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Unit 3. Software

Applications software runs on top of an operating system, which acts as an interface between applications and hardware. The supervisor program is the most important part of the operating system, as it remains resident in memory to manage system resources and load non-resident programs as needed. Operating systems perform three main functions: managing computer resources like the CPU and memory, establishing a user interface, and executing and providing services for applications software.

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60 views2 pages

Unit 3. Software

Applications software runs on top of an operating system, which acts as an interface between applications and hardware. The supervisor program is the most important part of the operating system, as it remains resident in memory to manage system resources and load non-resident programs as needed. Operating systems perform three main functions: managing computer resources like the CPU and memory, establishing a user interface, and executing and providing services for applications software.

Uploaded by

Ethan Goober
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 3. Software.

3.1. Read and translate the text and answer these questions:

1. What difference is there between applications software and operating systems?


2. Why is the supervisor program the most important operating system program?
3. What is the difference between resident and non-resident programs?
4. What are the main functions of an operating system?

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

The user is aware of the effects of different applications programs


____________ operating systems are invisible to most users. They lie between
applications programs, ___________ word-processing, and the hardware. The
supervisor program is the most important. It remains in memory, ________ it is
referred to as resident. Others are called non-resident _______ they are loaded into
memory only when needed. Operating systems manage the computer‘s resources,
_______ the central processing unit. _________, they establish a user interface, and
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execute and provide services for application software. _________ input and output
operations are invoked by applications programs, they are carried out by the
operating system.

3.3. Answer these questions:

1. Why do people prefer one operating system over another?


2. How might one operating system benefit a company more than another?

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