Software

Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A

There are two types of software −

 System Software
 Application Software
System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the
computer manufacturers. These software products comprise of programs written in low-level
languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as
the interface between the hardware and the end users.

Some examples of system software are Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter,

Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need of a particular
environment. All software applications prepared in the computer lab can come under the
category of Application software.

Application software may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's notepad for
writing and editing a simple text. It may also consist of a collection of programs, often
called a software package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet
package.
Operating system

An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the
computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
 Functions of OS
 Memory Management
 Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory.

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.

 Processor Management
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when
and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System
does the following activities for processor management −

 Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task
is known as traffic controller.

 Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.

 De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.

 Device Management
An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does
the following activities for device management −

 Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O
controller.

 Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.

 Allocates the device in the efficient way.

 De-allocates devices.

 File Management
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These
directories may contain files and other directions.

An Operating System does the following activities for file management −

 Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities are
often known as file system.

 Decides who gets the resources.

 Allocates the resources.

 De-allocates the resources.

Single user and single task OS

It is for use by a single user for a stand alone single computer for performing a single task.

Example: OS for personal use

If the user is editing a document , then a document cannot be printed on the printer
simultaneously . single user OS are simple OS designed to manage one task at a time.
Example: MS DOS

Single user and multi tasking

It allows execution of more than one task or process concurrently. For this, the processor time
is divided amongst different tasks. This division of time is also called time sharing. The
processor switches rapidly between processes. For example , the user can listen to music on
the computer while writing an article using a word processor software. The user can switch
between the applications and also transfer data between them.

Example windows 95 and all later versions of Windows 95

Multiuser OS
It is used in computer networks that allow same data and applications to be accessed by
multiple users at the same time. The users can also communicate with each other. Example:
Linux, UNIX, Windows 7

Multiprocessing OS

It has two or more processors for a single running process. Processing takes place in parallel
and is also called parallel processing. Each processor works on different parts of the same
task , or, on two or more different tasks. Since execution takes place in parallel , they are used
for high speed execution , and so to increase the power of computer.

Example: Linux, UNIX and Windows 7

Real time OS

These are designed to respond to an event within a predetermined time. These OS s are used
to control processes. Processing is done within a time constraint. OS monitors the events that
affect the execution of process and respond accordingly. They are used to respond to queries
in areas like medical image system, industrial control system etc

Example :Linux OS

Embedded OS

It is embedded in a device in the ROM. They are specific to a device and are less resource
intensive. They are used in appliances like microwaves, washing machines , traffic control
systems etc