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Learning Objectives
Understand the difference between systems software and application software. Explain the different functions of an operating system and discuss some ways that operating systems can differ from one another. List several ways in which operating systems can enhance processing efficiency. Name todays most widely used operating systems for desktop PCs and servers.
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State several devices other than desktop PCs and servers that require an operating system and list one possible operating system for each type of device. Describe the role of utility programs and outline several duties these programs can perform. Speculate about what the operating systems of the future may be like.
Overview
System software acts as a mediator between application programs and the hardware resources of the computer system. Application software provides the tools to perform particular tasks on a PC, such as writing a letter, processing orders, playing games, composing an e-mail, and so forth.
A computers operating system is the collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities of the computer system. Primary responsibilities are management and control. The operating system is the go-between, meshing the users application program with the resources of the system.
File management.
Security.
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Multitaskingthe ability of an operating system to work with more than one program (task) at a time. Multithreadingthe ability to process multiple threads within a program at one time. Time-sharingtechnique for multiple programs to share processing on a rotating basis.
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Multiprocessingthe ability to use multiple CPUs to process multiple jobs. Parallel processingthe ability to use multiple CPUs to process a single job faster. Coprocessingutilizing special processors for specialized chores (e.g. math coprocessor).
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Memory management, such as the use of virtual memory. Buffering and spooling A buffer is an area in RAM or on the hard drive to hold input and output on their way in or out of system. The process of placing items in buffer so they can be retrieved by appropriate device is spooling.
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PC operating systems are usually designed for use on either: Desktop PCs (personal operating systems) Network servers (network operating systems) Some operating systems have versions for both; some personal operating systems have limited networking capabilities.
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DOS
PC-DOS and MS-DOS were the dominant operating systems until the early 1990s. DOS traditionally used a command-line interface; it is not widely used today.
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Windows
Many versions of the Windows operating system have existed over the last several years.
Windows 3.x (an operating environment over DOS, not an operating system). Windows 95 and Windows 98 (personal operating systems). Windows Me (personal operating systems for home PCs). Windows NT (network operating system).
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Windows, Contd.
Windows 2000 (network and professional operating system). Windows XP (latest version that replaces both Windows 2000 and Windows Me for home and office PCs; based on Windows NT). Windows Server 2003 (latest network version).
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Mac OS
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UNIX
UNIX is a commonly-used, high-end PC and server operating system. Not built around any one particular family of microprocessorscan be used on a variety of computers. Though traditionally a command line operating system, newer versions of UNIX use a GUI.
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Linux
Linux is a version of Unix originally created in 1991. Linux is open-source software; has been collaboratively modified by volunteer programmers all over the world. Traditionally a command line operating system; many versions now use a GUI.
Recent increased support from big name companies (Sun, IBM, HP, and Novell, for instance) has increased the use and support of Linux.
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NetWare
One of the most widely used operating system on PC-based networks. NetWare provides a shell around the users local desktop operating systems so they can interact with network resources.
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OS/2 is an operating system designed by IBM for high-end PCs. Available in both server and client versions (for accessing an OS/2 server). The newest versions is called OS/2 Warp 4.0.
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Solaris
Designed for Sun computers. Can run on desktop PCs, servers, and some supercomputers. The latest version is Solaris 9.
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Windows Embeddeddesigned for non-personal computer-based devices (e.g. cash registers). Windows Mobiledesigned for handheld PCs, smart phones, and other mobile devices. Palm OSdesigned for Palm handheld PCs. Symbian OSdesigned for use with smart phones.
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Larger computers typically used operating systems designed specifically for that type of system.
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Utility Programs
Utility programa type of systems program written to perform a specific system task, usually related to managing or maintaining the system. Many utilities are built into operating systems as well as being available as stand-alone programs. File management programsallow you to look at and manage the files stored on your PC (copy, move, organize into folders, etc.).
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Should be set up to run continuously and scan incoming files and e-mail messages. Should be set up to do a complete scan of your PC about once per week. Need to be updated on a regular basis.
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Diagnostic programsevaluate the computer system and make recommendations for fixing any errors found.
Disk management programsdiagnose and repair problems related to the hard drive. Disk defragmentation programs rearrange the files on a hard drive to store them in contiguous locations to speed up performance.
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Uninstall utilities remove programs from your hard drive without leaving bits and pieces behind. Programs should never be deleted from the hard drive without using an uninstall procedure, unless there is no other alternative. File compression programs make files smaller for archiving or sending over the Internet. Compression programs can both compress (zip) and decompress (unzip) files. Common programs are WinZip for Windows users and Stuffit for Mac users.
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Backup utilities are programs designed to back up the contents of a hard disk. You can usually specify certain files or folders to be backed up or back up an entire drive.
Businesses should back up frequently and regularly; individuals should back up their PC occasionally and all important files each time they are modified.
Recovery utilities are designed to help you recover from a major computer problem, such as rolling back your hard drive to an earlier state if it quits working after you install a new piece of hardware or software.
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Encryption programs are used to secure e-mail messages and files that are sent over the Internet or other networks; can also be used with individual files stored on a hard drive. Network and Internet utilities include:
Performance monitors Logging programs Directory services or identity management programs Firewall programs Antispam and e-mail filtering programs
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Will likely continue to become more user-friendly. May eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface. Will likely be used to access an increasing number of Internet resources and applications, such as Web based software and services. Will likely continue to support more synchronization between an individuals various computing devices, such as a desktop PC, handheld PC, and smart phone.
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Summary
System software vs. application software The operating system Operating systems for desktop PCs and servers Operating systems for handheld PCs and mobile devices Operating systems for larger computers Utility programs