COMP 6005 An Introduction To ComputingSession Two: Computer SoftwareSystems Software

System Software

• Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices

• Serves as interface between the user, application software, and the computer hardware

• Two types:– Operating system – Utility programs

Operating System

• Set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices

• Contains instructions that allow users to run application software

• Resides on computer’s hard drive or ROM chip (handhelds)

• Examples: Windows XP, Mac OS X

Common Functions

• Start a computer

• Provide a user interface

• Manage programs

• Manage memory

• Schedule jobs

• Monitor performance

• Configure devices

• Establish Internet connection

• Provide file management

• Control network and administer security

Discussion

• Issue 8-1, pg 403

Types of Operating Systems

• Stand-alone

• Network

• Embedded

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• Complete operating system that works on a desktop, notebook or mobile computing device

• Can work with or without a network; may include networking capabilities

• Examples: DOS, Windows XP, Mac OS X, UNIX, Linux

Network Operating Systems

• Designed specifically to support a network of any size, including medium to large-sized organisations and web servers

• Typically resides on a server – client computers rely on the server for resources

• Examples: NetWare, Windows Server 2003, UNIX, Linux, Solaris

Embedded Operating Systems

• Operating systems used on most PDAs and small devices

• Resides on a ROM chip

• Examples: Windows CE .NET, Windows Mobile 2003, Palm OS, Symbian OS

Discussion

• Issue 8-3, pg 409

• Looking Ahead 8-1, pg 411

• Issue 8-4, pg 414

• Looking Ahead 8-2, pg 416

Utility Program

• Allows users to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing the computer, devices or programs

• Example: a program that examines a floppy disk or hard disk to determine if it contains any physical flaws such as scratches

Stand-Alone Utility Programs

• Antivirus programs; e.g: Norton Antivirus

• Personal firewalls; e.g: ZoneAlarm

• File compression; e.g: WinZip

• Personal computer maintenance; e.g: Norton Utilities

Assignment

• Choose one example of each type of operating system and describe how it operates

• Choose a stand-alone utility program and describe its operation and uses

Links

• Reference– Discovering Computers 2005 by Shelly,

Cashman and Vermaat

• Of Interest– http://www.microsoft.com/resources/ngscb/

productinfo.mspx– http://www.microsoft.com/

windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx