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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 can
enhance processing efficiency.
3. List several ways in which operating systems differ from
Chapter 05 - System Software: Operating Systems and one another.
Utility Programs 4. Name today’s most widely used operating systems for
GE-161 Introduction to Information and Communication Technologies personal computers and servers.

Department of Information Technology

University of the Punjab, Lahore

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Learning Objectives Overview

5. State several devices other than personal computers • This chapter covers:
and servers that require an operating system and list – Differences between system software and application
one possible operating system for each type of device. software
6. Discuss the role of utility programs and outline several – Functions of and differences among operating
tasks these programs perform. systems
7. Describe what the operating systems of the future might – Various types of operating systems
be like. – Functions of and various types of utility programs
– A look at the possible future of operating systems

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System Software and Application Software The Operating System

• System software: The operating system and utility • Operating system: A collection of programs that manage
programs that control a computer system and allow you and coordinate the activities taking place within a
to use your computer computer system
– Enables the boot process, launches applications, – Acts as an
transfers files, controls hardware configuration, intermediary
manages hard drive, and protects from unauthorized between the
use user and the
• Application software: Programs that allow a user to computer
perform specific tasks on a computer
– Word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes,
browsing the Web, and so forth

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Functions of an Operating System Functions of an Operating System

• Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI) • Managing resources and jobs
• Booting the computer – Makes resources available to devices
– Kernel is loaded into memory – Monitors for problems
– Processes are started – Scheduling routines
– msconfig used to control startup of processes • File management
• Configuring devices – Keeps track of files stored
– Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if on computer
needed – Hierarchical format
– Plug and Play devices are recognized • Security
automatically – Passwords
– Biometric characteristics
– Firewalls
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Processing Techniques for

File Management 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
• 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

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Processing Techniques for Processing Techniques for

Increased Efficiency Increased Efficiency

• Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Multiple

processors (or multiple cores) are used in one computer
system to perform work more efficiently
– Simultaneous processing: Performs tasks at the same
time
– Multiprocessing: Each CPU (or core) typically works
on a different job
• Used with personal computers with multi-core
processors
– Parallel processing: CPUs or cores typically works
together to complete one job more quickly
• Used with servers and mainframes

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Processing Techniques for Processing Techniques for

Increased Efficiency Increased Efficiency

• Memory management: Optimizing the use of main • Buffering and spooling: Used with printers and other
memory (RAM) peripheral devices
– Virtual memory: Memory-management technique that • Buffer: area in RAM or on the hard drive
uses hard drive space as additional RAM designated to hold input and output on their way in
or out of the system
• Spooling: placing items in a buffer so they can be
retrieved by the appropriate device when needed

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Quick Quiz Differences Among Operating Systems

1. Which of the following processing techniques allows • Command line vs. graphical user
a computer to work with more than one program at a interface (GUI)
time? – Most operating systems use
a. Parallel processing GUI today
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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Differences Among Operating Systems Server Operating Systems

• Personal vs. server operating system

– Personal operating system: designed to be installed
on a single computer
– Server operating system: designed to be installed on
a network server
• Client computers still use a personal operating
system
• Server operating system controls access to
network resources
– Many operating systems come in both versions
• Mobile and embedded operating systems also exist

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Operating Systems for

Differences Among Operating Systems Personal Computers and Servers

• Types of processors supported • DOS: Disk Operating System

– Desktop, mobile, server, etc. – PC-DOS: Created originally for IBM
microcomputers
• Number of processors
– MS-DOS: used with IBM-compatible computers
• 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
– DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
• Support for other technologies
– Can enter DOS commands in Windows
– New types of buses
– Virtualization
– Power-saving features
– Touch and gesture input

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Windows Windows

• Windows: The predominate personal operating – Windows 2000: replaced Windows NT; was geared
system developed by Microsoft Corporation towards high-end business workstations and
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x: Operating servers, support for wireless devices
environments for DOS – Windows XP: Replaced both Windows 2000 and
– Windows 95 and Windows 98: Used a similar GUI Windows Me
to the one used with Windows 3.x • Improved photo, video, and music editing and
– Windows NT (New Technology): first 32-bit version sharing
of Windows designed for high-end workstations • Improved networking capabilities
and servers • Support for handwriting and voice input
– Windows Me (Millennium Edition): designed for • Large user base, MS will support until 2014
home computers, improved home networking and a
shared Internet connection

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Windows Windows Vista

– Windows Vista: Replaced Windows XP

• Features the Aero visual interface
– Transparency and animations
– Live Thumbnails
• Additional features
– Sidebar, Instant Search, etc.
• The Vista Start menu is more streamlined
• Improved networking and multimedia
• Built-in security features
• Hardware requirements for Vista have increased
over earlier versions of Windows

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Windows Windows 7

– Windows 7: Newest version of Windows released

Oct. 2009
• 32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editions
– Home Premium (primary version for home
users)
– Professional (primary version for businesses)
• Starts up and responds faster than Vista
• Will run well on netbooks, unlike Vista
• Device Stage for all connected devices
• Improved home networking (HomeGroup, etc.)
• Jump lists, gadgets, etc.

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Windows Mac OS

– Windows Server: Server version of Windows • Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for computers
• Windows Server 2008: Most recent version made by Apple Corporation
• Includes a variety of services – Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set
– Web platform the standard for graphical user interfaces
– Support for virtualization – Mac OS Ventura 13.x: Most recent personal
version
– New security tools
– Includes:
– Streamlined management tools
• Safari Web browser
– Windows Home Server: New operating system
based on Windows Server • New features like Time Machine, Stacks, Quick
Look, Boot Camp, etc.
• Provides services for a home network
• More responsive than previous versions
• Can back up all devices on the network
automatically
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Mac OS UNIX

• UNIX: Operating system developed in the late 1960s

for midrange servers
– Multiuser, multitasking operating system
– More expensive, requires a higher level of technical
knowledge; tends to be 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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Linux Linux

• Linux: Version (flavor) of UNIX available without

charge over the Internet
– Increasingly being used with personal computers,
servers, mainframes, and supercomputers
– 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 Sun, IBM, HP, and Novell
– Much less expensive than Windows or Mac OS

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Operating Systems for

Quick Quiz Mobile Phones and Other Devices

1. Which of the following is the most recent personal • Windows Mobile: Designed for mobile phones
version of Windows? – Look and feel of desktop versions
a. Windows 7 – Current version 6.1, next version to be called
b. Windows Leopard Microsoft Phone.
c. Windows XP • Windows Embedded: Designed for consumer and
2. True or False: Linux is an open source operating industrial devices that are not perosonal computers
system available for free via the Internet. – Cash register, GPS devices, ATMs, medical
3. The operating system most commonly used on Apple devices and robots.
personal computers is ______________________. – Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto for cars
Answers: • Ford Sync
1) a; 2) True; 3) Mac OS • Android: Linux based OS developed by Open Handset
Alliance (including Google)
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Operating Systems for Operating Systems for

Mobile Phones and Other Devices Mobile Phones and Other Devices

• iPhone OS: Designed for Apple Mobile phones and

mobile devices.
• BlackBerry Operating System: Designed for BlackBerry
devices
• Palm OS and Palm webOS: Designed for Palm devices
• Symbian OS: Designed for use with smart phones
• Embedded Linux: Used with mobile phones, GPS
devices, and other mobile devices

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Operating Systems for

Larger Computers Utility Programs

• Larger computers sometimes use operating systems • Utility program: Software that performs a specific task,
designed solely for that type of system usually related to managing or maintaining the computer
• IBM’s z/OS and i/5OS operating systems are designed system
for their servers and mainframes • Many utilities are built into operating systems (for finding
• Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with both files, viewing images, backing up files, etc.)
mainframes and supercomputers • Utilities are also available as stand-alone products and
• Often a group of Linux computers are linked together to as suites
form what is referred to as a Linux supercomputing
cluster

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File Management Programs Using Windows Explorer

• 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 Windows
Explorer

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Using Windows Explorer Utility Programs

• Search tools: Designed to search for files on the user’s

hard drive
– Windows includes search tools
• 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
• Uninstall utilities: Remove programs from your hard drive
without leaving bits and pieces behind
• Important to properly uninstall programs, not just
delete them

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Utility Programs Utility Programs

• Clean up utilities: Delete temporary files • Backup and recovery utilities: Make the backup and
• File compression programs: Reduce the size of files so restoration process easier
they take up less storage space on a storage medium or – Backup: Duplicate copy of data or other computer
can be transmitted faster over the Internet content
– Both zip and unzip files – Good backup procedures are critical for businesses
– WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users) – Individuals should back up important documents,
e-mail, photos, home video, etc.
– Store backup data on a CD or DVD, second hard
drive, flash memory drive, or upload to the Internet
– Back up your entire computer once all programs
have been installed, so your system can be
restored to that configuration.

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Backup Programs Utility Programs

• Security programs: Protect computers and users

– Antivirus programs
– Antispyware programs
– Firewalls
– Many are included in Windows and other operating
systems
– Discussed in detail in Chapter 9

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The Future of Operating Systems Quick Quiz

• Will continue to become more user-friendly 1. Which of the following is the type of utility program used
to make a file smaller for transfer over the Internet?
• Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface
a. Uninstall program
• Likely to continue to become more stable and self-
healing b. Antivirus program
• Will likely continue to include improved security features c. File compression program
and to support multiple processors and other 2. True or False: A file management program can be used
technological improvements to see the files located on a storage medium.
• May be used primarily to access software available 3. A(n) ______________________ is a duplicate copy of
through the Internet or other networks 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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Summary

• 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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