College of Computing and Informatics

CS001: Computer Essentials

Computer Essentials

Module 4

Computer Software-Part-I
 1. Computer Software
2. System Software
3. Operating Systems (OS)
4. Utility Software

Contents
 WLOC1: Identify types of Software.
WLOC2: Identify types of System Software.

Weekly
Learning
Outcomes
 Required Reading
1. Chapter 1 - (Introduction to Computers and Information
Technology: Preparing for IC3 Certification)

Recommended Reading
1. Chapter 7 - Essential for Computing Studies, Profession And
Entrance Examinations
2. Link1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC1b7oiGQg8

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• Computer Software
 Computer Software

Software also known as a program consists of a set of

related instructions that tell the machine what tasks to
perform and how to perform them, structured for a
common purpose. It plays an important role in the
computer system by creating a connection between
computer hardware and computer users.

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 Computer Software
Computer software refers to a collection of data or instructions that instruct a computer on how to

work. It stands in contrast to physical hardware, on which the system runs. Software includes the

programs, libraries, and related non-executable data (such as documentation, digital media, etc.).

Software can be categorized into two main types:

1. System Software.

2. Application Software.

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 • System Software

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 System Software
This software designed to provide a platform for other

software. System software consists of the operating system

(OS) and utility programs.

• Operating system: The OS is the most important piece

of system software. It is responsible for managing the

computer's hardware and resources.

• Utility programs: Utility programs are smaller software

programs that perform specific tasks, such as managing

files, optimizing system performance.

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 • Operating System

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 Operating Systems (OS)
An Operating System (OS) is the most essential software that manages computer hardware and provides

services for computer programs. The operating system serves as an intermediary between users and the

computer hardware.
Functions of an OS:
• Process Management: The OS handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes. A
process is a program in execution, and activities such as keeping track of processor.
• Memory Management: It manages the physical and virtual memory in the system. This includes
management of RAM and cache memory.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
• File System Management: The OS manages files on different storage devices (like hard

drives, SSDs), overseeing the reading/writing and creation/deletion of these files. It also

maintains basic file attributes like naming, permissions, hierarchy of directories, etc.

• An operating system (OS) often uses a hierarchical folder (or directory) structure to

organize files. This hierarchy starts with a root directory, and subsequent directories

(or sub-directories) branch out from there. This arrangement allows for a systematic

and organized way to store and retrieve files.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
File System Management

Both Linux and Windows use hierarchical folder structures, but the conventions, naming, and

organization differ between the two. Below, we'll compare the hierarchical folder structures of Linux

and Windows:

In Linux, the file system starts at the root directory, denoted as /

root boot home

user1

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 Operating Systems (OS)
File System Management
In Windows, drives are represented by letters, and the filesystem begins at a root directory for
each drive (e.g., C:\)

C:\

Program
Windows Temp
Files

Microsoft
Web
Office

System32

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Functions of an OS:

• Device Management: The OS manages device

communication via their respective drivers. Devices can

include hard drives, printers, displays, etc.

• Security and Access Control: The OS ensures

unauthorized users do not access the system and

protects against malware and other security threats.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Functions of an OS:
• User Interface: Operating systems typically provide two main types
of user interfaces:

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI):

• This is the most common interface in
personal computers, tablets, and
smartphones.
• It uses windows, icons, buttons, and
menus that users can manipulate using
a mouse, touch screen, or other input
devices.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Functions of an OS:
• User Interface
2. Command-Line Interface (CLI):
• This is a text-based interface where users input commands to operate the computer.
• It is more powerful and flexible than GUIs for certain tasks and is preferred by many system
administrators and advanced users.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Types of Operating Systems:
• Multitasking/Time-sharing OS: Multiple jobs are executed by the CPU by switching between them,
but the switches are so frequent that the user feels as if they are all executing at the same time.
• Real-time OS: Responds to input immediately. Used in systems where there are tight constraints on
response time like in an airbag system in cars or flight control.
• Distributed OS: Manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer.
• Embedded OS: OS used in embedded computer systems like washing machines, ATMs, etc.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Examples of Operating Systems:
• Desktop OSs: Windows, macOS, Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora), UNIX.
• Mobile OSs: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS.
• Server OSs: Windows Server, Linux distributions optimized for server use, UNIX.
• Embedded Systems: Real-time operating systems like RTLinux, VxWorks, and Windows IoT.

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 Operating Systems (OS)
Components of an OS:

• Kernel: Core component of an OS, manages operations

Utilities
of the computer and hardware, mainly memory and CPU Shell
Kernal
time.
Hardware

• Shell: Interface between user and kernel, receives

commands from users and executes kernel's functions.

• Utilities: Help in system maintenance and performance

enhancement.

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 • Utility Software

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 Utility Software
Utility software focuses on supporting the computer infrastructure, making it different from
application software, which provides tools for tasks users directly engage in. Utility software
interacts primarily with the computer hardware or the operating system.

Importance of Utility Software:

• Optimized Performance: Utility software ensures that the computer runs
at its optimum speed and performance by fixing any issues or cleaning
unnecessary files.

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 Utility Software
Importance of Utility Software:

• Enhanced Security: Tools like antimalware and antivirus

software protect computers from threats that could

compromise data and privacy.

• Prevention of Data Loss: Backup utilities ensure that data

isn't lost in case of hardware failure or accidental deletions.

• Better organization: Utility software can help you to manage

your files and folders, keep your system organized, and find

what you need quickly and easily.

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 Utility Software

Common Types of Utility Software:

• Disk Defragmenters: Over time, files on a hard drive get fragmented. A disk defragmenter

rearranges fragmented data, making the hard drive work more efficiently. Examples include

Windows' built-in Disk Defragmenter.

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 Utility Software
Common Types of Utility Software:

• System Utilities: These provide tools to manage

and maintain a computer's performance. This can

include system clean-up tools, system

performance boosters, and tools to diagnose

potential problems. Examples: Windows' built-in

system tools like System Restore.

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 Utility Software
Common Types of Utility Software:

• Virus Scanners & Antimalware Tools: Essential for detecting and removing malicious

software from a computer. They continuously monitor computers for signs of viruses,

malware, ransomware, and other harmful software. Examples include McAfee,

Norton, Malwarebytes, and Windows Defender.

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 Utility Software
Common Types of Utility Software:

• Backup & Recovery Utilities: These tools create copies of

data and system files. In case of system crashes or data

corruption, users can restore their system or recover lost

data. Example: Windows' built-in Backup and Restore.

• File Compression Utilities: Useful for reducing the size of

files or folders, making them easier to transfer over networks

or save storage space. Examples include WinZip, WinRAR,

and 7-Zip.
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 Utility Software
Common Types of Utility Software:

• Network Utilities: Tools that help analyze and monitor

networks, diagnose network problems, and measure

network performance. Examples include Wireshark and

netstat.

• Disk Cleaners: Help in identifying and removing

unnecessary files, temporary files, or cache, freeing up disk

space. Examples include Disk Cleanup (built into

Windows).
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 Reference
s
• Weixel, S., (2018). Introduction to Computers and Information
Technology. Pearson.

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Thank You