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BMTS 242: Computer and Systems

Lecture 5:

Yousef Alharbi Email y.alharbi@sau.edu.sa Website http://faculty.sau.edu.sa/y.alharbi/en

Computer Software • System Software • Basic Application Software • Specialized Application Software

System Software

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Computers and computer applications are ubiquitous in our lives

so much so that we expect them to “be there when we need

them”.

We often give little thought to the processes and programs

running behind the scenes to keep our computers functioning

effectively.

These kinds of programs and processes (i.e. operating systems,

utility programs, device drivers, etc…) fall under the topic of

system software and are covered in this chapter.

Introduction

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• Handles technical details

• Works with end users, application software, and computer

hardware

• Four types of programs

– Operating system

– Utilities

– Device drivers

– Language translators

System Software

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• Manage computer resources

• Provide an interface between the users and computer

• Runs applications

• A collection of programs that handle technical tasks

• Every computer has an operating

system

Operating Systems

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• Performs three types of functions – Manages computer resources

• Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers • Monitor system performance • Provide security • Start-up the computer

– Provides user interface • Character-based interface • Graphical user interface (GUI)

– Runs applications • Multitasking • Foreground & background applications

Functions of an Operating System

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• Booting

• Features in common with application software

– Icons

– Pointers

– Windows

– Menus

– Dialog boxes

– Help

Features of an Operating System

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• Hundreds of operating systems

• Three basic categories

– Embedded operating systems – handheld

– Network operating systems – linked computers

– Stand-alone operating systems – desktop

Categories of Operating Systems

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• OS often called software environment or platform

• 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

More on Operating Systems

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• The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market

• Comes in a variety of different versions

• Windows 7 provides several improvements

over Windows Vista

Windows

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• An operating system designed to run on Apple computers

• Not used as widely as Windows

• One of the most innovative operating systems

• Mac OS X is one of the latest versions

• Mac OS (Boot Camp) allows the running of both

the Mac OS and Windows

Mac OS

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• UNIX operating system

– Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network

– Used by powerful microcomputers

• LINUX is a version

of UNIX

– Not proprietary

– Open source

UNIX and LINUX

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• Ability to support multiple operating systems

on a single physical machine

• Virtualization software

– Physical machine can be logically separated into

separate and independent virtual computers called

virtual machines – Host operating system

– Guest operating system

Virtualization

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• Specialized programs to make computing easier

• Most essential utilities

– Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs

– Antivirus programs

– Uninstall programs

– Backup programs

– File compression programs

Utilities

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• Backup and Restore

• Disk Cleanup

• Disk Defragmenter

Windows Utilities

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Accessing Windows Vista utilities:

Click Start, Select All Programs, Select

Accessories, Choose System Tools

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• Utility program included

with many Windows

versions

• Makes a copy of all files or

selected files that have been

saved on a disk

• Helps prevent against

disk failure

Backup and Restore

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• Identifies and eliminates

nonessential files

• Frees up valuable space

and improves system

performance

Disk Cleanup

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Disk Defragmenter

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• Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments

• Rearranges files and

unused disk space to

optimize operations

• Speeds up file access

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• A group of several utility programs bundled for sale

• Buying the package is economical

• Popular suites

– Norton System Works

– McAfee Office

– V Communications

SystemSuite

Utility Suites

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• Specialized programs that allow communication

between a device

and the computer

• Loaded into memory each

time a computer is started

• When a new device is added,

new device drivers must be installed

Device Drivers

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Virus Protection and

Internet Security

• Internet Security Suite – Runs a number of programs

– Continually monitors your computer

• VirusScan – Controls the frequency of

searches for viruses

– Quarantines or deletes infected files

• PrivacyService – Helps protect your privacy online

– Block websites, cookies, and ads

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Thank You for Listening

BMTS 242: Computer and Systems