Chapter 5

System Software:
Operating systems and utility
programs
By

Deborah
Morley 1
 Learning
Objectives
1. Understand the difference between system software and
application software.
2. Explain the different functions of an operating system and
discuss some ways that operating systems enhance
processing efficiency.
3. List several ways in which operating systems differ from one
another.
4. Name today’s most widely used operating systems for
personal computers and servers.

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 Learning
Objectives
5. State several devices other than personal computers and
servers that require an operating system and list one possible
operating system for each type of device.
6. Discuss the role of utility programs and outline several tasks
that these programs perform.
7. Describe what the operating systems of the future might be
like.

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 Overvie
w
• 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
– Functions of and various types of utility programs
– A look at future of operating systems

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 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.
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 The Operating
System
• Operating System
– A collection of programs that 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
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 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

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 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

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 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

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Functions of an Operating
System

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency
• Multitasking
– 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 executing at the same
time

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 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 thread
• Multiprocessing and Parallel Processing
– Multiple processors (or multiple cores) are used in one
computer system to perform work more efficiently
– Tasks are performed sequentially

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency (SKIP)
• Memory Management
– Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
– Virtual memory
• Memory-management technique that uses hard drive
space as additional RAM

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency (SKIP)
• Buffering and Spooling
– Buffer
• Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold
data that is used by different hardware devices or
programs
– Buffering or Spooling
• Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the
appropriate device when needed

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 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

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 Differences Among Operating
Systems (SKIP)
• Categories of Operating Systems
– Personal (Desktop) Operating Systems
• Designed to be installed on a single computer
– Server (Network) Operating Systems
• 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 and embedded operating systems are also
common

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Differences Among Operating
Systems
(SKIP)

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 Differences Among Operating
Systems
SKIP
• The Types of Processors Supported
– Desktop, mobile, server processors
– 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
• Support for Virtualization and Other Technologies
– New types of buses
– Virtualization
– Mobility
– Security concerns
– Power-consumption concerns
– Touch and gesture input
– The move to cloud

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 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

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 Operating Systems for Personal
Computers and Servers
• 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

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DOS
(SKIP)

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 Window
s
• Windows
– The predominant personal operating system developed by
Microsoft Corporation
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 11
• Windows 1.0 released in 1985
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating
environments for DOS
• Designed for personal computers

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 Window
s
• Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME, Win
2000
• Windows Server and home
• Windows NT (New Technology)
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Windows 11

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 Mac
OS
• Mac OS
– Proprietary operating system for computers made by
Apple Corporation
– Based on the UNIX operating system
– Originally set the standard for graphical user
interfaces

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 UNI
X
• UNIX
– 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
– Single UNIX Specification
• A standardized UNIX environment

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 Linu
x
• Linux
– Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991—resembles UNIX but
was developed independently
– Is 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
– Individuals and organizations are switching to Linux and
other open source software because of cost

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Linu
x

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 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

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 Quick
Quiz
1. Which of the following is the most recent personal version of
Windows?
a. Windows 11
b. Windows Leopard
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 is .

Answers:
1) a; 2) True; 3) Mac OS

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 Technology and You
Box
Smart Cars
– Use of computers in cars has skyrocketed
– Self-driving systems and self-parking systems
– Lane departure and blind spot detection systems
– Windshield displays
– Collision warnings and auto
brake systems
– Keyless entry and ignition
systems
– Distraction-prevention
systems

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 Operating Systems for Mobile
Devices (SKIP)
• Windows Phone 8, Windows RT, and Windows Embedded
– Windows Phone
• Latest version of Windows designed for smartphones
• Windows Phone 8 is based on the Windows 8 operating
system
– Windows RT
• Designed for tablet use
– Windows Embedded
• Designed primarily for consumer and industrial devices
that are not personal computers

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 Operating Systems for Mobile
Phones and Other Devices
– Android
• Linux-based operating system created with current
mobile device capabilities in mind
• Can create applications that take full advantage of all
the features a mobile device has to offer
• Open platform
• Current version is Android 12, also known as Snow
cone
• Devices support multitasking, multiple cores, NFC
mobile payment transactions, Internet phone calls

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 Operating Systems for Mobile
Phones and Other Devices
– iOS
• Designed for Apple Mobile phones and mobile devices
• Current version is iOS 16
• Supports multitasking
• Includes Safari Web browser, the Siri intelligent
assistant, Facetime video calling, AirDrop to send items
to others, and apps for email, messaging, music, and
search

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 Operating Systems for Mobile
Phones and Other Devices (SKIP)
– Blackberry OS and Blackberry PlayBook OS
• Designed for Blackberry devices
– Mobile Linux
• Other mobile operating systems based on Linux besides
Android and iOs
• Ubuntu, webOS, Firefox OS, and Tizen

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 Operating Systems for Larger
Computers
(SKIP)
• 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

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 Inside the Industry
Box
(SKIP)
Weather Forecasting in the Alps
– Weather forecasting is difficult in the Alps due to complex
topography and intense precipitation
– Supercomputer Piz Daint is Linux based, uses CPUs and
GPUS, and runs at 750 teraflops
– Can run 30 weather forecasting models simultaneously
– Cooled with water from a
nearby lake

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 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
and as suites

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 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

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File Management
Programs

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 How It Works
Box
(SKIP)
Sending to the Cloud
– Add cloud
locations
to the
Send To
menu
– Google
Drive,
SkyDrive,
etc.

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 Utility
Programs
• Search Tools
• Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
• Uninstall and Cleanup Utilities
• File Compression Programs
• Backup and recovery
• Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewalls, and Other Security
Programs

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 Utility
Programs
• Search Tools (SKIP)
– Designed to search for documents and other files on the
user’s hard drive
• Windows 8 has Search charm to search for files, apps,
and Store items
– 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

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 Utility
Programs
• (SKIP)
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

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 Utility
Programs
• File Compression(SKIP)
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, or an external hard drive
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 Utility
Programs
– Good backup (SKIP)
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 are they are
modified

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 Utility
Programs
• (SKIP)
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 programs
• Antispyware programs
• Firewalls
• Many are included in Windows and other operating
systems
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 The Future of Operating
Systems
• Will(SKIP)
continue to become more user-friendly
• Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface, touch,
and/or gesture interface
• Likely to continue to become more stable and self-healing
• Will likely continue to include security and other technological
improvements as they become available
• Will almost certainly include improvements in the areas of
synchronizing and coordinating data and activities among a
person’s various computing and communicating devices
• May be used primarily to access software available through
the Internet or other networks

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 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

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 Summa
ry
• System Software vs. 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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