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4 1 Software

The document outlines the two main types of software: system software, which controls and operates computer hardware, and application software, which performs specific user tasks. It explains the role and functions of operating systems, including managing files, handling interrupts, and providing system security. Additionally, it discusses interrupts, their types, and the function of BIOS in loading the operating system during startup.

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7 views3 pages

4 1 Software

The document outlines the two main types of software: system software, which controls and operates computer hardware, and application software, which performs specific user tasks. It explains the role and functions of operating systems, including managing files, handling interrupts, and providing system security. Additionally, it discusses interrupts, their types, and the function of BIOS in loading the operating system during startup.

Uploaded by

srmediagmp
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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4 Software

Types of software

System software
System software is a collection of some complex programs which are assigned to control and
operate the computer system. This is usually provided by the manufacturer to control the
hardware devices.
Application software
Application software allows to do specific tasks such as writing letters, doing calculation with
numbers, managing data in a database and playing games.

The difference between system software and application software

 System software provides the services that the computer requires, including operating system,
language translator and utility software

 Application software provides the services that the user requires. Application software runs directly
on the operating system.

Operating system
A system software that controls the activities of the computer. It acts as an interface between user
and hardware. It also manages hardware and software. The operating system is run directly on
the firmware.
Role of an operating system?
The hardware is unusable without an operating system. It gives an environment to run
application software and other programs.
Functions of an operating system
Managing files - organise files and folders (directory structure), perform specific tasks such as creating,
opening, closing, deleting, renaming, copying

Handling interrupts – identify the priorities of an interrupt and load the appropriate interrupt handler.
(Interrupt service routine -ISR)

Providing an interface - allows the user to communicate with the computer by providing a command line
or graphical user interface

Managing peripherals and drivers - transfer data between peripheral devices. Allows to open, close and
write to peripheral devices

Managing memory - allocate memory for programs and data and free it for re use when no longer
needed

Managing multitasking - allows computers to carry out more than one task (i.e. a process) at a time.

Providing a platform for running applications – allows to run applications smoothly

Providing system security - protect against unauthorized access, malicious access to system memory,
viruses, worms etc
Managing user accounts - ; the user needs a user name and password to enter the user’s area

Running of applications

 Applications are run on the operating system and will need to access system software such as
the device drivers while it is running.
 The operating system is run on the firmware
 The bootloader (firmware) is run on the hardware

What is meant by a BIOS and state its function. What is the task of a BIOS when a computer is first
powered up?

Firmware program that provides low level control. When a computer starts up, OS is loaded into RAM
by bootstrap loader

Bootloader is a computer program that places the operating system (OS) of a computer into
memory
Utility programs offered by most computer system software include:
» virus checkers (anti-virus software)
» defragmentation software
» disk contents analysis and repair
» file compression and file management
» back-up software
» security
» screensavers.

Interrupt
An interrupt is a signal from a peripheral device or a program to the processor asking for some
service or attention.
Interrupt handler
It is a software to service an interrupt when an interrupt is received by the processor. Interrupt
handler also known as Interrupt service routine. (ISR)
Applications of interrupt

Software interrupts include


 Division by zero
 Two processes trying to access the same memory location

Hardware interrupts include


 Pressing a key on the keyboard and moving the mouse
 A printer may sent an interrupt to ask for more data or when the printer out of papers

Peripheral device
A piece of hardware that connects to a computer. Eg: mouse, keyboard, printer
What happens when processor receives an interrupt? (Refer 4.13 from text book)
• If low priority interrupt receives, the processor continues what is currently doing and the
interrupt will be serviced later.
• If high priority interrupt receives, the processor stops what it is currently doing and it will
be serviced immediately by saving the status of the current task.
• Interrupt handler service the interrupt
• After servicing the interrupt, restore the task it was doing and continues.

Software interrupts include division by zero and two processes trying to access the same memory
location

Hardware interrupts include pressing a key on the keyboard and moving the mouse

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