computer skills for preparatory programs · the operating system and utility programs computer...

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Chapter 3

Using System Software:

The Operating System and Utility Programs

Computer Skills For

Preparatory Programs

CS 017

System software

• consists of two primary types of programs:

– Operating system (OS):

• the main program that controls how your

computer system functions

– Utility programs:

• Is a small program that performs general house-

keeping tasks for the computer

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3

System Software: The OS

1. Controls computer functions

2. The OS manages the Computer’s Hardware:

• Processor

• Memory

• Storage Devices

• Peripheral device( printer, monitor…)

3. Enable application software to work with the CPU

4. Responsible for management, scheduling,and interaction of tasks

5. Provides user interface that enables you tointeract with the computer

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System Software: Utilities

• Utilities:

Small Program that perform computer

housekeeping tasks

– Manage system resources

– system maintenance

– file compression.

– Improve efficiency

– Virus prevention

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Operating System Categories

• Operating systems are classified into four

categories, depending on:

1. the number of users they serve

2. the tasks they perform.

• Categories:1. Real-Time (RTOS)

2. Single-User, Single-Task OS

3. Single-User, Multitask OS

4. Multiuser OS

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Real-Time Operating Systems

(RTOS)Systems with :

1. specific purpose

2. certain result.

• RTOS referred to as embedded systems

• RTO don’t require the intervention of any users at all.

• Uses include:

– Industrial machines

– Robotic equipment

– car engines

– Home appliances such as washing machines, dryers....etc.

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Single-User Operating

SystemsSingle-task systems

– Perform one task at a time

• Examples:

1. PDAs:

• they require single-user, single-

task operating system software

such as:

• Palm OS

• Windows Mobile

2. Microsoft Disk Operating

System (MS-DOS)

Multitask systems• Perform simultaneous tasks

• Examples:– Windows

– MAC OS

– Linux

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Multiuser Operating Systems

• Known as network operating systems

• Allow access to the computer system by multiple users.

• Manage user requests.

• Game consoles and Personal media player

• Systems include:– Linux

– UNIX

– Novell Netware

– Windows Server 2003

– Windows XP

– Windows Vista

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Desktop and Notebook

Operating Systems• Platform

Operating system combined with the processor

EX:

– Microsoft Windows/Intel

– Apple Macintosh/Motorola

Desktop and notebook operating systems include:– Microsoft Windows

– MAC OS

– Linux

– UNIX

Windows OS family

Windows Release Capabilities

Windows 95 -user-friendly Interface

-Multi-tasking capabilities

Windows XP -major update

- Networking capabilities

Windows 7 -Security

-user-interface upgrades

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UNIX

• Multiuser, multitask operating system

• Used primarily with mainframes and PCs

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Linux

• Open-source operating

system

• Based on UNIX

• Stable system

• Free to developers

• May be downloaded

through the Internet

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MAC OS

• First commercially available OS with point-and-clicktechnology (graphical user interface)

• Mac OS X, is based on the UNIX operating system.

• Excellent in:

– Graphics display

– Processing capabilities

– System reliability

– Document recovery

• Fewer software applications available

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Operating Systems for

Servers and Mainframes• Servers

– Computers on a network that manage

network resources.

• Mainframes

– Handle requests from hundreds or thousands

of users simultaneously

• Operating Systems:

– Windows Server

– Unix

Operating System Categories

15Single- task

Multitask

MultiuserSingle- user

PCs & Notebooks

Smart phones

PDAsE-book reader

iPOd

Mainframes Home server

Game consoles