Uc14 chap05

Chapter 5:

System Software:
Operating Systems
and Utility Programs

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the difference between system software and
application software.
2. Explain the different functions of an operating system and
discuss some ways that operating systems enhance
processing efficiency.
3. List several ways in which operating systems differ from one
another.
4. Name today’s most widely used operating systems for
personal computers and servers.

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 14th Edition

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Learning Objectives
5. State several devices other than personal computers and
servers that require an operating system and list one possible
operating system for each type of device.
6. Discuss the role of utility programs and outline several tasks
these programs perform.
7. Describe what the operating systems of the future might be
like.


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Overview
• This chapter covers:
– Differences between system software and application
software
– Functions of and general differences between operating
systems
– Specific operating systems most widely used today
– Functions of and various types of utility programs
– A look at future of operating systems


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System Software vs. Application
Software
• System Software
– The operating system and utility programs that control a
computer system and allow you to use your computer
• Enables the boot process, launches applications,
transfers files, controls hardware configuration,
manages files on the hard drive, and protects from
unauthorized use
• Application Software
– Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a
computer
• Word processing, playing games, preparing taxes,
browsing the Web, listening to music, etc.

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The Operating System
• Operating System
– A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the
activities taking place within a computer system
– Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer and
between the
application programs
and system hardware

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• Functions of an Operating System
– Interfacing with Users (typically via a GUI)
– Booting the Computer
• Loads essential part of operating system (kernel) into
memory
• Reads opening batch of instructions
• Determines hardware connected to computer
– Configuring Devices
• Device drivers are often needed; can be
reinstalled if needed
• Plug and Play devices are recognized
automatically


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– Managing Network Connections
• Manages wired connections to home or office network
• Manages wireless connections at home, school, work,
or on the go
– Managing and Monitoring Resources and Jobs
• Makes resources available to devices
• Monitors for problems and attempts to correct those
that arise
• Schedules jobs
– Jobs to be printed
– Files to be retrieved from hard drive

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– File Management
• Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be
retrieved when needed
– Files usually viewed in a hierarchical format
– Security
• Passwords
• Biometric characteristics
• Firewalls


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• Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency
– Multitasking
• The ability of an operating system to have more than
one program (task) open at one time
– CPU rotates between tasks
– Switching is done quickly
– Appears as though all programs executing at the
same time


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– Multithreading
• The ability to rotate between multiple threads so that
processing is completed faster and more efficiently
• Thread
– Sequence of instructions within a program that is
independent of other thread
– Multiprocessing and Parallel Processing
• Multiple processors (or multiple cores) are used in one
computer system to perform work more efficiently
• Tasks are performed sequentially


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• Multiprocessing
– Each CPU (or core) typically works on a different job
– Used with personal computers with multi-core
processors
• Parallel Processing
– CPUs or cores typically works together to complete
one job more quickly
– Used with servers and mainframes
– In either case, tasks are performed simultaneously


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– Memory Management
• Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
• Virtual memory
– Memory-management technique that uses hard
drive space as additional RAM


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– Buffering and Spooling
• Used with printers and other peripheral devices
• Buffer
– Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to
hold input and output on their way in or out of the
system
• Spooling
– Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by
the appropriate device when needed


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• Differences Among Operating Systems
– Command Line Interface
• Requires user to communicate
instructions to computer via
typed commands
– Graphical User Interface
• Graphics based interface
• Most operating systems today
use GUI


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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following processing techniques allows a
computer to work with more than one program at a time?
a. Parallel processing
b. Virtual memory
c. Multitasking
2. True or False: Most operating systems today use a command
line interface.
3. _____________ is the task included with operating systems
that allows to you keep track of the files stored on a PC.
Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) File management

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– Types of Operating Systems
• Personal (Desktop) Operating Systems
– Designed to be installed on a single computer
• Server (Network) Operating Systems
– Designed to be installed on a network server
– Client computers still use a personal operating
system
– Server operating system controls access to network
resources
• Many operating systems come in both versions
• Mobile and embedded operating systems also exist

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– The Types of Processors Supported
• Desktop, mobile, server processors
• 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
– Support for Virtualization and Other Technologies
• New types of buses
• Virtualization
• Power-consumption concerns
• Touch and gesture input
• Web-based software


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Operating Systems for Personal
Computers and Servers
• DOS (Disk Operating System)
– DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
– Dominant operating system in the 1980s and early 1990s
– PC-DOS
• Created originally for IBM microcomputers
– MS-DOS
• Used with IBM-compatible computers
– Can enter DOS commands in Windows


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• Windows
– The predominant personal operating system developed by
Microsoft Corporation
– Windows 1.0 through Windows XP
• Windows 1.0 released in 1985
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating
environments for DOS
– Graphical shell wrapped around DOS
– Designed to make using DOS easier


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– Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME
• Designed for personal computers
– Windows NT (New Technology)
• First 32-bit version of Windows designed for high-end
workstations and servers
• Replaced by Windows 2000
– Windows XP
• Replaced Windows
• Support for new hardware, networking and the
internet, multimedia, and pen input were included
• Microsoft will provide support until 2014

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– Windows Vista
• Replaced Windows 2000
• Was current version until the release of Windows 7
• Uses an Aero interface
– Transparent windows
– Dynamic elements such as Live Thumbnails of task
bar buttons and a Flip 3d feature
• Additional features
– Sidebar, Instant Search
– Built-in security
– Much improved networking, collaboration, and
synchronization tools

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• Hardware requirements for Vista have increased over
earlier versions of Windows
– Windows 7
• Newest version of Windows released Oct. 2009
– 32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editions
– Home Premium (primary version for home users)
– Professional (primary version for businesses)
– Starts up and responds faster than Vista


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• Will run well on netbooks and mobile tablets
• Additional Features
– Device Stage
– Libraries
– HomeGroup for improved home networking
– Support for touch, voice, and pen output
– Improved accessory features
– Windows 8
• Currently under development
• Expected to be released sometime in 2012

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– Windows Server and Windows Home Server
• Windows Server is a server version of Windows
– Windows Server 2008 is the most recent version
– Includes Internet Information Services 7.0
» Powerful Web platform for Web applications
and Web services
– Other features
» Built-in virtualization technologies
» New security tools and enhancements
» Streamlined configuration and management
tools

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– Windows Home Server
• Preinstalled on home server devices
• Provides services for a home network
• Can back up all devices in the home automatically
• Mac OS
– Proprietary operating system for computers made by
Apple Corporation
– Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set the
standard for graphical user interfaces
– Mac OS X Family
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard

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• Allows multithreading and multitasking
• Supports dual 64-bit processors
• Has high level of multimedia
functions and connectivity
• Includes Safari Web browser
• MAX OS Server
– Max OS X Lion Server


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• UNIX
– Operating system developed in the late 1960s for
midrange servers
– Multiuser, multitasking operating system
– More expensive, requires a higher level of technical
knowledge; tends to be harder to install, maintain, and
upgrade
– “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX operating
system, now refers to a group of similar operating systems
based on UNIX
– Single UNIX Specification
• A standardized UNIX environment

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• Linux
– Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991—resembles UNIX but
was developed independently
– Is increasingly being used with personal computers,
servers, mainframes, and supercomputers
– Is open-source software; has been collaboratively modified
by volunteer programmers all over the world
– Originally used a command line interface, most recent
versions use a GUI
– Strong support from mainstream companies, such as Sun,
IBM, HP, and Novell
– Much less expensive than Windows or Mac OS

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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following is the most recent personal version of
Windows?
a. Windows 7
b. Windows Leopard
c. Windows XP
2. True or False: Linux is an open source operating system
available for free via the Internet.
3. The operating system most commonly used on Apple personal
computers is ______________________.
Answers:
1) a; 2) True; 3) Mac OS

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Operating Systems for Mobile
Phones and Other Devices
• Mobile and Embedded Versions of Windows
– Windows Phone 7
• Newest version of Windows designed for mobile
phones
• Designed primarily for touch input
• Has new tilt-based Smart screen interface
– Tiles contain real-time information and can be
customized by user
• Contains apps such as mobile versions of Internet
Explorer and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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– Windows Embedded
• Family of operating systems designed primarily for
consumer and industrial devices that are not personal
computers
– Cash registers, digital photo frames, GPS devices,
ATM machines, medical devices, and robots
– Android
• Linux-based operating system created with current
mobile device capabilities in mind
– Can create applications that take full advantage of
all the features a mobile device has to offer

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• Open program platform
– Hardware manufactures must adhere to certain
specifications
• Has a customizable Home screen and a standard set of
apps
• Supports multitasking, NFC mobile payment
transactions, Internet phone calls, and a variety of
sensors
• Can select, copy, and paste text
• Also used with Google TV hardware and will be used
with Sony’s upcoming PlayStation Play Phone

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– iOS
• Designed for Apple Mobile phones and mobile devices
– Current version is iOS 5
– Supports multitasking
– Includes Safari Web browser and apps for email,
messaging, music, search, and video calling via
FaceTime


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– BlackBerry OS and Blackberry Tablet OS
• Designed for BlackBerry devices
• Supports multitasking
– HP webOS
• Linux-based mobile operating system
• Designed for Palm devices
• Supports multitasking
– Symbian OS
• Use to be the most widely used mobile operating
system
• Use is now declining and is expected to continue

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Operating Systems for Larger
Computers
• Larger computers sometimes use operating systems designed
solely for that type of system
• IBM’s z/OS is designed for IBM mainframes
• Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with servers,
mainframes, and supercomputers
• Often a group of Linux computers are linked together to form
a Linux supercomputing cluster
• Larger computers may also use a customized operating system
based on a conventional operating system


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Utility Programs
• Utility Program
– Software that performs a specific task, usually related to
managing or maintaining the computer system
– Many utilities are built into operating
systems (for finding files, viewing
images, backing up files, etc.)
– Utilities are also available as
stand-alone products
and as suites


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Utility Programs
• File Management Programs
– Enable the user to perform file management tasks, such
as:
• Looking at the contents of a storage medium
• Copying, moving, and renaming files and folders
• Deleting files and folders
• File management program in Windows is Windows
Explorer


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Utility Programs


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Utility Programs


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Utility Programs
– Search Tools
• Designed to search for documents and other files on
the user’s hard drive
• Are often integrated into file management programs
• Third-party search tools are also available
– Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
• Diagnostic programs evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
• Disk management programs diagnose and repair
problems related to your hard drive


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Utility Programs
– Uninstall and Cleanup Utilities
• Uninstall utilities remove programs from your hard
drive without leaving bits and pieces behind

• Important to properly uninstall programs, not just
delete them
• Clean up utilities delete temporary files
– Recycle Bin
– Temporary Internet files
– Temporary installation files


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Utility Programs
– File compression programs reduce the size of files so they
take up less storage space on a storage medium or can be
transmitted faster over the Internet
• Both zip and unzip files
• WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)
– Backup and Recovery Utilities
• Make the backup and restoration process easier
• Creating a backup means making a duplicate copy of
data and/or other computer content
– Can use a recordable or rewritable CD or DVD disc,
a USB flash drive, or an external hard drive
• Good backup procedures are critical for businesses

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Utility Programs
• Individuals should back up important documents,
e-mail, photos, home video, etc.
• Back up your entire computer once all programs have
been installed, so your system can be restored to that
configuration.
• Can do the backup manually or use backup utility
programs (stand alone or those built into operating
systems)


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Utility Programs


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Utility Programs
– Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewalls, and Other Security
Programs
• Security Concerns
– Viruses, spyware, identity theft, phishing schemes
• Security programs protect computers and users and it is
essential that all computer users protect themselves
and their computers
– Antivirus programs
– Antispyware programs
– Firewalls
– Many are included in Windows and other operating
systems

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The Future of Operating Systems
• Will continue to become more user-friendly
• Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface, touch,
and/or gesture interface
• Likely to continue to become more stable and self-healing
• Will likely continue to include security and other technological
improvements as they become available
• Will almost certainly include improvements in the areas of
synchronizing and coordinating data and activities among a
persons various computing and communicating devices
• May be used primarily to access software available through
the Internet or other networks

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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following is the type of utility program used to make a
file smaller for transfer over the Internet?
a. Uninstall program
b. Antivirus program
c. File compression program
2. True or False: A file management program can be used to see the
files located on a storage medium.
3. A(n) ______________________ is a duplicate copy of one or more
files that can be used if there is a problem with the original files.
Answers:
1) c; 2) True; 3) backup


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Summary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

System Software vs. Application Software
Operating Systems for Personal Computers and Servers
Operating Systems for Mobile Phones and Other Devices
Operating Systems for Larger Computers
Utility Programs
The Future of Operating Systems


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Uc14 chap05

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