Unit 3. Software
Unit 3. Software
3.1. Read and translate the text and answer these questions:
When a brand new computer comes off the factory assembly line, it can do
nothing. The hardware needs software to make it work. Are we talking about
applications software such as word processing or spreadsheet software? Partly. But
an application software package does not communicate directly with the hardware.
Between the applications software and the hardware is a software interface – an
operating system.
The most important program in the operating system, the program that
manages the operating system, is the supervisor program, most of which remains in
memory and is thus referred to as resident. The supervisor controls the entire
operating system and loads into memory other operating system programs (called
nonresident) from disk storage only as needed.
An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer's
resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers, (2)
establish a user interface, and 3) execute and provide services for applications
software. Keep in mind, however, that much of the work of an operating system is
hidden from the user. In particular, the first listed function, managing the computer's
resources, is taken care of without the user being aware of the details. Furthermore,
all input and output operations, although invoked by an applications program, are
actually carried out by the operating system.
3.2. Complete the gaps in this summary of the text on operating systems using
these linking words and phrases:
although in addition
because such as
but therefore