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COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing. Session Two: Computer Software Systems 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:
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COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing Session Two: Computer Software Systems 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
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 Common Functions
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