Chapter 5: System Software

Introduction


Computer and computer applications have become a part of the fabric of our everyday lives. Loading and running programs, coordinating networks that phase resources. organizing files, protecting our computers from viruses, performing periodic maintenance to avoid problems and controlling hardware devices that they can communicate with one another.




System Software

1. End users use application software to accomplish specific tasks.
2. For example, word processor to create letters, documents and reports.
3. Works with end users, application software and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details.
4. System software are not single program. 

Four types of programs:

• Operating systems: coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the computer, and run applications.
• Utilities: perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
• Device drivers: specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
• Language translators: convert the programming instructions written by programmers into a language that computers understand and process.

Operating Systems

Device Drivers (Linux)

Utilities

Language Translators

Operating Systems

• is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical details related to using a computer.
• the most important type of computer program.
• without operating systems, your computer would be useless.

Functions

1. Managing resources: coordinate all the computer's resources including memory, processing, storage and devices such as:-

Printers

Monitors

also monitor system performance, schedule tasks, provide security, and start up the computer.


2. Providing user interface: users interact with application programs and computer hardware through a user interface. Many older operating systems used a character-based interface in which users communicated with the operating system through written commands such as "Copy A: assign.doc C:"  Almost all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI).

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

3. Running applications: load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the ability to switch between different applications stored in memory. With multitasking, you could have Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily between the two applications.

Word and Excel: Running at the same time..

Features of an Operating System

An operating system (OS) is software, consisting of programs and data, that runs on computers and manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for efficient execution of various application software.

For hardware functions such as input and output and memory allocation, the operating system acts as an intermediary between application programs and the computer hardware, although the application code is usually executed directly by the hardware, but will frequently call the OS or be interrupted by it. Operating systems are found on almost any device that contains a computer from cellular phones and video game consoles to supercomputers and web servers.

Mac Desktop Operating System

Vista Welcome 

Center

Categories of Operating Systems 

Multi-user and Single-user Operating Systems: The operating systems of this type allow a multiple users to access a computer system concurrently. Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable a multiple user access to a computer through the sharing of time. Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a single user at a time. Being able to have multiple accounts on a Windows operating system does not make it a multi-user system. Rather, only the network administrator is the real user. But for a Unix-like operating system, it is possible for two users to login at a time and this capability of the OS makes it a multi-user operating system.

Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems: When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system, while in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking operating system. Multi-tasking can be of two types namely, pre-emptive or co-operative. In pre-emptive multitasking, the operating system slices the CPU time and dedicates one slot to each of the programs. Unix-like operating systems such as Solaris and Linux support pre-emptive multitasking. Cooperative multitasking is achieved by relying on each process to give time to the other processes in a defined manner. MS Windows prior to Windows 95 used to support cooperative multitasking.

Single User Multi Tasking

Distributed Operating System: An operating system that manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a single computer is known as a distributed operating system. The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with each other, gave rise to distributed computing. Distributed computations are carried out on more than one machine. When computers in a group work in cooperation, they make a distributed system.

Distribute Operating System

Embedded System: The operating systems designed for being used in embedded computer systems are known as embedded operating systems. They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy. They are able to operate with a limited number of resources. They are very compact and extremely efficient by design. Windows CE, FreeBSD and Minix 3 are some examples of embedded operating systems.

Embedded System

Windows

Windows Corporation Founder, Bill Gates.

history..

It’s the 1970s. At work, we rely on typewriters. If we need to copy a document, we likely use a mimeograph or carbon paper. Few have heard of microcomputers, but two young computer enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, see that personal computing is a path to the future.

In 1975, Gates and Allen form a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft begins small, but has a huge vision—a computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoftbegins to change the ways we work.

function..

Microsoft Windows is a series of software operating systems and graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. Microsoft first introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal computermarket, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984. As of October 2009, Windows had approximately 91% of the market share of the client operating systems for usage on the Internet. The most recent client version of Windows is Windows 7; the most recent server version is Windows Server 2008 R2; the most recent mobile OS version is Windows Phone 7.

The Transformation

• 1982–1985: Introducing Windows 1.0

Microsoft works on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager is the code name and is considered as the final name, but Windows prevails because it best describes the boxes or computing “windows” that are fundamental to the new system. Windows is announced in 1983, but it takes a while to develop. Skeptics call it “vaporware.”

• 1987–1992: Windows 2.0–2.11—More windows, more speed

Windows 2.0 is designed for the Intel 286 processor. When the Intel 386 processor is released, Windows/386 soon follows to take advantage of its extended memory capabilities. Subsequent Windows releases continue to improve the speed, reliability, and usability of the PC.

In 1988, Microsoft becomes the world’s largest PC software company based on sales. Computers are starting to become a part of daily life for some office workers.

• 1990–1994: Windows 3.0–Windows NT—Getting the graphics

Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons. A new wave of 386 PCs helps drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, programs run noticeably faster. Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager arrive inWindows 3.0. Windows software is installed with floppy discs bought in large boxes with heavy instruction manuals.

The popularity of Windows 3.0 grows with the release of a newWindows software development kit (SDK), which helps software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers.

• 1995–2001: Windows 95—the PC comes of age (and don't forget the Internet)

This is the era of fax/modems, e‑mail, the new online world, and dazzling multimedia games and educational software.Windows 95 has built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that make it easy to install hardware and software. The 32-bit operating system also offers enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile computing, and integrated networking.

At the time of the Windows 95 release, the previous Windows and MS‑DOS operating systems are running on about 80 percent of the world’s PCs. Windows 95 is the upgrade to these operating systems. To run Windows 95, you need a PC with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended) and at least 4 MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM recommended). Upgrade versions are available for both floppy disk and CD-ROM formats. It’s available in 12 languages.

• 1998–2000: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me

Windows 98

With Windows 98, you can find information more easily on your PC as well as the Internet. Other improvements include the ability to open and close programs more quickly, and support for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices. Another first appearance is the Quick Launch bar, which lets you run programs without having to browse the Start menu or look for them on the desktop.

Windows 2000

More than just the upgrade to Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional is designed to replaceWindows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Built on top of the proven Windows NT Workstation 4.0 code base, Windows 2000 adds major improvements in reliability, ease of use, Internet compatibility, and support for mobile computing.

• 2001–2005: Windows XP—Stable, usable, and fast

For Microsoft, Windows XP will become one of its best-selling products in the coming years. It’s both fast and stable. Navigating the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel are more intuitive. Awareness of computer viruses and hackers increases, but fears are to a certain extent calmed by the online delivery of security updates. Consumers begin to understand warnings about suspicious attachments and viruses. There’s more emphasis on Help and Support.

Windows XP Home Edition offers a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently used features more accessible. Designed for home use, Windows XP offers such enhancements as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player,Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo capabilities.

• 2006–2008: Windows Vista—Smart on security

Windows Vista is released in 2006 with the strongest security system yet. User Account Control helps prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate,BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection for your computer, as laptop sales and security needs increase. Windows Vista also features enhancements to Windows Media Player as more and more people come to see their PCs as central locations for digital media. Here you can watch television, view and send photographs, and edit videos.

Design plays a big role in Windows Vista, and features such as the taskbar and the borders around windows get a brand new look. Search gets new emphasis and helps people find files on their PCs faster. Windows Vista introduces new editions that each have a different mix of features. It's available in 35 languages. The redesigned Start button makes its first appearance in Windows Vista.

• 2009–Today: Windows 7 The Latest.

  
  
  
  By the late 2000s, the wireless world has arrived. When Windows 7 is released in October 2009, laptops are outselling desktop PCs and it’s common to get online at public wireless hotspots like coffee shops. Wireless networks can be created at the office or at home.
  Windows 7 includes many features, such as new ways to work with windows—Snap, Peek, and Shake.Windows Touch makes its debut, enabling you to use your fingers to browse the web, flip through photos, and open files and folders. You can stream music, videos, and photos from your PC to a stereo or TV.
  
  
  
  

What is a Mac OS?

Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computer, Inc.) for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface. The original form of what Apple would later name the "Mac OS" was the integral and unnamed system software first introduced in 1984 with the original Macintosh, usually referred to simply as the System software.

Mac OS 9.2 

Mac OS Desktop Application

Introducing the Latest Version: Mac OS X

Mac OS X is the world’s most advanced operating system. Built on a rock-solid UNIX foundation and designed to be simple and intuitive, it’s what makes the Mac innovative, highly secure, compatible, and easy to use. Quite simply, there is nothing else like it.

Mac OS X: Applications & Utilities

Applications

• Address Book    
• Automator
• Calculator
• PhotoBooth 
• Dashboard
• Dictionary
• DVD Player
• Expose
• Font Book
• iCall
• iChat
• iTunes
• Mail
• Text Edit                                    

    

    iChat

Photo Booth

Quick Time X

Utilities

• Activity Monitor
• Airport Utility
• Console
• Digital Color Meter
• Grapher
• Web Start
• Bluetooth File Exchange
• Disk Utility
• Network Utility
• System Profiler

Activity Monitor

Color Meter Adjustment

Console

UNIX and LINUX

UNIX is copyrighted name only big companies are allowed to use the UNIX copyright and name, so IBM AIX and Sun Solaris and HP-UX all are UNIX operating systems. The Open Group holds the UNIX trademark in trust for the industry, and manages the UNIX trademark licensing program. Linux is considered as most user friendly UNIX like operating systems. It makes it easy to install sound card, flash players, and other desktop goodies. However, Apple OS X is most popular UNIX operating system for desktop usage.

Backup and Recovery Software

UNIX and Linux comes with different set of tools for backing up data to tape and other backup media. However, both of them share some common tools such as tar, dump/restore, and cpio etc.

UNIX Operating System Names

A few popular names:

1. HP-UX
2. IBM AIX
3. Sun Solairs
4. Mac OS X
5. IRIX

Linux Distribution (Operating System) Names

A few popular names:

1. Redhat Enterprise Linux
2. Fedora Linux
3. Debian Linux
4. Suse Enterprise Linux
5. Ubuntu Linux

Common Things Between Linux & UNIX

Both share many common applications such as:

1. GUI, file, and windows managers (KDE, Gnome)
2. Shells (ksh, csh, bash)
3. Various office applications such as OpenOffice.org
4. Development tools (perl, php, python, GNU c/c++ compilers)
5. Posix interface

UNIX Desktop - IRIX 6.5 Desktop

Linux KDE desktop environment

Virtualization Software

Virtualization software allows a single host computer to create and run one or more virtual environments. Virtualization software is most often used to emulate a complete computer system in order to allow a guest operating system to be run, for example allowing Linux to run as a guest on top of a PC that is natively running a Microsoft Windows operating system. Storage virtualization refers to the process of abstracting logical storage from physical storage.

The Benefits of Virtualization

Depending on your IT architecture, the nature of your work, and your IT budget,

virtualization software can offer a variety of advantages to your nonprofit or library.

1. Consolidate servers
2. Conserve Energy
3. Improve ease of management
4. Reduce back up & recovery system
5. Test software & configuration
6. Maintain legacy application

Virtualization Software Options

Virtualization software is available for a variety of needs, ranging from free or no-cost software for desktop users to six-figure packages for datacenter operators.

The package you choose will depend on what you need to accomplish with the technology. Other factors to consider include how many computers you currently have, your level of technical expertise, and the kind of tech support available at your nonprofit.

Microsoft

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft provides a lot of free virtualization resources and tools, such as Microsoft Virtual Server and Virtual PC. If you are running only Windows desktops and servers, these products can be an affordable way to test whether virtualization should be part of your organization's IT strategy. Keep in mind, however, that Virtual Software and Virtual PC can only work with Windows guests and hosts, meaning they are not viable options for those who want to run Linux or Mac operating systems.

Citrix

Citrix, after acquiring the company that created and licensed the open-source virtualization package Xen, has become a major player in the field of virtualization. They offer packages for server consolidation, as well as more advanced desktop virtualization for enterprises.

Parallels

Best known for its Desktop for Mac ― the first commercial virtualization product that could run on Mac OS hosts ― Parallelsalso offers products that run on Windows and Linux hosts. They have a strong user base and their products garner positive reviews in terms of speed and user friendliness.

VirtualBox.

As with many other software technologies, there are free and open-source alternatives to commercial virtualization software. Sun Microsystems’ VirtualBox is the most popular package and supports a variety of guest and host systems. As it is supported commercially, its updates and bug fixes are addressed timely and frequently.

Virtualizing Forward

Even if your nonprofit or library doesn't currently have a need for virtualization software, knowing that the technology exists can help you plan for the future and may be a factor for future buying decisions. Virtualization has the potential to greatly streamline your organization's IT infrastructure and operational workflow, but it must be planned out with a clear understanding of its compatibility with your organization's present and future IT needs.

Utilities

Utility software is a kind of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility (abbr. util) or tool. Utility software should be contrasted with application software, which allows users to do things like creating text documents, playing games, listening to music or surfing the web. Rather than providing these kinds of user-oriented or output-oriented functionality, utility software usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure (including the computer hardware, operating system, application software and data storage) operates. Due to this focus, utilities are often rather technical and targeted at people with an advanced level of computer knowledge. Most utilities are highly specialized and designed to perform only a single task or a small range of tasks. However, there are also some utility suites that combine several features in one piece of software.

Utilities Category (Example)

1. Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses.
2. Backup utilities can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore either the entire disk (e.g. in an event of disk failure) or selected files (e.g. in an event of accidental deletion).
3. Disk storage utilities
4. Disk cleaners can find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the user to decide what to delete when their hard disk is full.
5. File managers provide a convenient method of performing routine data management tasks, such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, uncataloging, moving, copying, merging, generating and modifying data sets.
6. Disk checkers can scan the contents of a hard disk to find files or areas that are corrupted in some way, or were not correctly saved, and eliminate them for a more efficiently operating hard drive.

The Antivirus Software (Link)

• Avira Antivirus Website
• Kaspersky Lab
• Norton Antivirus
• AVG Antivirus
• Bitdefender Software

Windows Utilities

1.  Backup and Restore
2. Disc Cleanup
3. Disc Defragmenter

Backup and Restores Utilities

Allow users to copy or back up, selected files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium such as another hard disk, optical disc, USB flash drive or tape. During the backup process, the backup utility monitors progress and alerts you if it needs additional media, such as another disc. Many backup programs compress, or shrink the size of, files during the backup process. By compressing the files, the backup program requires less storage space for the backup files than for the original files. 

Backup and Restore Utilities

Disk Cleanup

A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary file. Unnecessary files may include downloaded program files, temporary Internet files, deleted files, and unused program files. Operating system, such as Windows, include a disk scanner utility. 

 

Disk Cleanup

Disk Defragmenter

 A disk defragmenter is a utility that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer's hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster. When an operating system stores data on a disk, it places the data in the first available sector on the disk. It attempts to place data in sectors that are contiguous, but this is not always possible. When the contents of a file are scattered across two or more noncontinuous sector, the file is fragmented. 

Disk Defragmenter

 

Why Use PC System Utilities Software?

A PC system utilities application can clean your computer’s registry, repair its hard drive, generate free space on its hard drive, optimize system processes and recover data.

These applications will address issues that can potentially diminish your computer's functionality, including registry and hard drive errors, unneeded files that clutter your disk space, security vulnerabilities and inefficient system settings.

PC System Utilities: What to Look For

PC system utilities address many performance-sapping issues that typically affect home and business computers.


They can recover data, remove system clutter and optimize system processes; they also defragment hard drives and remove errors from hard drives and registries.


Some excel at optimization while others focus their efforts on repair and recovery. If you already know the nature of your system’s troubles, you can find the PC utility application that's ideal for addressing your specific concern.


However, the best PC utilities manage a wide range of issues. Our reviews will give you information on the most crucial features to help you find the best software for your needs.




We used the following criteria to evaluate PC system utilities:

Management/Diagnostics

The best utilities have tools for managing start-up programs, ending processes that are currently running, uninstalling programs and tracking system performance. These features keep your computer running at an optimum speed. Once you notice a slowdown, you can solve performance issues before they cause any major headaches.

Repair/Recovery

Applications that are infected with viruses or hog system resources can damage computers. Spyware, adware and Trojan horse viruses can often be attached to unsecure websites. These can make your computer slow down or stop working altogether. The repair and recovery features can fix errors, remove viruses and protect your data. You will also find features for removing junk files and tools for erasing your internet history, cookies and temporary internet files.

Optimization

PC system utilities have features that optimize your system by tweaking settings for memory and internet options. They also can adjust the settings of your Windows operating system to make certain it is working appropriately. Optimization features aim to ensure your system performs at the optimal level. Optimizing your system will provide the quickest, most noticeable increase to your PC’s performance.

Ease of Use

The best utilities must make computer maintenance easy for their users. Your ideal PC system utility should incorporate easy-to-use features within an easy-to-navigate interface.

Help & Support

Your PC system utility’s manufacturer should provide you with effective and reliable help documentation and options to contact them with your questions. It’s crucial to have solid customer service supporting these applications because they can sometimes be difficult to understand.

PC system utilities could provide the right fix for your dragging computer. They assist in remedying a broad range of system problems and can help you maintain your computer's good health.


You don't have to waste time or money taking your computer to maintenance professionals because this kind of software will provide an ample amount of information to help you repair and maintain your computer.


With the right PC system utility, your system’s performance will improve and your efficiency will increase.

Advanced System Optimizer

Advanced System Optimizer is a tool to make your PC tasking faster, easier and hassle free. Once installed on system, it helps to clean system, provide more security, prevents the system from spyware attacks and optimizes performance.

It is a complete suite of all tweaks which one may need to get the ultimate PC experience.

Repair Wizard assists in tuning up the system and repairing several common problems encountered in routine work.

System and Security Analyzer facilitates checking the system and security settings and suggests tips to improve the system and security levels.

System Cleaner, responsible to take care of the possible spyware attacks. Backup Manager and System Files Backup and Restore help us to take backups of the important personal data and system files and folders.

With Undelete lost data can be recovered at any point of time.

 

System Mechanic^® Professional

Fix, Speed Up, and Secure your PC

Features and Benefits

Boost PC and internet performance

Improve Windows start-up, your internet connection speed, and download times. Get the most out of installed programs.

 Optimize your registry

System Mechanic's new 3-level registry optimization speeds up your PC well beyond
the capability of ordinary registry cleaners.

 Keep your hard drive clean and error-free

Automatically delete junk files left behind by untidy programs, system freezes, and sudden restarts. Easily fix hundreds of errors involving the hard drive, system components, installed software, hardware, and more.

 Tune your PC automatically

ActiveCare 2.0 runs in the background, fixing and optimizing your PC during periods of inactivity. It never interrupts with schedulers or messages, and stops the instant your system needs resources for other tasks.

 Protect your system

Automatically repair Windows security flaws that leave you vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves.

 Configure the software to work the way you want it to

Operate System Mechanic manually, if you like. Or change the settings in ActiveCare to tune your PC according to your preferences.

 Install 1 license on up to 3 PCs!

1 license functions as a 3-pack and can be legally installed on 3 separate computers.

PC Tools Spyware Doctor^™ with AntiVirus 2011

Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus combines two powerful engines to detect and remove unknown threats faster.

·         Antivirus guards against malicious PC threats.

·         Antispyware prevents information and identity theft.

It defends your computer against malware attacks with multiple layers of protection using proactive, reactive and automatic protection to stop threats at every entry point.

Now includes memory scanning, behaviour profiling, and report cards to provide up-to-date protection and status monitoring for your PC.

Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus has advanced virus and spyware removal technology that provides essential coverage without slowing you down with confusing features. Intuitive State Awareness Modes detect how you are using your PC, adjusting to minimize performance impact.

Designed especially for people, not just experts, Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus can be installed and used right from the start.

This top-rated antivirus and antispyware software is automatically set for optimal protection.

Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus has advanced IntelliGuard technology that only alerts users of a true spyware or virus detection.

This means you are not interrupted by cryptic questions every time software is installed, a site is added to your favourites or your PC settings are changed.

Messages like these can be confusing and may result in undesirable outcomes such as program errors, lost favourites or even spyware and viruses being allowed to install on the system

Note: If you are choosing antispyware, make sure you choose one that is proven and has genuine awards from one or more world leading research labs, such a PC Magazine, PC World, CNET, PC Pro Magazine, PC Authority, PC Answers and other trusted labs. More importantly, do not use ratings from unknown review websites as these are often designed to mislead you into purchasing affiliated, inferior or rogue products.

DEVICE DRIVER

MOUSE or PRINTER is example of DEVICE

They are CONNECTED to a COMPUTER SYSTEM

This PROGRAM called DEVICE DRIVER or DRIVER

When ever a NEW DEVICE added to a COMPUTER SYSTEM, a NEW DEVICE DRIVER must be INSTALLED before the DEVICE can be used.

DEVICE can be INSTALLED

1.       AUTOMATICALLY

2.       MANUALLY

Window ADD HARDWARE WIZARD provides STEP-BY-STEP guide for selecting the appropriate HARDWARE DRIVER and INSTALLING that DRIVER