CHAPTER 3:

OPERATING
SYSTEM
System Software
■ When you purchase a personal computer, it
usually has system software installed on its hard
disk.
■ System software consists of the programs that
control or maintain the operations of the computer
and its devices.
■ Serves as the interface between the user, the
application software, and the computer’s
hardware.
■ 2 types: Operating systems and Utility
programs
Operating System

■ Operating system (OS) is a set of

programs containing instructions
that coordinate all the activities
among computer hardware
resources.
Operating System
■ OS installed and resides on the computer’s
hard disk. On handheld computers and
mobile devices, the OS may reside on a
ROM chip.
■ Different sizes of computers typically use
different operating systems.
■ For example, a mainframe computer does not
use the same operating system as a personal
computer.
Operating System Functions
■ Many different operating systems exist; however,
most operating systems provide similar functions.
– Starting a Computer,
– Providing a User Interface,
– Managing Programs,
– Managing Memory,
– Scheduling Jobs,
– Configuring Devices,
– Establishing an Internet Connection,
– Monitoring Performance,
– Controlling a Network, and
– Administering Security.
Starting a Computer
■ Booting is the process of starting
or restarting a computer.
■ When turning on a computer that
has been powered off completely,
you are performing a cold boot.
■ A warm boot, by contrast, is the
process of using the operating
system to restart a computer.
■ Each time you boot a computer,
the kernel and other frequently
used operating system
instructions are loaded, or copied,
from the hard disk (storage) into
the computer’s memory (RAM).
Starting a Computer
■ The kernel is the core of an operating system
that manages memory and devices, maintains
the internal clock, runs programs, and assigns
the resources, such as devices, programs,
apps, data, and information.
■ The kernel is memory resident - remains in
memory while the computer is running.
Providing a User Interface
■ User interface controls how you enter data and
instructions and how information is displayed on
the screen.
■ Two types;
– command-line: To configure devices, manage
system resources, and troubleshoot network
connections, network administrators and other
advanced users work with a command-line
interface.
– Graphical UI: With a graphical user interface
(GUI), you interact with menus and visual
images such as buttons and other graphical
objects to issue commands.
Managing Programs
■ Some OS support a single user and only one
running program at a time. Others support
thousands of users running multiple programs.
■ A single user/single tasking OS allows only
one user to run one program at a time. PDAs,
smart phones, and other small computing
devices. BUT NOW IS DIFFERENT!
■ A single user/multitasking OS allows a
single user to work on two or more programs
that reside in memory at the same time.
Managing Programs
■ When a computer is running multiple
programs concurrently, one program is in the
foreground and the others are in the
background.
■ The one in the foreground is the active
program.
■ A multitasking operating system’s user
interface easily allows you to switch between
foreground and background programs.
Managing Memory
■ The purpose of memory management is to optimize
the use of random access memory (RAM).
■ The OS allocates, or assigns, data and instructions to
an area of memory while they are being processed.
Then, it carefully monitors the contents of memory.
■ Finally, the operating system releases these items
from being monitored in memory when the processor
no longer requires them.
Scheduling Jobs/ Tasks
■ The operating system determines the order in which
jobs are processed.
■ A job is an operation the processor manages.
■ Jobs include receiving data from an input device,
processing instructions, sending information to an
output device, and transferring items from storage to
memory and from memory to storage.
■ For example, if a printer is printing a document when
the ­operating system sends it a request to print
another document, the printer must store the second
document in memory until the first document has
completed printing.
Configuring Devices
■ A driver or device driver, is a small program that
tells the operating system how to communicate
with a specific device.
■ Each device connected to a computer, such as a
mouse or keyboard has its own specialized set of
commands and, thus, requires its own specific
driver.
■ For example, if you attach a new device, such as a
portable media player or smartphone, to a computer,
its driver must be installed before you can use the
device.
Monitoring Performance
■ OS typically include a performance monitor.
■ A performance monitor is a program that assesses and
reports information about various computer resources
and devices.
■ For example, users can monitor the processor, drives,
network, and ­memory usage.
■ Helps users and administrators identify a problem
with resources so that they can try to resolve any
issues.
■ If a computer is running extremely slow, for example,
the performance monitor may determine that the
computer’s memory is being used to its maximum.
Establishing an Internet
Connection
■ OS typically provide a means to establish
Internet connections.
■ You can ­establish wired connections, such as
cable and DSL, or wireless connections, such
as Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, and satellite.
■ Some connections are configured automatically
as soon as you connect to the Internet.
■ OR, you may need to set up a connection
manually.
Controlling a Network
■ Some OS are designed to work with a server on a
network.
■ These multiuser OS allow multiple users to share a
printer, Internet access, files, and programs.
■ The network administrator, the person overseeing
network operations, uses the server OS to add and
remove users, computers, and other devices to
and from the network.
■ The network administrator also uses the OS on the
network to configure the network, install software,
and administer network security.
Administering Security
■ The network administrator uses
the network OS to establish
permissions to resources.
■ These permissions define who
can access certain resources
and when they can access those
resources.
■ For each user, the network
administrator establishes a user
account, which enables a user
to access, or log on to, a
computer or a network.
■ Each user account typically
consists of a user name and
password.
Utility Programs
■ A utility program, also called a
utility, is a type of system software that
allows a user to perform maintenance-
type tasks, usually related to managing
a computer, its devices, or its programs.
■ Most operating systems include
several built-in utility programs.
Utilities
■ File Manager: Performs functions related to
displaying files; organizing files in folders;
and copying, renaming, deleting, moving,
and sorting files
■ Search: Attempts to locate files on your
computer or mobile device based on specified
criteria
■ Image Viewer: Displays, copies, and prints
the contents of graphics files
Utilities (cont’d)
■ Uninstaller: Removes a program or app, as
well as any associated entries in the system
files
■ Disk Cleanup: Searches for and removes
unnecessary files
■ Disk Defragmenter: Reorganizes the files
and unused space on a computer's hard disk
so that the operating system accesses data
more quickly and programs and apps run
faster
Utilities (cont’d)
■ Screen Saver: Causes a display’s screen to show
a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard
or mouse activity occurs for a specified time
■ File Compression: Shrinks the size of a file(s)
■ PC Maintenance: Identifies and fixes operating
system problems, detects and repairs drive
problems, and includes the capability of
improving a computer’s performance
■ Backup and Restore: Copies selected files or
the contents of an entire storage medium to
another storage location
Types of Operating System
■ When you purchase a new
computer, it typically has an
operating system
preinstalled.
■ As new versions of the
operating system are
released, users upgrade their
existing computers to
incorporate features of the
new version.
■ Some upgrades are free;
some offer an upgrade price.
Desktop Operating Systems
■ A stand-alone OS, is a complete operating
system that works on desktops, laptops, and
some tablets.
■ Desktop OS sometimes are called client
operating systems because they also work in
conjunction with a server operating system.
■ Client OS can operate with or without a
network.
■ Examples of desktop OS are Windows, Mac
OS, UNIX, Linux, and Chrome OS.
Windows Feature
■ In the mid-1980s, Microsoft developed its first version
of Windows, which provided a graphical user interface.
■ Now, the latest versions of Windows offer these features:
– Uses tiles to access apps
– Support for input via touch, mouse, and keyboard
– Email app, calendar app, and browser (Internet
Explorer) included
– Photos, files, and settings can sync with OneDrive,
Microsoft’s cloud server
– Enhanced security through an antivirus program,
firewall, and automatic updates
– Windows Store offers additional applications for
purchase
Mac OS Feature
■ Released in 1984 with Macintosh computers, Apple’s (Mac
OS) has earned a reputation for its ease of use and
becomes new model for the rest.
■ Features of the latest version of OS X:
– Mail, calendars, contacts, and other items sync with
iCloud, Apple’s cloud server
– Communicate and play games with users of mobile
devices running Apple’s mobile operating system (iOS)
– Built-in Facebook and Twitter support allows you to
post a status, comments, or files from any app
– Browser (Safari)
– Support for Braille displays
– Mac App Store provides access to additional apps and
software updates
UNIX
■ UNIX (pronounced YOU-nix) is a
multitasking operating system developed in
the early 1970s by scientists at Bell
Laboratories.
■ Today, a version of UNIX is available for
most computers of all sizes.
■ Power users often work with UNIX
because of its flexibility and capabilities.
Linux
■ Linux (pronounced LINN-uks) is a popular,
multitasking UNIX-type operating system.
In addition to the basic operating system,
Linux also includes many free programming
languages and utility programs.
■ Linux is open source software, which means
its code is available to the public for use,
modification, and redistribution.
Chrome OS
■ Introduced by Google, is a Linux-based
operating system designed to work primarily
with web apps.
■ Apps are available through the Chrome Web
Store, and data is stored on Google Drive.
■ The only apps typically installed are Chrome
browser, a media player, and a file manager.
■ Laptop that runs Chrome OS is called a
Chromebook, and desktop that runs Chrome
OS is called a Chromebox.
Running Multiple Desktop
Operating Systems?
■ You could partition the hard drive or you could
create a virtual machine.
■ Partitioning divides a hard drive in separate logical
storage areas (partitions) that appear as distinct
drives.
■ When you partition a drive, you can install a
separate operating system in each partition,
sometimes called a dual boot.
■ Because partitioning requires advanced skills, users
often opt to create a virtual machine instead.
Server OS
■ A server OS is a multiuser operating
system that organizes and coordinates
how multiple users access and share
resources on a network.
■ Client computers on a network rely on
server(s) for access to resources.
Server OS (con’t)
■ Windows Server: Developed by Microsoft, Windows Server
enables organizations to manage applications and websites
on-site and/or on the cloud.
■ OS X Server: Developed by Apple, OS X Server enables
organizations to collaborate, share files, host websites and
mail servers, and more on Mac computers and iOS devices.
■ UNIX: Capable of handling a high volume of transactions in
a multiuser environment and working with multiple
processors, UNIX often is used on web servers.
■ Linux: Because it provides a secure, stable multiuser
environment, Linux often is used on web servers and on
supercomputers.
Mobile OS
■ Mobile OS resides on firmware.
■ Mobile OS typically include or support the following:
– calendar and contact management,
– text messaging,
– email, touch screens,
– accelerometer (so that you can rotate the display),
– media players,
– GPS navigation. And many more.
■ Examples of mobile operating systems include
Android, iOS, Windows Phone.
Mobile OS (android)
■ Android is an
open source,
Linux-based
mobile operating
system designed by
Google for
smartphones and
tablets.
Mobile OS (iOS)
■ iOS (originally called
iPhone OS), developed
by Apple, is a ­
proprietary mobile
operating ­system
specifically made for
Apple’s mobile
devices.
Recent versions of the Android
(Features):
■ Google Play app store provides access to apps, songs,
books, and movies.
■ Google Drive provides access to email, contacts, calendar,
photos, files, and more.
■ Face recognition or fingerprint scanner can unlock the
device.
■ Share contacts and other information by touching two
devices together (using NFC technology).
■ Speech output assists users with vision impairments.
■ Voice recognition capability enables users to speak
instructions.
Recent versions of the iOS
features:
■ Siri, a voice recognition app, enables you to speak
instructions or questions to which it takes actions or responds
with speech output.
■ Apple Pay provides a centralized, secure location for credit
and debit cards, coupons, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and
mobile payment accounts.
■ iCloud enables you to sync mail, calendars, contacts, and
other items.
■ iTunes Store provides access to music, books, podcasts,
ringtones, and movies.
■ Mac App Store provides access to additional apps and
software updates.
Tutorial:
■ Question 1 – (6 marks)
– Give SIX (6) function of the operating
system
■ Question 2 – (6 marks)
– State and explain THREE (3) built-in
utility programs included in the OS.
■ Question 3 – (4 marks)
– Describe TWO (2) types of OS
APA Style Referencing:
Website:
■ Mueller, S. (September 2002). System
Components. Access on 15th June 2021 at
https://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?
p=29470&seqNum=3