Lecture 06 (Morley Ch5,6)

CSC 101 – Applications of

Information and
Communication
Technologies
Outline
 Computer Software
 System Software
 Application Software
 Operating System (OS)
 Basic Purpose of OS
 Types of OS
 Operating System Functions
 Providing User Interface
 Running Programs
 Managing Hardware
 Utility Programs
 PC Operating System
 Network Operating System
 Embedded Operating System
 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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 Operating Systems for
Personal Computers and
• DOS Servers
(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

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 Window
s
• Windows
– The predominant personal operating system developed by
Microsoft Corporation
– Windows 1.0 through Windows Vista
• 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
• Designed for personal computers

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 Window
s

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 Window
s
– Windows Server
• The version of Windows designed for server use
– Windows Server 2022 is the latest version
– Supports both virtualization and cloud computing
– Windows Home Server
• Preinstalled on home server devices
• Designed to provide services for a home network
• Can be set up to back up all devices in the home on a
regular basis

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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
– Mac OS X Family
• Mac OS X Mountain Lion and Mac OS X
Mavericks
– Mac OS X Server
• Server version of Mac OS X
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 Mac
OS

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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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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Devices
• 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 14
• Devices support multitasking, multiple cores, NFC
mobile payment transactions, Internet phone calls

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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and
Other Devices

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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 17
• 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

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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and
Other
– Blackberry Devices
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
• 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
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 8 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

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 File Management
Programs

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

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 Utility
Programs
• Search Tools
– 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
• 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 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 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
• 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 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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 The Basics of Application
Software
• Commercial Software
– Copyrighted software developed and sold for profit
– Typically comes with a single-user license
• Shareware
– Copyrighted software distributed on the honor system
– Consumers should either pay for it or uninstall it after the trial
period
• Freeware
– Copyrighted software programs that are given away by the
author for others to use free of charge
• Public Domain Software
– Software that is not copyrighted and ownership rights have
been donated to the public domain
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 The Basics of Application
Software

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 Desktop vs. Mobile
Software
• Personal computers use
desktop software
• Smartphones and other
mobile devices
typically require mobile
software called apps
– Specifically designed for a
specific type of device
– Wide range of software
available via app stores
(Google Play, Apple App
Store, etc.)
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 Technology and
You Box
Mobile Ticketing
– Download ticket to mobile
device to use for
admittance
– Tickets for movies,
sporting events, concerts,
etc.
– Boarding passes
– Custom tickets

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 Installed vs. Cloud
Software
• Installed Software
– Must be installed on the
computer before it can
be run
– Can be purchased in
physical form
– Can be downloaded
from the Internet

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 Installed vs. Cloud
Software
• Cloud Software
– Is delivered on-demand via the Web
– Also called Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloudware
– Includes free software and fee-based software
– Advantages of cloud software
• Files can be accessed from any computer with an
Internet connection
• Ease of implementation
• Improved collaboration capabilities
• Always working with the most current version of
software

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 Installed vs. Cloud
Software
– Potential disadvantages of cloud software
• Online applications tend to run more slowly
• Have file size limits
• Cost may eventually exceed the cost of purchasing a
similar installed version of the software

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 Installed vs. Cloud
Software

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Outline
 Computer Software
 System Software
 Application Software
 Operating System (OS)
 Basic Purpose of OS
 Types of OS
 Operating System Functions
 Providing User Interface
 Running Programs
 Managing Hardware
 Utility Programs
 PC Operating System
 Network Operating System
 Embedded Operating System