microsoft Office also makes it a popular
choice if you are searching for an operating system for your
business. That being said, it is also a viable option if you are
looking for an operating system for personal use.
 Desktop Operating System

 macOS — macOS is proprietary, comes preinstalled on

Apple computers, and is not highly customizable.
 You should be accustomed to, or prepared to learn, the
general layout of Mac computers if you are interested in
macOS.
 The operating system integrates with other Apple
products, including the mobile operating system, iOS,
and the Apple iCloud for storage purposes.
 It also provides access to Apple’s App Store, which is
proprietary to Apple products as well. macOS is very
popular for personal users but can also be used for
business purposes.
 Desktop Operating System

 Linux — Linux distributions, or distros, are open-source operating

systems that run on the Linux kernel, meaning they are flexible operating
systems and often free, which is beneficial if you are on a budget.
 However, Linux can be challenging if you are less tech-savvy, due to the
focus on the command line to control all functions of the system. If you are
an experienced user, the command line can become a very easy-to-use and
resourceful tool.
 Because the Linux kernel is open source, it is highly customizable, and
there are a variety of user interfaces available that you can choose from on
any device.
 If you are a developer, Linux distros are worth looking into because of the
flexibility, but for business purposes, or even just the common personal
user, it can be complicated and oftentimes it does not allow access to
proprietary software, which can be inefficient for businesses requiring that
functionality.
 Linux is based on Unix, an operating system dating back to the 1970s.
Desktop Operating System

Ubuntu
Super-fast, easy to use and free, the Ubuntu operating
system powers millions of desktops, netbooks and servers
around the world.

RedHat Enterprise Linux

Open source platform for mission-critical
computing

Oracle Linux brings the latest Linux innovations to

market, delivering extreme performance, advanced
scalability, and reliability for enterprise applications and
systems along with worldwide, enterprise-class, low-cost
support. Optimized for enterprise workloads, Oracle
Linux is the only operating system to offer zero-downtime
updates.
Desktop Operating System

Chomium OS is an open-source project that aims to build

an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more
secure computing experience for people who spend most of
their time on the web.

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system, a collection

of software that makes your computer run.

CentOS is an Enterprise-class Linux Distribution derived

from sources freely provided to the public by a prominent
North American Enterprise Linux vendor.
 Server Operating System

 A server operating system is a multiuser operating

system that organizes and coordinates how multiple
users access and share resources on a network
 Client computers on a network rely on servers(s) for
access to resources
 Server Operating System

 Examples of network operating systems include

Windows Server 2003, UNIX, Linux, Solaris, and
NetWare. Windows Server 2003 is an upgrade to
Windows 2000 Server, which was an upgrade to
Windows NT Server.
 UNIX and Linux often are called multipurpose operating
systems because they are both stand-alone and network
operating systems.
 Solaris, a version of UNIX developed by Sun
Microsystems, is a network operating system designed
specifically for e-commerce applications.
 Novell’s Netware is a network operating system designed
for client/server networks.
 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

 In the computer world, 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the type

of central processing unit, operating system, driver,
software program, etc. that utilizes that particular
architecture.
 You've probably seen the option to download a piece of
software as a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. The
difference does in fact matter because the two were
programmed for separate systems.
 32-bit hardware and software is often referred to as x86 or x86-32.
 64-bit hardware and software is often referred to as x64 or x86-64.
 32-bit systems utilize data in 32-bit pieces while 64-bit systems
utilize data in 64-bit pieces. In general, the more data that can be
processed at once, the faster the system can operate.
 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

 There are several other advantages to a 64-bit system

as well, most practically the ability to use
significantly greater amounts of physical memory
(more than the 4 GB allowed by a 32-bit machine).
 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

 Most new processors today are based on the 64-bit

architecture and support 64-bit operating systems. These
processors are also fully compatible with 32-bit operating
systems.

 Most editions of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and

Windows Vista are available in 64-bit format. Of the editions
of Windows XP, only Professional is available in 64-bit.

 All editions of Windows, from XP up to 10, are available in 32-

bit.

 Every Mac operating system since v10.8 (Mountain Lion) has

been 64-bit.
 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

 The quickest and easiest way to see if you're running

a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is to check
what it says in Control Panel.
32-Bit or 64-Bit?
 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

 Knowing the difference is important so you can be

sure to install the right kinds of software and device
drivers.
 For example, when given the option between
downloading a 32-bit or 64-bit version, a native 64-
bit software program is the better choice.
 However, it won't run at all if you're on a 32-bit
version of Windows.
 Mobile Operating System

 The operating system on mobile devices and many

consumer electronics is called a mobile operating system
and resides on firmware
 Mobile operating systems typically include or support the
following:
 Calendar and contact management
 Text messaging
 Email
 Touch screens
 Accelerometer (so that you can rotate the display)
 Digital camera
 Media player
 Speech recognition
 Mobile Operating System

The motivations behind separate OS for mobiles:

1. No power cable and Mobiles need to be small enough to hold in
hands, so all parts should be made as small as possible. Including
battery, meaning limited power, so OS should be able to work well
with limited power
2. No mouse/keyboard, so User interface should be different
3. No expandable RAM, so OS should work with limited RAM in all
conditions
4. Cellular communications needs to be supported, so OS should be
able to communicate with communication processor
5. No Ethernet cable, so other connectivity become necessary, OS
should support other protocols
6. To satisfy all above, hardware will become significantly different
than desktops, so OS should be compatible with new hardware.
 Mobile Operating System

Considering the motivations, lets take Android as an example to

list some of the differences with a desktop Linux distribution:
1. Power: In Android, by default processor and display shuts
down. If any process wants to keep processor/display
running, it should exclusively lock them using "wake-locks".
2. Interface: Touchscreen is the main input method,
supported by keypad, voice etc. Traditional windows
method is heavy, so it uses layers and views.
3. Memory: Android is optimized to use less memory, each
applications are structured such way to load into minimum
RAM. "Out of memory "support is already there in Linux
kernel, but Android adds "Low memory killer" on top of that
to kill unused applications. All libraries used in framework
are optimized, for ex, For C library, bionic replaces glibc
 Mobile Operating System

Considering the motivations, lets take Android as an

example to list some of the differences with a desktop
Linux distribution:
4. Communication processor: Android communicates
with another proprietary OS which runs on
communication processor, GPRS/EDGE/3G/LTE are
supported, which are not needed in desktop systems.
5. Portability: x86 was built for desktops, Mobiles OSes
runs mainly on ARM , which was built for embedded
systems. Even though most OSes are ported to all
hardware architectures, they are not optimized
 Mobile Operating System

9 Popular Mobile Operating Systems

1. Android OS (Google Inc.)
2. Bada (Samsung Electronics)
3. BlackBerry OS (Research In Motion)
4. iPhone OS / iOS (Apple)
5. MeeGo OS (Nokia and Intel)
6. Palm OS (Garnet OS)
7. Symbian OS (Nokia)
8. webOS (Palm/HP)
 Utility programs

 A utility program, also called a utility, is a type of system software

that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually
related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
 Most operating systems include several built-in utility programs (
 Users often buy stand-alone utilities, however, because they offer
improvements over those included with the operating system.
 Utility programs included with most operating systems provide the
following functions:
 managing files,
 searching for files,
 viewing images,
 securing a computer from unauthorized access,
 Uninstalling programs,
 scanning disks,
 defragmenting disks,
 diagnosing problems, backing up files and disks, and setting up screen savers.
Utility programs
 Utility programs - File Manager

 A file manager is a utility that performs functions

related to file management.
 Some of the file management functions that a file
manager performs are:
 displaying a list of files on a storage medium
 organizing files in folders; and copying, renaming, deleting,
moving, and sorting files.
 A folder is a specific named location on a storage
medium that contains related documents
Utility programs - File Manager
 Utility programs - Search Utility

 A search utility is a program that attempts to locate a

file on your computer based on criteria you specify.
 The criteria could be a word or words contained in a
file, date the file was created or modified, size of the
file, location of the file, file name, author/artist, and
other similar properties.
 Search utilities can look through documents,
pictures, music, and other files.
 All the Explorer windows, as well as the Start menu,
contain a Search box where you enter the search
criteria.
Utility programs - Search Utility
 Utility programs - Image Viewer

 An image viewer is a utility that allows users to

display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics
file.
 With an image viewer, users can see images without
having to open them in a paint or image editing
program.
Utility programs - Image Viewer
 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A personal firewall is a utility that detects and protects a personal

computer from unauthorized intrusions.
 Personal firewalls constantly monitor all transmissions to and from a
computer.
 When connected to the Internet, your computer is vulnerable to attacks
from a hacker. A hacker is someone who tries to access a computer or
network illegally.
 Personal firewall protection is especially useful for users with "always-
on" connections such as DSL or cable modem. Such connections use a
static IP address that makes them especially vulnerable to potential
hackers.
 Often compared to anti-virus applications, personal firewalls work in
the background at the device (link layer) level to protect the integrity of
the system from malicious computer code by controlling Internet
connections to and from a user's computer, filtering inbound and
outbound traffic, and alerting the user to attempted intrusions.
 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A list of the free firewall programs for Windows

Comodo firewall

Tinywall
 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A list of the free firewall programs for Windows

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall PeerBlock

 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A list of the free firewall programs for Windows

AVS Firewall
NetDefender
 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A list of the free firewall programs for Windows

Outpost Firewall

Privatefirewall
 Utility programs - Personal Firewall

 A list of the free firewall programs for Windows

R-Firewall Ashampoo FireWall

 Utility programs - Uninstaller

 An uninstaller is a utility that removes a program, as

well as any associated entries in the system files.
 When you install a program, the operating system
records the information it uses to run the software in
the system files.
 The uninstaller deletes files and folders from the
hard disk, as well as removes program entries from
the system files.
 Utility programs - Uninstaller

 The best software uninstaller 2019

Ashampoo Uninstaller 8 is
thorough, feature-packed, and will
clean up every trace of unwanted
programs in moments. It presents all
recently installed programs in a clear
menu, including the date when they
were installed, plus star ratings from
other users, indicating the quality of a
program and how likely it is that you’ll
want to hang onto it. If you have a lot of
unfamiliar programs, Ashampoo
Uninstaller gives you the option to see
only those with negative ratings.
 Utility programs - Uninstaller

 The best software uninstaller 2019

Like Ashampoo Uninstaller, one of

Revo Uninstaller’s stand-out
features is its ability to monitor
changes to your PC’s files and registry
in real time when you install a
program. This lets it track exactly what
the installer does, then roll them all
back as though the program was never
installed in the first place. No residual
files and no old registry entries.
 Utility programs - Uninstaller

 The best software uninstaller 2019

Geek Uninstaller Pro offers both

regular and forced removal, and clearly
shows the date the software was
installed, plus the version number and
the publisher – helpful if you don’t
recognize it, and are trying to work out
where it might have come from.
 Utility programs - Uninstaller

 The best software uninstaller 2019

IObit Uninstaller is an
excellent software
remover – well designed
and easy to navigate. It
uninstalls programs in
batches and cleans up
residual files
automatically. It can't
always stop programs
from throwing up their
own requests and opening
web pages in your
browser, but few
uninstallers can.
 Utility programs - Disk Scanner

 A disk scanner is a utility that is a Windows utility

used to check your hard disk for errors and to correct
problems that are found.
 These errors often occur when Windows locks up
and must be restarted.
 Utility programs - Disk Scanner

 Example of disk scanner software:

 Seagate SeaTools

 HDDScan

 DiskCheckup

 GSmartControl

 Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostic (DLGDIAG)

 Utility programs - Disk Defragmenter

 A disk defragmenter is a utility that reorganizes the files

and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so the
operating system accesses data more quickly and
programs run faster.
 When an operating system stores data on a disk, it places
the data in the first available sector on the disk.
 It attempts to place data in sectors that are contiguous
(next to each other), but this is not always possible.
 When the contents of a file are scattered across two or
more noncontiguous sectors, the file is fragmented.
Utility programs - Disk Defragmenter

A fragmented disk has many files stored in noncontiguous

sectors. Defragmenting reorganizes the files, so they are located
in contiguous sectors, which speeds access time.
 Utility programs - Diagnostic Utility

 A diagnostic utility compiles technical information

about your computer’s hardware and certain system
software programs and then prepares a report
outlining any identified problems.
 Information in the report assists technical support
staff in remedying any problems.
 Utility programs - Backup Utility

 A backup utility allows users to copy, or back up, selected

files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium
such as CD, DVD, external hard disk, tape, or USB flash
drive.
 During the backup process, the backup utility monitors
progress and alerts you if it needs additional discs or
tapes.
 Many backup programs compress, or shrink the size of,
files during the backup process.
 By compressing the files, the backup program requires
less storage space for the backup files than for the
original files.
 Utility programs - Backup Utility

 You should back up files and disks regularly in the

event your originals are lost, damaged, or destroyed.
 Instead of backing up to a local disk storage device,
some users opt to use online storage to back up their
files.
 Online storage is a service on the Web that provides
hard disk storage to computer users, usually for free
or for a minimal monthly fee.
 Utility programs - Screen Saver

 A screen saver or screensaver is a software program

that becomes activated after the computer has been
inactive for a specified amount of time.
 Screensavers were originally designed to help
prevent images or text from being burned into older
monitors called ghosting, in which images could be
permanently etched on a monitor’s screen.
 Utility programs - Screen Saver

 Although ghosting is not as severe of a problem with

today’s displays, manufacturers continue to
recommend screen savers for their aesthetic value
and to password protect a computer when the user is
away from the keyboard.
 Do screen savers save power?
 No. When a screen saver is visible, it means your computer
and monitor are both on, and that means you're using the
same amount of power as if the computer wasn't showing a
screen saver.
 Utility programs – antivirus

 The term, computer virus, describes a potentially

damaging computer program that affects, or infects,
a computer negatively by altering the way the
computer works without the user’s knowledge or
permission.
 More specifically, a computer virus is a segment of
program code from some outside source that
implants itself in a computer.
 Once the virus is in a computer, it can spread
throughout and may damage your files and operating
system.
 Utility programs – antivirus

 Anti-virus software is a software utility that detects,

prevents, and removes viruses, worms, and other
malware from a computer.
 Most anti-virus programs include an auto-update
feature that permits the program to download
profiles f new viruses, enabling the system to check
for new threats.
 Antivirus programs are essential utilities for any
computer but the choice of which one is very
important.
 Utility programs – antivirus

The Best Internet Security Software Of 2019

1. BitDefender Total Security Multi-Device 2018
2. Kaspersky Total Security 2018
3. McAfee LiveSafe
4. Symantec Norton Security Premium
5. BullGuard Premium Protection

Source: https://www.techradar.com/sg/news/best-internet-security-suites
 Device Driver

 A device driver is a small piece of software that tells the

operating system and other software how to
communicate with a piece of hardware.
 For example, printer drivers tell the operating system,
and by extension whatever program you have the thing
you want to print open in, exactly how to print
information on the page
 Sound card drivers are necessary so your operating
system knows exactly how to translate the 1s and 0s that
comprise that MP3 file into audio signals that the sound
card can output to your headphones or speakers.
 The same general idea applies to video cards, keyboards,
monitors, mice, disc drives, etc.
 Device Driver

 What is the main function of device drivers?

 The main purpose of device drivers is to provide abstraction by
acting as a translator between a hardware device and the
applications or operating systems that use it.

 How do device drivers work?

 Kernel is the part of the operating system that directly
interacts with the physical structure of the system. Instead of
accessing a device directly, an operating system loads the
device drivers and calls the specific functions in the driver
software in order to execute specific tasks on the device.
 Device Driver

 If the appropriate driver is not installed, the device

may not function properly, if at all.
 For Microsoft Windows users, a driver conflict or an
error can be seen in the Device Manager. If problems
or conflicts are encountered with a driver, the
computer manufacturer or hardware manufacturer
will release a driver update to fix the problems.
 Summary

 This topic defined an operating system and then

discussed the functions common to most operating
systems.
 The chapter discussed a variety of desktop and
mobile operating systems and network operating
systems
 Next, it introduced several utility programs
commonly found in operating systems.
 Finally, we have discuss about device driver