CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

SYSTEM SOFTWARE: OPERATING

SYSTEMS AND UTILITY PROGRAMS
Chapter 5

Dr. Syed Abdul Mannan Kirmani

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 16th Edition

 System Software vs. Application Software

• System Software
• The operating system and utility programs that control a
computer system and allow you to use your computer
• Enables the boot process, launches applications, transfers files,
controls hardware configuration, manages files on the hard
drive, and protects from unauthorized use
• Application Software
• Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a
computer
• Word processing, playing games, browsing the Web, listening to
music, etc.

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 The Operating System

• Operating System
• The main component of system software that enables a computer
to:
• Operate and manage its activities and the resources under its
control
• Run application programs
• Interface with the user
• Acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer and
between the application programs and system hardware

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 The Operating System

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Functions of an Operating System

• Interfacing with Users (typically via a GUI)

• Booting the Computer
• Loads essential part of operating system (kernel) into memory
• Reads opening batch of instructions
• Determines hardware connected to computer
• Configuring Devices
• Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if needed
• Plug and Play devices are recognized automatically

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Functions of an Operating System

• Managing Network Connections

• Manages wired connections to home or office network
• Manages wireless connections at home, school, work, or on the
go
• Managing and Monitoring Resources and Jobs
• Makes resources available to devices and programs
• Monitors for problems and attempts to correct those that arise
• Schedules jobs
• Jobs to be printed
• Files to be retrieved from hard drive

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Functions of an Operating System

• File Management
• Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be retrieved
when needed
• Files usually viewed in a hierarchical format
• Security
• Passwords
• Biometric characteristics
• Firewalls

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Functions of an Operating System

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

• Multitasking
• The capability of an operating system to run more than one
program (also called a task) at one time
• CPU rotates between tasks
• Switching is done quickly
• Appears as though all programs executing at the same time

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

• Multithreading
• The ability to rotate between multiple threads so that processing
is completed faster and more efficiently
• Thread
• Sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of
other threads
• Multiprocessing and Parallel Processing
• Multiple processors (or multiple cores) are used in one computer
system to perform work more efficiently
• Tasks are performed simultaneously

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

• Memory Management
• Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
• Virtual memory
• Memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as
additional RAM

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency

• Buffer
• Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is
waiting to be used by the computer
• Buffering or Spooling
• Process of placing items in a buffer so the appropriate device can
retrieve them when needed
• also called spooling, particularly when used in conjunction with
a printer

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Differences Among Operating Systems

• Command Line Interface

• Require users to input commands using the keyboard
• Graphical User Interface
• Graphics based interface
• Used by most operating systems

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Differences Among Operating Systems

• Categories of Operating Systems

• Personal (Desktop) Operating Systems
• Designed to be installed on a single personal computer
• Server (Network) Operating Systems
• Designed to be installed on a network server
• Server operating system controls access to network resources
• Mobile Operating System
• Designed to be used with smartphones and other mobile devices
• Embedded Operating System
• Designed to be used with embedded devices such as cars and
consumer electronic devices

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following processing techniques allows a

computer to work with more than one program at a time?
a) Parallel processing
b) Virtual memory
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 PC.
Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) File management

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Operating Systems for Personal Computers
and Servers
• The operating systems mostly used with personal computers
and servers are:
• Disk Operating System (DOS)
• Windows
• OS X
• Unix
• Linux
• Chrome OS

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 DOS (Disk Operating System)

• 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 via “Command Prompt”

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Disk Operating System (DOS)

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

• Windows
• The dominant personal operating system developed by Microsoft
Corporation
• Windows 1.0 released in 1985
• Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating environments
for DOS
• Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME (Millennium
Edition)

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

• Windows NT (New Technology)

• First 32-bit version of Windows designed for high-end
workstations and servers
• Replaced by Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Replaced both Windows 2000 and Windows Me
• Windows Vista
• Replaced Windows XP
• Introduced the Aero interface and Sidebar feature

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

• Windows 7
• Released in late 2009
• Home Premium (primary version for home users)
• Professional (primary version for businesses)
• Windows 8
• Designed to be used with smartphones, desktop computers, with
or without a keyboard or mouse
• Supports multi-touch input
• Includes Start screen and tiles

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

• Windows 10
• Replaces all previous versions of Windows
• Universal operating system
• Designed to run on any device from smartphone to tablets to
personal computers to servers
• Windows 11
• Latest version
• Released in 2021
• Designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Windows

• Windows Server
• The version of Windows designed for server use
• Windows Server 2022 is the latest version
• Delivers advanced multi-layer security and hybrid capabilities
with Microsoft Azure (Cloud Computing Services)

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 macOS

• macOS
• Proprietary operating system for Mac computers
• The Mac (called Macintosh until 1999) is a family of personal
computers designed and built by Apple Corporation
• Based on the UNIX operating system
• Originally set the standard for graphical user interfaces
• macOS 13 Ventura
• Latest version released in October 2022

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 macOS

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 UNIX

• UNIX
• An operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange
servers and mainframes
• Requires high level of technical knowledge; harder to install,
maintain, and upgrade
• Many variations of this operating system are in use today

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Linux

• Linux
• Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991
• An open-source operating system that is available without
charge over the Internet and is increasingly being used with
mobile devices, personal computers, servers, mainframes, and
supercomputers.
• Has been collaboratively modified by volunteer programmers
all over the world
• Originally used a command line interface, most recent versions
use a GUI
• Individuals and organizations are switching to Linux and other
open-source software because of cost

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Linux

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Chrome OS

• Chrome OS
• The first cloud operating system
• Essentially is the Chrome Web browser redesigned to run a
computer, in addition to accessing Web resources
• Replaces traditional desktop operating systems
• Is currently only available preinstalled on Chrome devices

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following is the most recent personal version of

Windows?
a) Windows 11
b) Windows Ventura
c) Windows XP
2. True or False: Linux is an open-source operating system
available for free via the Internet.
3. The operating system commonly used on Apple personal
computers is __________.

Answers:
1) a; 2) True; 3) Mac OS
CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023
 Operating Systems for Mobile Devices

• Android
• A Linux-based operating system designed for mobile
devices
• Developed by the Open Handset Alliance, which is a group
of companies led by Google.
• Current version is Android 13
• iOS
• The operating system designed for Apple mobile devices, such
as the iPhone
• Current versions is iOS 16

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Android

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 iOS

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Operating Systems for Smart Watches

• Wear OS
• Also known simply as Wear and formerly Android Wear
• A version of Google's Android operating system designed for
smartwatches and other wearables
• watch OS 9
• OS for Apple Watch

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Operating Systems for Smart TVs

• Tizen
• Linux-based mobile operating system backed by the Linux
Foundation, mainly developed and used primarily by Samsung
Electronics
• Tizen is mainly developed for Samsung Smart TV
• tvOS
• OS for Apple TV

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 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,
mainframes, and supercomputers
• Larger computers may also use a customized operating system
based on a conventional operating system

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• Utility Program
• Software that performs a specific task,
usually related 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

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 File Management Programs

• File Management Programs

• Enable the user to perform file management tasks, such as:
• Looking at the contents of a storage medium
• Copying, moving, and renaming files and folders
• Deleting files and folders
• File management program in Windows is File Explorer
• To copy or move files, use the Home tab to copy (or cut) and then
paste
• To delete files, use the Delete key on the keyboard or the Home tab

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 File Management Programs

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• Search Tools
• Designed to search for documents and other files on the user’s
hard drive
• Windows 10 has Search box in the Taskbar to search for files and
apps
• Are often integrated into file management programs
• Third-party search tools are also available
• Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
• Diagnostic programs evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
• Disk management programs diagnose and repair problems
related to your hard drive

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• 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
• Cleanup utilities delete temporary files
• Files still in Recycle Bin
• Temporary Internet files
• Temporary installation files

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• File Compression Programs

• Reduce the size of files to optimize storage space and
transmission time
• Both zip and unzip files
• WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)
• Backup and Recovery Utilities
• Make the backup and restoration process easier
• Creating a backup means making a duplicate copy of important
files
• Can use a recordable or rewritable CD or DVD disc, a USB flash
drive, an external hard drive or cloud storage

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• Good backup procedures are critical for everyone

• Individuals should back up important documents, e-mail, photos,
home video, etc.
• Performing a backup can include backing up an entire computer
(so it can be restored at a later date)
• Can do the backup manually or use backup utility programs
(stand alone or those built into operating systems)
• Can also backup individual files

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Utility Programs

• Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewalls, and Other Security

Programs
• Security Concerns
• Viruses, spyware, identity theft, phishing schemes
• Security programs that protect computers include:
• Antivirus programs
• Antispyware programs
• Firewalls
• Many security programs are included in Windows and other
operating systems

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023

 Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following is the type of utility program 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 files.
Answers:
1) c; 2) True; 3) backup

CSC101 – Introduction to Computing Spring 2023