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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

University of Technology
Computer Engineering Department
Computer Principles

Asst.Lect. Zinah Jaafer Mohammed Ameen

Lecture 4
System Software

Lecture Layout:

• System Software
• The Operating System
 Windows
 Mac Os
 Unix and Linux
 Netware
• Mobile Phone Operating Systems
• Utilities
• Device Drivers
• Programming Language Processors

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

 System Software
Systems software is used to control the computer hardware so that all
computer devices can interact with application software smoothly. It
creates a layer of insulation between the computer hardware and
application software, which can greatly help simplify the design of
application software.

System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection or a


system of programs that handle hundreds of technical details with
little or no user intervention. System software consists of 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 are 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.
 The Operating System (OS)
The operating system (OS) consists of the master system of programs
that manage the basic operations of the computer. These programs
provide the control and use of hardware resources, including disk
space, memory, CPU time allocation, and peripheral devices. They are
also the interface between computer hardware and application
programs so that end users can concentrate on their own tasks or
applications rather than on the complexities of managing the
computer.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

A good operating system can dramatically improve the effectiveness


and the efficiency of program execution performance. Many different
operating systems are available for computers. For example, Cray
supercomputers use UNICOS and COS, IBM mainframes use MVS and
VM.
Some operating systems are designed for a microcomputer single-user
environment and others for multiple users.
The complexity is much higher in a multiple-user OS due to the
management of computer memory and CPU time shared by many users.
Today, many computers use an operating environment that provides end
users with a user-friendly interface.
Functions
Every computer has an operating system and every operating system
performs a variety of functions. These functions can be classified into
three groups:
• Managing resources: Operating systems coordinate all the
computer’s resources including memory, processing, storage, and
devices such as printers and monitors. They also monitor system
performance, schedule tasks, provide security, and start up the
computer.
• Managing tasks: Operating systems are designed to run user tasks
more efficiently.
They can be classified into three types: multitasking,
multiprogramming (time sharing), and multiprocessing.
 Multitasking is the execution of two or more programs by one
user concurrently on the same computer with one CPU.
 Multiprogramming is the execution of two or more programs
on a multiuser operating system. The CPU time is shared by
many users in the management of the OS.
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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

 Multiprocessing uses multiple CPUs to perform work


simultaneously. In other words, tasks can be broken down into
several subtasks, and each subtask is assigned to a CPU for
processing.
• Providing user interface: Operating systems allow users to
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), a graphical user interface uses graphical elements
such as icons and windows.
• Running applications: Operating systems 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. The program
that you are currently working on is described as running in the
foreground. The other program or programs are running in the
background.
Features
Starting or restarting a computer is called booting the system. Booting
refers to the process of loading an operating system into a computer’s
main memory from the hard disk. This loading is accomplished by a
program that is stored permanently in ROM.
You typically interact with the operating system through the graphical
user interface. Most provide a place, called desktop, that provides access

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

to computer resources. Operating systems have several features in


common with application programs, including:
• Icons —graphic representations for a program, type of file, or function.
• Pointer —controlled by a mouse or touch screen, the pointer changes
shape depending upon its current function. For example, when shaped
like an arrow, the pointer can be used to select items such as an icon.
• Windows —rectangular areas for displaying information and running
programs.
• Menus —provide a list of options or commands.
• Tabs—divide menus into major activity areas.
• Dialog boxes —provide information or request input.
• Help —provides online assistance for operating system functions and
procedures.

Categories
While there are hundreds of different operating systems, there are only
three basic categories: embedded, network, or stand-alone.
• Embedded operating systems are used for handheld devices such as
smart phones, cable and satellite television receiver, video game systems,

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

and other small electronics. The entire operating system is stored


embedded in the device. The operating system programs are permanently
stored on ROM, or read-only memory, chips.
• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate
computers that are networked or linked together. Many networks are
small and connect only a limited number of microcomputers. Other
networks, like those at colleges and universities, are very large and
complex. These networks may include other smaller networks and
typically connect a variety of different types of computers. Network
operating systems are typically located on one of the connected
computers’ hard disks. Called the network server, this computer
coordinates all communication between the other computers.
Popular network operating systems include NetWare, Windows Server,
and UNIX.
• Stand-alone operating systems, also called desktop operating
systems, control a single desktop or notebook computer. These operating
systems are located on the computer’s hard disk. Often desktop
computers and notebooks are part of a network. In these cases, the
desktop operating system works with the network’s NOS to share and
coordinate resources. In these situations, the desktop operating system is
referred to as the client operating system.
The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or
platform. Almost all application programs are designed to run with a
specific platform. Many applications, however, have different versions,
each designed to operate with a particular platform. For example, one
version of Microsoft Office is designed to operate with Windows.
Another version is designed to operate with Mac OS.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

Every microcomputer has an operating system controlling its operations.


The most widely used operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, Unix,
and Linux.
 Windows
Microsoft’s Windows is by far the most popular microcomputer
operating system today with nearly 90 percent of the market. Because its
market share is so large, more application programs are developed to run
under Windows than any other operating system. Windows comes in a
variety of different versions and is designed to run with Intel and Intel-
compatible microprocessors such as the Core 2 Quad and Atom series.
For a summary of Microsoft’s desktop operating systems. There are many
versions of Windows. The latest, Windows 7, was released in 2009.
Compared to the previous system, Windows Vista, Windows 7 provides
several improvements.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

 Mac OS
Apple introduced its Macintosh microcomputer and operating system in
1984. It provided one of the first GUIs, making it easy even for novice
computer users to move and delete files. Designed to run with Apple
computers, Mac OS is not as widely used as the Windows operating
system. As a result, fewer application programs have been written for it.
Nonetheless, Mac OS is considered to be one of the most innovative
operating systems. It is a powerful, easy-to-use operating system that is
popular with professional graphic designers, desktop publishers, and
many home users.
One of the latest versions of the Macintosh operating system is Mac OS
X. This operating system provides a wide array of powerful features
including Spotlight and Dashboard Widgets. Spotlight is an advanced
search tool that can rapidly locate files, folders, e-mail messages,
addresses, and much more. Dashboard Widgets are a collection of
specialized programs that will constantly update and display information.
Some versions of Mac OS X also include Boot Camp, which allows
Macintosh computers to run both Mac OS and the Windows operating
system.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

 UNIX and Linux


The UNIX operating system was originally designed to run on
minicomputers in network environments. Now, it is also used by
powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web. There are a large
number of different versions of UNIX. One receiving a great deal of
attention today is Linux. Linux was originally developed by a graduate
student at the University of Helsinki, Linus Torvalds, in 1991. He
allowed free distribution of the operating system code and encouraged
others to modify and further develop the code. Programs released in this
way are called open source. Linux is a popular and powerful alternative
to the Windows operating system. Linux has been the basis of several
other operating systems. For example, Google’s Chrome OS is based on
Linux. This operating system is designed for netbook computers and
focuses on Internet connectivity through cloud computing.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

 Netware
NetWare is a local-area network (LAN) operating system developed by
Novell Corporation. NetWare is a software product that runs on a variety
of different types of LANs, from Ethernets to IBM token-ring networks.
It provides users and programmers with a consistent interface that is
independent of the actual hardware used to transmit messages.
 Mobile Phone Operating Systems
Mobile phone operating systems, also known as mobile OS, are a type of
embedded operating system. Every smart phone has a mobile phone
operating system. Although less complicated and more specialized for
wireless communication, these operating systems control smart phones
just as Windows or Mac OS controls desktop computer operations.
While there are numerous mobile phone operating systems, some of the
best known are Symbian, BlackBerry OS, iPhone OS, Android, and
Windows Phone 7.
• Symbian has its origins in Japan with Nokia, Sony, and others.
Introduced in 2009, it controls more smart phones worldwide than any
other mobile operating system.
• BlackBerry OS, also known as RIM OS, was first introduced in 1999
by a small Canadian firm called Research In Motion. Originally designed
as the platform for the BlackBerry handheld computer, it has evolved into
a powerful mobile phone operating system that is challenging Symbian.
• iPhone OS was originally developed in 2007 by Apple. It is based on
Mac OS and is used as the platform for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch, and
iPad. iPhone OS is one of the fastest growing mobile operating systems.
• Android was originally introduced in 2007. It was originally developed
by Android Inc. and later purchased by Google. Like the iPhone OS,
Android is one of the fastest growing mobile operating systems.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

• Windows Phone 7 was introduced in 2010. It followed two other


mobile operating systems from Microsoft: Windows CE and Windows
Mobile. Windows Phone 7 was designed for users actively involved in
social networking and instant messaging. Not all cell phone applications
will run on all cell phones. That is because a cell phone app is designed to
run on a particular platform or operating system. Before downloading an
app, be sure that it is designed to run with the mobile operating system on
your cell phone.

 Utilities
Utility programs are used to help end users with a “tool box” to fine-tune
hardware components or modify system software functions, and they are
normally associated with the operating system. The utility programs for
large computer systems (e.g., mainframe computers and supercomputers)
are designed for professional system programmers to either modify or
repair the system software. However, the utility programs for
microcomputers are very often used by end users. They are user-friendly
and designed for end users to format a diskette, change the monitor’s
background pattern, or install computer hardware. Some vendors provide
utility programs that can enhance the performance of the computer (such
as a RAM disk), install virtual memory, or check for viruses.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

All kinds of things can happen—internal hard disks can crash, computers
can freeze up, operations can slow down, and so on. These events can
make computing very frustrating. That’s where utilities come in. Utilities
are specialized programs designed to make computing easier. There are
hundreds of different utility programs. The most essential are
• Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and
correct problems, ideally before they become serious.
• Antivirus programs that guard your computer system against
viruses or other damaging programs that can invade your computer
system.
• Uninstall programs that allow you to safely and completely
remove unneeded programs and related files from your hard disk.
• Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the
originals are lost or damaged.
• File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they
require less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the
Internet. Most operating systems provide some utility programs.
Even more powerful utility programs can be purchased separately
or in utility suites.
• Screen saver a screen saver prevents a monitor’s display screen
from being etched by an unchanging image (burn-in).
• Data recovery a data recovery utility is used to “undelete” a file or
information that has been accidentally deleted. By this function,
users are able to undo the last delete operation that has taken place.
 Device Drivers
Every device, such as a mouse or printer that is connected to a computer
system has a special program associated with it. This program, called a
device driver or simply a driver, works with the operating system to

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allow communication between the device and the rest of the computer
system. Each time the computer system is started, the operating system
loads all of the device drivers into memory. Whenever a new device is
added to a computer system, a new device driver must be installed before
the device can be used. Windows supplies hundreds of different device
drivers with its system software. For many devices, the appropriate
drivers are automatically selected and installed when the device is first
connected to the computer system. For others, the device driver must be
manually installed. Fortunately, Windows provides wizards to assist in
this process. For example, Windows’ Add a Device Wizard provides
step-by-step guidance for selecting the appropriate hardware driver and
installing that driver. If a particular device driver is not included with the
Windows system software, the product’s manufacturer will supply one.
Many times these drivers are available directly from the manufacturer’s
Web site.
 Programming Language Processors
A program language processor can be either a compiler or an interpreter.
A compiler translates programming codes into machine code all at once
so that an executable file will be created. An interpreter translates a
program line by line for each execution. Interpreters are usually used by
business researchers or software developers who frequently modify their
software and make lots of changes. It is easier to diagnose the
programming errors line by line after the execution. An example is the
BASIC interpreter.
A compiler has the advantage of being able to generate an executable file
for later execution. This file, called the object code, is represented in
binary code (machine code). The original program is called the source
code. Users only need the object code to execute the program. Therefore,
they do not have to compile the program every time they need to run it.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

The drawback is that if there are any programming errors, it is very hard
for the program designers to tell what went wrong. Therefore, compilers
are best used for programs that are fully developed and ready for the user.

Single-User versus Multiuser Systems


Single-user operating systems can allow only one user to work at a time.
This kind of OS has a relatively simple design and usually has fewer
graphic user interfaces. Most microcomputers have a single-user OS.
(DOS and Windows are good examples.) A multiuser OS allows many
users to share the same computer. It is normally a mini or a mainframe
computer. A multiuser OS has a more complicated design, since many
users have to access the same resources at the same time. This could
create tremendous traffic and management problems among different
users. UNIX is a good example of a multiuser system.

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Lecture 4 Computer Principles

Single-Tasking Systems versus Multitasking Systems


Single Tasking
Single tasking implies that only one job or task can be executed at one
time. DOS is a typical example of a single tasking system, since only one
job can be executed. However, a multitasking system allows more than
one job (task) to be executed at the same time. With multitasking, you
can work on your word processing program while your printer manager
software is running the functions that control the printer. This is usually
conducted by opening several windows. Microsoft Windows and
Macintosh OS are good examples.
Multitasking
The multitasking environment allows users to perform several computer
tasks at one time. Each task occupies a window. By swapping between
windows, users are able to use different software packages as they wish.

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