Chapter 05: System Software

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 Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
• Describe the differences between system
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

software and application software

• Discuss the four types of system software
• Discuss the basic functions, features, and
categories of operating systems
• Describe Windows,
Mac OS, UNIX, Linux,
and virtualization

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 Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
• Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

• Identify the five most essential utilities

• Discuss Windows utility programs
• Describe device drivers, including Windows’
Add a Device Wizard and Update

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 Introduction
• Computers are ubiquitous in our lives and
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

we expect them to “be there when we

need them”.
• We give little thought to the processes
and programs running behind the scenes
to keep them functioning effectively.
• Such programs (i.e. operating systems,
utility programs, and device drivers) are
the system software you learn about here.

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 System Software
• Handles the technical details
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– Includes the operating system, utilities,

device drivers, and language translators

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 Operating Systems
• A collection of programs that handle technical
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tasks, including managing computer resources

• Every computer has an operating system (OS),
such as Windows 7 or Mac OS X
• The OS provides the interface between the user
and computer, and is required to run applications

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 Functions of an Operating System
• Manages computer resources
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– Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers

– Monitor system performance
– Provide security
– Start-up the computer
• Provides user interface
– Character-based interface
– Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Runs applications
– Multitasking
– Foreground and background applications

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 Features of an Operating System
• Booting
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• Features in common with application software

– Icons
– Pointers
– Windows
– Menus
– Dialog boxes
– Help

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 Categories of Operating Systems
• Hundreds of operating systems
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• Three basic categories

– Embedded operating systems (handheld)
– Network operating systems (linked computers)
– Stand-alone operating systems (desktop)

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 More on Operating Systems
• An OS is often called the software environment or
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platform
• Operating systems commonly used by individuals
– Windows – most widely used
– Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
– UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
– LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web

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 Windows
• The most popular microcomputer operating
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system – over 90 percent of the market

• Comes in a variety of different versions
• Windows 7 provides several improvements over
Windows Vista

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 Mac OS
• Mac OS X is designed to run on Apple computers
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• One of the most innovative operating systems, but not

used as widely as Windows
• Mac OS (Boot Camp) allows you to run both
the Mac OS and
Windows

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 UNIX and LINUX
• UNIX operating system
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– Originally designed to run on networked

minicomputers
• LINUX is a version of UNIX
– Open source
– Not proprietary

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 Virtualization
• Ability to support multiple operating systems on a
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single physical machine

• Virtualization software
– Physical machine can be logically separated into
separate and independent virtual computers called
virtual machines
• Host operating system
• Guest operating system

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 Mobile Phone Operating Systems
• Type of embedded operating system that is
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

present in every smartphone

• Some of the best known (with release dates):
– Symbian (2009)
– BlackBerry OS or RIM OS (1999)
– iPhone OS (2007)
– Android (2007)
– Windows Phone 7 (2010)

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 Utilities
• Specialized programs to make computing easier
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• Most essential utilities

– Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
– Antivirus programs
– Uninstall programs
– Backup programs
– File compression programs

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 Windows Utilities
• Backup and Restore
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• Disk Cleanup
• Disk Defragmenter

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 Backup and Restore
• Utility program included with
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many Windows versions

• Makes a copy of all files or selected
files that have been saved on a disk
• Helps prevent against disk failure

Return
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 Disk Cleanup
• Identifies and eliminates
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

nonessential files
• Frees up valuable space and
improves system performance

Return
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 Disk Defragmenter
• Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

• Rearranges files and unused disk space to

optimize operations
• Speeds up file access

Return
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 Utility Suites
• A group of utility programs bundled for sale
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• Buying the package is more affordable

• Popular suites
– Norton System Works
– McAfee Office
– V Communications
SystemSuite

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 Device Drivers
• Specialized programs that allow communication between
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a device and the computer

• Loaded into memory each time a computer is started
• When a new device is added, new device drivers must be
installed

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 Virus Protection and Internet Security
• Internet Security Suite
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– Continually monitors your computer

• VirusScan
– Controls the frequency of searches for viruses
– Quarantines or deletes infected files
• Privacy Service
– Helps protect your
privacy online
– Block websites, cookies,
and ads

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 Careers In IT
• Computer support specialist provide
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

technical support to customers and

other users
• Resolve common networking
problems and use troubleshooting
programs to diagnose problems
• Employers look for a bachelors
degree, good analytical and
communication skills
• Computer support specialist can
expect to earn $32K - $53K annually
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 A Look to the Future
IBM's Aware Supercomputer

• IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)

Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

– Handles time-consuming maintenance

– Self-regulating and virtually invisible
• Self-maintaining servers
– Self-repairing
– Self-updating
– Self-protecting

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 Open-Ended Questions(Page 1 of 2)
• Describe system software. What are the four
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

types of system programs?

• What are the basic functions of every operating

system? What are the three basic operating
system categories?

• Explain the differences and similarities between

Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Discuss
virtualization.

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 Open-Ended Questions(Page 2 of 2)
• Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential
Computing Essentials 2012: Making IT Work for You

utilities? What is a utility suite?

• Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add

a Device Wizard and Windows Update.

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