System Software: Operating Systems and Utility Programs

Chapter 5
System Software: Operating Systems

and Utility Programs
Deborah Morley/Charles S. Parker, Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Comprehensive, 16 th Edition. © 2017 Cengage. All
Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Learning Objectives (1 of 2)
• Understand the difference between system software and application software.

• Explain the different functions of an operating system and discuss some ways
that operating systems enhance processing efficiency.
• List several ways in which operating systems differ from one another.
Deborah Morley/Charles S. Parker, Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Comprehensive, 16 th Edition. © 2017 Cengage. All Rights
Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Learning Objectives (2 of 2)
• Name today’s most widely used operating systems for smartphones and other
mobile devices.
• Discuss the operating systems used with mainframes and supercomputers.
• Discuss the role of utility programs and outline several tasks that these
programs perform.
• Describe what the operating systems of the future might be like.
Overview
• This chapter covers:

• Differences between system software and application software
• Functions of and general differences between operating systems
• Specific operating systems most widely used today
• Various types of utility programs
• A look at future of operating systems
System Software versus Application Software
• System software refers to the operating system and utility programs that
control a computer system and allow you to use that system
• Enables the boot process, launches applications, transfers files, controls
hardware configuration, manages files on the hard drive, and protects from
unauthorized use
• Application software refers to programs that allow a user to perform
specific tasks on a computer
• Word processing, playing games, browsing the Web, listening to music, etc.
The Operating System
• A computer’s operating system FIGURE 5-1: The intermediary role of the

is a collection of programs that operating system.
manage and coordinate the
activities taking place within a
computer
• Acts as an intermediary between
the user and the computer and
between the application
programs and system hardware
Functions of an Operating System: Interfacing with
Users and Booting the PC
• Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)
• Booting the computer
• Loads the essential part of operating system (kernel) into memory
• Reads opening batch of instructions
• Determines the hardware connected to computer
• Startup programs are launched automatically
• Windows users can control via the Task Manager
• Other instructions are stored in the Windows registry
Windows Task Manager
FIGURE 5-2: Windows

Task Manager. Shows all
running programs and
processes and allows you
to specify startup
programs.
Configuring Devices
• Configuring devices so they operate properly

• Device drivers communicate with peripheral devices
• Most operating systems look for and recognize new devices each time the
computer boots
• Device drivers can be updated and reinstalled as needed
FIGURE 5-3: Finding

new hardware. Most
operating systems are
designed to detect new
hardware and to try to
configure it automatically.
Managing Networking Connections
• Managing network connections

• Manages wired connections to home or office network
• Manages wireless connections at home, school, work, or on the go
• Can troubleshoot and repair networking connections when needed
FIGURE 5-4: Network

connections. Most
operating systems can
repair network
connections when
needed.
Managing Resources, Files, and Security
• Managing and monitoring resources and jobs

• Makes resources available to devices and programs
• Monitors for problems and tries to correct any that arise
• Schedules jobs to be carried out
• File management - Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be
retrieved when needed
• Path shows folders from root to desired item
• File extensions indicate type of file
• Security - Uses passwords, biometric characteristics and other security
procedures to limit access to system resources
Hard Drive Organization and File Extensions
FIGURE 5-5: A sample hard FIGURE 5-6: Common file extensions.

drive organization.
Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency:
Multitasking and Multithreading
• Multitasking refers to the ability of an operating system to have more than
one program (task) open at one time
• CPU rotates between tasks
• Switching is done quickly
• Appears as though all programs are executing at the same time
• Multithreading enables the computer to rotate between multiple threads so
that processing is completed faster and more efficiently
• A thread is a sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of
other thread
• In either case, tasks are performed sequentially
Multiprocessing and Parallel Processing
• Both involve using two or more CPUs or CPU cores in one computer to
perform work more efficiently
• Multiprocessing: Each CPU or core typically works on a different job
• Used with computers and devices that have multi-core CPUs and/or multiple CPUs
• Parallel processing: The CPUs or cores typically work together to complete one
job more quickly
• Used most often with supercomputers
• In either case, tasks are performed simultaneously
Sequential versus Simultaneous Processing
FIGURE 5-7: Sequential versus simultaneous processing.
Memory Management
• Memory management optimizes the use of main memory (RAM)

• Helps speed up processing
• Virtual memory is a memory-management technique that uses hard drive
space as additional RAM
FIGURE 5-8: How virtual

memory works.
Buffering and Spooling
• A buffer is an area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that
is waiting to be used by the computer
• Buffering or spooling places items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by
the appropriate device when needed
FIGURE 5-9: A print

queue.
Graphical versus Command Line Interface
• A graphical user interface FIGURE 5-10:

(GUI) has icons, buttons, Graphical
and other objects that the user versus
user selects to issue command line
commands interfaces.
• Used by most operating
systems
• A command line interface
requires the user to input
text-based commands using
the keyboard
Categories of Operating Systems
• Personal (desktop) operating systems are designed to be installed on a

single computer
• Server (network) operating systems are designed to be installed on a
network server
• Client computers still use a personal operating system
• Server operating system controls access to network resources
• Mobile operating systems are used with smartphones and other mobile
devices
• Embedded operating systems are built into devices (cars, kiosks,
consumer electronics, etc.
Example of How Network Operating Systems
Work
FIGURE 5-11: How network operating systems work.
Types of Processors Supported and Support for
New Technologies
• Most operating systems are designed for a specific type of processor
• Desktop, mobile, or server processors
• 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
• Operating systems must respond to new technologies or trends
• New CPU characteristic or new type of bus
• Virtualization
• Mobility and wearables
• Security concerns
• Power-consumption concerns
• Touch and gesture input
• The move to cloud software
Trend
Amazon Echo
• A voice-controlled assistant
(Alexa)
• Connects to the Internet and
devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Designed to understand spoken
commands and provide the
requested information: Music,
news, traffic, weather, Internet
information, and more Source: Amazon.com, Inc.
• If This Then That (IFTTT) Amazon Echo

capabilities
Quick Quiz 1
1. Which processing technique allows a computer to work with more than one
program at a time?
a. interfacing
b. Buffering
c. multitasking
2. True or False: Most operating systems today use a command line
interface.
3. __________ is the task included with operating systems that allows to you
keep track of the files stored on a computer.
Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) File management
Operating Systems for Personal Computers and
Servers: DOS
• DOS (Disk Operating System)
• DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
• Dominant operating system in the 1980s and early 1990s
• PC-DOS
• Created originally for IBM microcomputers
• MS-DOS
• Created for use with IBM-compatible computers
• Can enter DOS commands in Windows using the Command Prompt
Example of Entering DOS Commands via the
Command Prompt
FIGURE 5-12: DOS. Even
though DOS has become
technologically obsolete,
Windows users can still
issue DOS commands via
the command prompt.
Windows
• Windows is the predominant personal operating system developed by

Microsoft Corporation
• History
• Windows 1.0 released in 1985
• Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating environments for D OS
• Windows after 3.11 were full-fledged operating systems
• Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME
• Designed for personal computers
• Windows NT (New Technology) and Windows 2000
• Designed for high-end workstations and servers
More Recent Versions of Windows
• Windows XP
• Support for new hardware, networking, and the Internet
• Windows Vista
• Introduced the Aero interface and Sidebar feature
• Windows 7
• Required less memory and processing power; designed to run well on netbooks and tablets
• Windows 8
• Designed to be used with a wide range of device Supports multi-touch input
• Includes Start screen, tiles, and charms bar
• There are also server versions of these operating systems (Windows Server and
Windows Home Server)
Windows 8
FIGURE 5-13: Windows 8.
Windows 10
• Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows

• Is a universal operating system that will run on any device
• Replaces all previous versions of Windows
• Looks and feel are consistent
• Experience is optimized to match the device being used
• Looks similar to Windows 8 but has new features
• The Start menu contains a menu and tiles
• Apps run in resizable windows
• Task View allows personalized, virtual desktops
• Edge Web browser
• Cortana virtual assistant
Windows 10 Desktop
FIGURE 5-14: Windows 10.
OS X
• OS X is the proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple

Corporation
• Designates a unique name for each version
• OS X El Capitan, OS X Yosemite, etc.
• Based on the UNIX operating system
• Originally set the standard for graphical user interfaces
• High level of multimedia functions and connectivity
• Includes the Safari Web browser and a Dock
• Recent features are the Notification Center and Continuity feature
• Continue work from one device to another and sync all your Apple devices via iCloud
• OS X Server is the server version of OS X
OS X Yosemite
FIGURE 5-15: OS X Yosemite.
Source: Apple, Inc.
UNIX
• UNIX is an operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange

servers
• Multiuser, multitasking operating system
• More expensive, requires high level of technical knowledge; harder to install,
maintain, and upgrade
• “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX operating system, now refers to a
group of similar operating systems based on UNIX
• Many UNIX flavors are not compatible with each other
• Single UNIX Specification is a standardized UNIX programming environment
Linux
• Linux resembles UNIX but was developed independently by Linus Torvalds

in 1991
• Open-source software; has been collaboratively modified by volunteer
programmers all over the world
• Originally used a command line interface, most recent versions use a GUI
• Strong support from mainstream companies, such as IBM, NVIDIA, HP, Dell, and
Novell
• Reasons to switch to Linux
• Cost
• More control over the computer
• Faster
Linux Desktop
FIGURE 5-16: Linux. This

version is Ubuntu, one of
the most widely-used
Linux operating systems.
Source: Canonical Ltd.

Chrome OS
• Chrome OS is the first cloud operating system

• Is essentially the Chrome Web browser redesigned to run a computer
• Replaces traditional desktop operating systems
• Designed for devices that are used entirely online
• Currently only available preinstalled on Chrome devices
• Chromebooks
Quick Quiz 2
1. What is the most recent personal version of Windows?

a. Windows 10
b. Windows 8
c. Windows XP
2. True or False: Linux is an open source operating system available for free
via the Internet.
3. The operating system most commonly used on Apple personal computers
today is __________.
Answers:
1) a; 2) True; 3) OS X
Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
• Notebook and other portable personal computers typically use the same
operating systems as desktop computers
• Mobile devices typically use a mobile operating system
• Mobile version of a personal operating system (Windows or Linux)
• Special operating system designed for mobile devices (Android or Apple iOS)
• Embedded operating systems used with everyday objects
• Users should consider the operating system when selecting a smartphone,
tablet, or other mobile device
Technology and You
Smart Cars
• Self-driving systems and self-parking
systems
• Lane departure, drowsiness, and blind
spot detection systems
• Adaptive cruise control and distance
alert systems
• Windshield displays
• Collision warnings and auto brakes Source: BMW Group
• Keyless entry/ignition systems This mobile app controls a smart

• Distraction-prevention systems car’s self-parking system.
• Safe use of gadgets is a concern
Windows 10 Mobile
• Windows 10 Mobile
• Uses the same kernel, user interface, and other features as desktop installations
• Continuum feature allows Windows to provide the most appropriate interface for
the device being used
• Keyboard and mouse input versus touch input
• Enables some smartphones to function as a PC
• Replaces older mobile and embedded versions of Windows (Windows Phone 8,
Windows RT, etc.)
Windows 10 Mobile on a Smartphone versus
Windows 10 on a PC
FIGURE 5-17: Windows 10 has a universal appearance.
Android
• Android is a Linux-based operating system created with current mobile

device capabilities in mind
• Developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance
• Open platform but must adhere to specifications to call a device “Android
compatible”
• Current version is Android 6.0, known as Marshmallow
• Supports multi-touch input and has a variety of built-in Google apps
• Google Now and Google on Tap
• Android Device Manager
• Android Pay
• Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto
Examples of Android Devices
FIGURE 5-18: Android is

used with a variety of
devices.
iOS
• iOS is designed for Apple mobile devices

• Supports multi-touch input
• Current version is iOS 9
• Safari Web browser
• Siri virtual assistant
• Facetime video calling
• Touch ID and Apple Pay
• Find My iPhone
• Support for Apple Watch
• watchOS (Apple Watch) and tvOS (Apple TV)
Examples of iOS Devices
FIGURE 5-19: iOS
Source: Apple, Inc.

BlackBerry OS and Mobile Linux
• BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry PlayBook OS

• Designed for BlackBerry devices
• Additional Linux-based mobile operating systems besides Android and iOS
• Ubuntu
• webOS
• Firefox OS
• Tizen
Inside the Industry
Drones
• An unmanned aircraft
• Usually remote-controlled
• Look like small airplanes or
multi-rotor helicopter
• Commonly used for aerial filming
• Use is skyrocketing; FAA
regulates drone use
Source: Airwave
• Amazon is currently testing a Drone assisting in a search and
drone-based delivery system rescue operation.
Operating Systems for Larger Computers
• Larger computers sometimes use operating systems designed solely for that
type of system
• IBM’s z/OS is designed for IBM mainframes
• Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with servers and mainframes
• Linux is also used with supercomputers
• Mainframes and supercomputers may also use a customized version of
UNIX or another conventional operating system
Utility Programs
• A utility program performs a FIGURE 5-20: Utility suites contain a

specific task, usually related number of related programs.
to managing or maintaining
the computer system
• Many utilities are built into
operating systems (for
finding files, viewing images,
backing up files, etc.)
• Utilities are also available as
stand-alone products
and as suites
Source: Norton by Symantec

File Management Programs
• File management programs enable the user to perform file management

tasks
• Looking at the folders and files stored on a computer or device
• Copying and moving files and folders
• Copy or cut to the Clipboard, and then paste
• Renaming files and folders
• Deleting files and folders
• Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin and can be restored until the Recycle Bin is
emptied
• Current versions of Windows include File Explorer
Example of Using File Explorer To Look at Files
FIGURE 5-21: Using File Explorer to look at the files stored on a computer.
Example of Using File Explorer to Copy Files
FIGURE 5-22: Using File Explorer to copy files.
Search Tools
• Search tools are designed to FIGURE 5-23: Using the taskbar

search for documents and other search box in Windows 10.
files on the user’s hard drive
• Can specify search criteria
• Can search in File Explorer
• Can search via the Windows 10
taskbar search box
Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
• Diagnostic programs evaluate FIGURE 5-24: Windows disk tools.

your system and make
recommendations for fixing any
errors found
• Disk management programs
diagnose and repair problems
related to your hard drive
• Check hard drive for errors
• Disk defragmentation
How It Works
Sending to the Cloud

• How to add locations
to the Send To menu
Uninstall and Cleanup Utilities
• Uninstall utilities remove programs from your hard drive without leaving bits
and pieces behind
• Important to properly uninstall programs, not just delete them
• Built into operating systems and included with some programs
• Cleanup utilities delete temporary files
• Recycle Bin, temporary Internet and installation files, etc.
• Windows Disk Cleanup
• Registry cleaners delete unnecessary items in the Windows registry
File Compression Programs
• File compression programs FIGURE 5-25: File compression.

reduce the size of files to Reduces the size of the files so they can
optimize storage space and be more efficiently stored or transmitted.
transmission time
• Both zip and unzip files
• Built into recent versions of
Windows
• WinZip Stuffit
Backup and Recovery Utilities
• Creating a backup means making a duplicate copy of important files so they

can be restored if needed
• Can backup an entire computer or just certain files
• Can be stored on a recordable or rewritable DVD disc, a USB flash drive, an
external hard drive, or in the cloud
• Backup media should be secured
• Backup and recovery utilities make the backup and restoration process
easier
• Regular backup procedures are critical for businesses
• Individuals should back up any important data and important files before they
are modified
Example of Using a Backup Program
FIGURE 5-26: Using a backup program.
Source: Norton by Symantec

Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewalls, and Other
Security Programs
• Security concerns
• Viruses, spyware, identity theft, phishing schemes
• Security programs protect computers and users and it is essential that all
computer users protect themselves and their computers
• Antivirus, antispyware, and firewall programs
• Operating systems are including security software integrated into the operating
system
• Windows Defender, Windows SmartScreen, and Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall Program
FIGURE 5-27: The

Windows Firewall
program.
The Future of Operating Systems
• Will likely be:

• More user-friendly
• Driven primarily by a voice interface, touch, and/or gesture interface
• More stable and self-healing
• Responsive to new security and technological improvements
• Continuing to improve synchronizing and coordinating data and activities among
a person’s various computing and communicating devices
• Used primarily to access software available through the Internet or other
networks
Quick Quiz 3
1. Which type of utility program is used to make a file smaller for transfer over
the Internet?
a. uninstall program
b. antivirus program
c. file compression program
2. True or False: A file management program can be used to see the files
located on a storage medium.
3. A(n) __________ is a duplicate copy of one or more files that can be used
if there is a problem with the original file(s).
Answers:
1) c; 2) True; 3) backup
Summary
• System Software versus Application Software

• The Operating System
• Operating Systems for Personal Computers and Servers
• Operating Systems for Mobile Phones and Other Devices
• Operating Systems for Larger Computers
• Utility Programs
• The Future of Operating Systems

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Chapter 5

System Software: Operating Systems

• Understand the difference between system software and application software.

• This chapter covers:

• A computer’s operating system FIGURE 5-1: The intermediary role of the

FIGURE 5-2: Windows

• Configuring devices so they operate properly

FIGURE 5-3: Finding

• Managing network connections

FIGURE 5-4: Network

• Managing and monitoring resources and jobs

FIGURE 5-5: A sample hard FIGURE 5-6: Common file extensions.

FIGURE 5-7: Sequential versus simultaneous processing.

• Memory management optimizes the use of main memory (RAM)

FIGURE 5-8: How virtual

FIGURE 5-9: A print

• A graphical user interface FIGURE 5-10:

• Personal (desktop) operating systems are designed to be installed on a

• If This Then That (IFTTT) Amazon Echo

• Windows is the predominant personal operating system developed by

FIGURE 5-13: Windows 8.

• Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows

FIGURE 5-14: Windows 10.

• OS X is the proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple

FIGURE 5-15: OS X Yosemite.

Source: Apple, Inc.

• UNIX is an operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange

• Linux resembles UNIX but was developed independently by Linus Torvalds

FIGURE 5-16: Linux. This

Source: Canonical Ltd.

• Chrome OS is the first cloud operating system

1. What is the most recent personal version of Windows?

• Keyless entry/ignition systems This mobile app controls a smart

• Safe use of gadgets is a concern

• Android is a Linux-based operating system created with current mobile

FIGURE 5-18: Android is

• iOS is designed for Apple mobile devices

FIGURE 5-19: iOS

Source: Apple, Inc.

• BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry PlayBook OS

• A utility program performs a FIGURE 5-20: Utility suites contain a

Source: Norton by Symantec

• File management programs enable the user to perform file management

FIGURE 5-22: Using File Explorer to copy files.

• Search tools are designed to FIGURE 5-23: Using the taskbar

• Diagnostic programs evaluate FIGURE 5-24: Windows disk tools.

Sending to the Cloud

• File compression programs FIGURE 5-25: File compression.

• Creating a backup means making a duplicate copy of important files so they

FIGURE 5-26: Using a backup program.

Source: Norton by Symantec

FIGURE 5-27: The

• Will likely be:

• System Software versus Application Software

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