System Software
System Software
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OBJECTIVES OF THE LESSON
At the end of the lesson, student should be able to:
Distinguish between the two categories of software
Define ‘system software’
Give examples of different types of system software
State the different user interfaces provided by system
software.
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SYSTEM SOFTWARE
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SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is the name given to the software that controls
hardware and how all other software works.
Examples of system software include operating systems, utility
software and program language translators.
Computers need system software (Operating system) to allow it to boot
up.
Booting : This is the process of starting a computer.
⚫ The first thing a computer does when you turn on the power
button is to check that it is working properly by
following certain instructions held on a ROM chip
known as the BIOS.
⚫ It will then look for an operating system to tell it what to do next.
⚫ The operating system is loaded from disk to the computer's
random-access memory (RAM). 4
OPERATING SYSTEM
❑ An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that
manages the computer hardware resources and provide
common services for application software.
Operating system examples include:
▪ Windows
⚫ UNIX
⚫ LINUX
⚫ DOS
⚫ MAC OS
▪ Process Management
▪ Memory Management
▪ Input/Output Management
▪ Security Management
▪ File Management
▪ Provides a User Interface
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ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF THE O.S.
Process management
A program that is running can be considered as a process and a pro
gram can have many sub-programs. Therefore, many
processes would occur in a computer system when a program is
being executed.
This process involves allocating adequate time and resources
of the CPU to each process.
File management
All the files created in secondary storage media, such as the hard
disk, are stored within its various files.
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ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF THE O.S.(CONTD)
Memory management
Main memory or RAM stores programs and
data that are presently being used by the CPU.
The OS allocates areas of memory to different programs so
that each program can function effectively.
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ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF THE O.S.(CONTD)
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ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF THE O.S.(CONTD)
Provide security
Modern computer systems require the entry of
a password in order to access the system.
The operating system provides the user with
password protection to prevent unauthorized
access.
It also provides back up and recovery routines in
case of system failure.
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ROLES/FUNCTIONS OF THE O.S.(CONTD)
Provide a friendly user interface
The method by which a user interacts with a
computer system is called its user Interface.
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SOME FEATURES OF O.S (CONTD)
Multiprogramming and Multiprocessing
Multiprogramming: When users can run two
or more programs at the same time using
a single processor.
Multiprocessing: When users can run two or more
programs using multiple processors.
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List and explain the types of Operating systems,
giving examples of each.
List and explain the different types of booting as
it relates to computers
Explain CMOS, BIOS and POST.
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UTILITY PROGRAMS
Utility programs are specialized programs
that assists in maintaining and improving
the efficiency of a computer system.
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FUNCTIONS OF UTILITY PROGRAMS
Utility Program Utility Function
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WHAT IS A USER INTERFACE
A user interface is the combination of hardware and
software that allows users and computers to
communicate with each other effectively.
There are two categories of user interface, they are:
Hardware Interface
Software Interface
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HARDWARE INTERFACE
A hardware interface is those physical hardware
components (input and output devices) that allow the
user to manipulate the computer. Examples of hardware
interface are touchscreen, sensors, digital camera and
specialized keyboard.
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EXAMPLES OF HARDWARE INTERFACE
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SENSORS
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VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SPEAKER
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Cortana is a virtual digital assistant.
Name TWO other similar services that have a voice user
interface
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SOFTWARE INTERFACE
A software interface is the programs that are used to
communicate with the computer via the hardware.
⚫ Software interfaces include online forms for data entry,
dialogue interfaces such as navigational systems in some
vehicles and Amazon’s Alexia on their talking Echo speaker
unit.
There are three(3) main types of software interface:
⚫ Command Line Interface
⚫ Menu-Driven Interface
⚫ Graphical User Interface (GUI)
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TYPES OF SOFTWARE INTERFACE
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COMMAND LINE INTERFACE
Command-line interfaces require you to type in commands
using a special language. This special language makes
command-line interfaces difficult to use, especially for new
computer users.
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Though the average computer user may never have a
need for a command line, its still an essential tool for a
few technical professionals.
⚫ Name ANY TWO computer professional who use this
interface on a regular basis.
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MENU-DRIVEN INTERFACE
A menu is a list of options from which you can choose
what you want to do.
Application programs use menus as an easy alternative to
learning program commands.
Menu-driven interfaces were developed to try to make
the interface friendlier and easier to learn.
You can control the computer by choosing commands
and available options from a menu, using the keys on a
keyboard or a mouse.
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EXAMPLE OF MENU-DRIVEN INTERFACE
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Suggest ONE industry that uses menu-driven interfaces
extensively as a part of its point-of-sale systems.
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GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
All computers are now supplied with a graphical user
interface (GUI) installed because it is presently regarded
as the type of user interface which is easier to use.
The main features of a GUI include its ease of use for
beginners, and ability to cut and paste or ‘drag and drop’
data and files among applications.
A GUI comprises Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers
also called WIMP.
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EXAMPLE OF GUI
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