Chapter 8: Operating Systems and Utility Programs

1. Chapter 8: Operating Systems and Utility Programs Catherine Gifford Dan Falgares

2. System Software Two Types • Operating Systems • Set of instructions that coordinate all activities among computer hardware resources. • Most perform following functions: • Starting a computer • Managing programs • Managing memory • Internet connection • Utility Software • Type of software that allows a user to perform maintenance types of tasks, usually relating to managing a computer’s devices or programs.

3. Operating Systems (OS) • Functions • Starting a Computer • Each time you boot your computer a operating system known as the kernel is used to: • Load instructions from the hard disk to the computers memory (RAM). • Manages memory and devices • Maintains the computers clock • Starts applications • Assigns computers programs such as devices, programs, data, and information.

4. Operating Systems • User Interface: controls how you enter data and instructions, and how information is displayed on the screen. • Three types of interfaces: • Command-line • When a user types commands or presses special keys to enter data or instructions • Difficult to use • Menu driven • Menus as a means of entering commands • Easier to use then command-lines. No need to learn the rules of entering commands. • Graphical • Most widely used • Interact with menus and visual images such as buttons and other graphical objects to enter commands. • I.e.: Back and forward button.

5. Managing Programs • Single user single tasking • Allows one user to run one program at a time • PDAs and other small computing devices use a single user/ single tasking operating system • Single user multitasking • A single user can work on two or more programs at the same time • Foreground • Background • Preemptive multitasking • An advantage to preemptive multitasking would be control factors, because it controls how the computer uses its memory • Used for larger systems

6. Managing Programs cont. • Multiuser • Enables two or more users to run programs at the same time, i.e. networks • Multiprocessing • Operating system supports two or more processors running programs at the same time • Fault-tolerant computer • Computer with a separate processor • Continues to operate when one of its components fail, no loss of data • i.e. airline reservation systems

7. Managing memory • Memory management • To optimize the use of random access memory (RAM) • Virtual memory • The operating system assigned a portion of storage medium, i.e. a hard disk, to function as additional RAM • Slower than RAM • Swap file • The part of the hard disk used for virtual memory • Paging is the technique of swapping items between memory and storage • It’s a time consuming process

8. Scheduling jobs • Buffer • A holding zone of memory in which items are placed while waiting to be transferred from an input device or output device • Spooling • Sends print jobs to a buffer instead of directly to the printer • This enables users to work on other tasks on the computer while printing • Queue • Multiple print jobs lined up in a buffer

9. Configuring devices • Driver • Short for device driver, it’s a small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device • Each device on the computer, i.e. mouse and keyboard requires its own specific driver • Plug and play • Operating system automatically configures devices as you install them • Makes installation easier

10. Establishing an internet connection • Operating systems provide a way to establish connection. • Some include a web browser and e-mail program • Performance Monitor • program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources.

11. Controlling a network • Network Operating System: • Organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network. • Include Hardware, Software, data, and information • When not on network user uses their own operating system

12. Def: Type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing a computer. Most operating systems include several utility programs Utility Programs File Manager Image Viewer Uninstaller Disk Scanner Disk Defragmenter Diagnostic utility Backup Utility Screen Saver Utility Programs

13. Utility Programs • File Manager • Performs tasks related to file and disk management • Image Viewer • Allows users to display and copy contents of a graphic file • Uninstaller • Utility that removes a program

14. Utility Programs • Disk Scanner • Utility that detects and corrects both physical and logical problems on the hard disk and floppy disk • Removes unnecessary files • Disk Defragmenter • Reorganizes the files and unused space on the hard disk, to allow programs to run faster.

15. Utility Programs • Diagnostic Utility • Compiles technical information about your computer’s hardware, then prepares a report outlining any problems. • Backup Utility • Allows users to copy or back up selected files or an entire hard disk. • Screen Saver • Developed to prevent a problem called ghosting

16. Types Of Operating Systems • Three Types • Stand-alone • Network • Embedded

17. Stand-Alone • Def: • Complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, and mobile device. • Examples: • DOS • Windows XP • Mac OS X • UNIX • Linux

18. Network • Def: • Designed specifically to support a network • Examples • NetWare • Windows Server 2003 • Unix • Linux • Solaris

19. Embedded • Def: • Operating system on most PDA’s and small devices, it resides on the ROM chip. • Examples • Windows CE .NET (most popular) • Windows mobile 2003 • Palm OS • Symbian OS

20. Stand Alone Utility Programs • Anti-virus programs • Personal Firewalls: • Utility program that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions • File Compression: • Shrinks the size of a file • Personal computer maintenance • Identifies and fixes operating system problems, disk problems, and has the capability of improving a computers performance.

21. Thanks For Your Time!!