Chapter 4

System Software
Learning Objectives

1. Describe the differences between system software and application

software.
2. Identify the four types of system software.
3. Explain the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems.
4. Compare mobile operating systems iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
5. Compare desktop operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, UNIX,
Linux, and virtualization.
6. Explain the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
7. Identify the four most essential utilities.
8. Describe Windows utility programs.
Introduction
• Computers and computer applications have become a part
of the fabric of every day life
• They are great as long as they are working
• 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.
System Software

• Works with end users,

application software, and
computer hardware
• Handles the technical
details
• Includes
• operating system
• utilities
• device drivers
• language translators
Operating Systems
A collection of programs that handle technical tasks
• Functions
• Manages computer resources
• Coordinate memory, processing, storage, printers and monitors
• Monitor system performance
• Schedule tasks
• Provide security
• Start-up the computer
• Provides user interface
• Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Runs applications
• Multitasking
• Foreground and background applications
Features of an Operating System
• Booting – starting or restarting the computer
• Features in common with application software
• Icons
• Pointer
• Windows
• Menus
• Tabs
• Dialog boxes
• Help
• Gesture Control
• Files and Folders
• Files share data and programs
• Folders store related files
Categories of Operating Systems

• Three basic categories

• Embedded operating systems – RTOS (real-time operating
systems)
• Smartphones
• Smartwatches
• Video game systems
• Stand-alone operating systems
• Also called desktop operating system
• Network operating systems (linked computers)
• Windows Server, Linux, Unix
• OS stored on network server which coordinates all communication
between the other computers
Mobile Operating Systems
• Mobile OS
• Embedded operating
system
• Less complicated and
more specialized for
wireless
• Some of the best
known
• Android
• iOS
• Windows Phone
Desktop Operating Systems

• 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
Windows - Most Used OS

• Windows 8 • Windows 10
• Integrates the desktop OS • Merges Windows desktop and
with its mobile OS mobile operating systems
Mac OS
• Mac OS X runs on Apple
computers
• Two most recent versions:
• OS X Mavericks
• Improved power management
• OS X Yosemite
• New user interface
UNIX and LINUX

• UNIX operating system

• Servers on the Web
• Mainframe computers
• Personal Computers
• LINUX - version of UNIX
• Alternative to windows
• Open source - free
• Google Chrome OS based on Linux
• Focuses on Internet connectivity and cloud computing
• Speed is determined by the speed of the Internet
Virtualization
• Ability to support multiple operating systems
on a single physical machine
• Virtualization software
• Each virtual machine appears as a separate
independent computer
• Host operating system
• Guest operating system
• Parallels
• Mac to run Windows programs in OS X
Utilities
• Specialized programs to make computing easier
• Most essential utilities
• Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
• Recognizes and correct problems
• Antivirus programs
• Guard your computer against viruses
• Backup programs
• Copies of files to restore if necessary
• File compression programs
• Reduces the size of files for more efficient storage
Making IT Work for You – Mac OS X Activity Monitor

• Has your computer ever just stopped responding? What do you

do?
• Mac OS X Activity Monitor is designed to help.
Windows Utilities

Windows Operating Systems includes utilities such as:

• File History
• Can create a backup for your hard drive
• Disk Cleanup
• Identifies and eliminates non essential files
• Disk Defragmenter
• Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize performance
File History
• Utility program included with Windows 8
• Makes a copy of all files in the libraries, contacts,
favorites and the desktop
• Helps prevent the effect of disk failure
Disk Cleanup
• Identifies and eliminates nonessential files
• Frees up valuable space and improves system performance
Disk Defragmenter
• Files are organized in tracks and sectors
• Tracks – concentric ring
• Sectors – wedge-shaped sections of a track
• Optimize drives - utility program
• Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments
• Files become fragmented
• Broken up and stored in non contiguous space

• Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations

Utility Suites
• Combine several programs into one package
• Less expensive
• Popular suites
• Bit Defender
• Norton Utilities
• Kaspersky
Careers In IT

• Computer Support Specialist or Technical Support

Specialist
• Provide technical support to customers and other users
• Resolve common networking problems and use
troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems
• Employers look for an advanced associate degree or
bachelors degree, good analytical, customer service,
communication and people skills
• Computer support specialist can
expect to earn $29K - $40K annually
A Look to the Future – Self Healing Computers

• Self Healing Computers

• Could mean an end to computer crashes and performance
problems
• Fix software problems
• Reroute functions around broken hardware
• IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)
• Handles time-consuming maintenance
• Self-regulating and virtually invisible
• Self-maintaining servers
• Self-repairing
• Self-updating
• Self-protecting
Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 2)

1. Describe system software. Discuss each of the four types of system

programs.

2. Define operating systems. Describe the basic features and the three
categories of operating systems.

3. What are mobile operating systems? Describe leading mobile

operating systems.
Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2)
4. What are desktop operating systems? Compare Windows, Mac OS,
Linux and Chrome OS. Discuss virtualization.

5. Discuss utilities. What are the most essential utilities? What is a utility
suite?