Utility Programs Chapter 5: Operating Systems and System ... · Explain the different functions of an operating system and discuss some ways that operating systems can enhance processing

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

Chapter 5:

System Software:Operating Systems and

Utility Programs

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition2

Learning Objectives

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Understand the difference between system softwareand application software.Explain the different functions of an operating systemand discuss some ways that operating systems canenhance processing efficiency.List several ways in which operating systems differfrom one another.Name today’s most widely used operating systems forpersonal computers and servers.


Learning Objectives

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State several devices other than personal computersand servers that require an operating system and listone possible operating system for each type of device.Discuss the role of utility programs and outline severaltasks these programs perform.Describe what the operating systems of the futuremight be like.


System Software and Application Software

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System software: The operating system and utilityprograms that control a computer system and allow youto use your computer

Enables the boot process, launches applications,transfers files, controls hardware configuration,manages hard drive, and protects from unauthorizeduse

Application software: Programs that allow a user toperform specific tasks on a computer

Word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes,browsing the Web, and so forth


The Operating System

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Operating system: A collection of programs that manageand coordinate the activities taking place within acomputer system

Acts as anintermediarybetween theuser and thecomputer


Functions of an Operating System

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Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)Booting the computer

Kernel is loaded into memoryProcesses are startedmsconfig used to control startup of processes

Configuring devicesDevice drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled ifneededPlug and Play devices are recognizedautomatically


Functions of an Operating System

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Managing resources and jobsMakes resources available to devicesMonitors for problemsScheduling routines

File managementKeeps track of files storedon computerHierarchical format

SecurityPasswordsBiometric characteristicsFirewalls

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File Management


Processing Techniques forIncreased Efficiency

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Multitasking: The ability of an operating system tohave more than one program (task) open at one time

CPU rotates between tasksSwitching is done quicklyAppears as though all programs executing at thesame time

Multithreading: The ability to rotate between multiplethreads so that processing is completed faster andmore efficiently

Thread: Sequence of instructions within aprogram that is independent of other threads



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Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Multipleprocessors (or multiple cores) are used in one computersystem to perform work more efficiently

Simultaneous processing: Performs tasks at the sametimeMultiprocessing: Each CPU (or core) typically workson a different job

Used with personal computers with multi-coreprocessors

Parallel processing: CPUs or cores typically workstogether to complete one job more quickly

Used with servers and mainframes





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Memory management: Optimizing the use of mainmemory (RAM)

Virtual memory: Memory-management technique thatuses hard drive space as additional RAM



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Buffering and spooling: Used with printers and otherperipheral devices

Buffer: area in RAM or on the hard drivedesignated to hold input and output on their way inor out of the systemSpooling: placing items in a buffer so they can beretrieved by the appropriate device when needed


Differences Among Operating Systems

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Command line vs. graphical userinterface (GUI)

Most operating systems useGUI today



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Personal vs. server operating systemPersonal operating system: designed to be installedon a single computerServer operating system: designed to be installed ona network server

Client computers still use a personal operatingsystemServer operating system controls access tonetwork resources

Many operating systems come in both versionsMobile and embedded operating systems also exist


Server Operating Systems



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Types of processors supportedDesktop, mobile, server, etc.

Number of processors32-bit or 64-bit CPUsSupport for other technologies

New types of busesVirtualizationPower-saving featuresTouch and gesture input


Operating Systems forPersonal Computers and Servers

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DOS: Disk Operating SystemPC-DOS: Created originally for IBMmicrocomputersMS-DOS: used with IBM-compatible computersDOS traditionally used a command-line interfaceCan enter DOS commands in Windows


Windows

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Windows: The predominate personal operatingsystem developed by Microsoft Corporation

Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x: Operatingenvironments for DOSWindows 95 and Windows 98: Used a similar GUIto the one used with Windows 3.xWindows NT (New Technology): first 32-bit versionof Windows designed for high-end workstationsand serversWindows Me (Millennium Edition): designed forhome computers, improved home networking anda shared Internet connection


Windows

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Windows 2000: replaced Windows NT; was gearedtowards high-end business workstations andservers, support for wireless devicesWindows XP: Replaced both Windows 2000 andWindows Me

Improved photo, video, and music editing andsharingImproved networking capabilitiesSupport for handwriting and voice inputLarge user base, MS will support until 2014


Windows

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Windows Vista: Replaced Windows XPThe Vista Start menu is more streamlinedImproved networking and multimediaBuilt-in security featuresHardware requirements for Vista have increasedover earlier versions of Windows


Windows Vista


Windows

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Windows 7: Newest version of Windows released Oct.2009

32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editionsHome Premium (primary version for homeusers)Professional (primary version for businesses)

Starts up and responds faster than VistaWill run well on netbooks, unlike VistaDevice Stage for all connected devicesImproved home networking (HomeGroup, etc.)Jump lists, gadgets, etc.

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Windows 7

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Windows

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Windows Server: Server version of WindowsWindows Server 2008: Most recent versionIncludes a variety of services

Web platformSupport for virtualizationNew security toolsStreamlined management tools

Windows Home Server: New operating systembased on Windows Server

Provides services for a home networkCan back up all devices on the networkautomatically


Mac OS

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Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for computersmade by Apple Corporation

Based on the UNIX operating system; originally setthe standard for graphical user interfacesMac OS X Snow Leopard: Most recent personalversion – Lion will be released in JulyIncludes:

Safari Web browserNew features like Time Machine, Stacks, QuickLook, etc.More responsive than previous versions


Mac OS


UNIX

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UNIX: Operating system developed in the late 1960sfor midrange servers

Multiuser, multitasking operating systemMore expensive, requires a higher level of technicalknowledge; tends to be harder to install, maintain,and upgrade“UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIXoperating system, now refers to a group of similaroperating systems based on UNIXSingle UNIX Specification: A standardized UNIXenvironment


Linux

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Linux: Version (flavor) of UNIX available withoutcharge over the Internet

Increasingly being used with personal computers,servers, mainframes, and supercomputersIs open-source software: has been collaborativelymodified by volunteer programmers all over theworldOriginally used a command line interface, mostrecent versions use a GUIStrong support from mainstream companies, suchas Sun, IBM, HP, and NovellMuch less expensive than Windows or Mac OS


Linux


Operating Systems forMobile Phones and Other Devices

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Windows Mobile: Designed for mobile phonesLook and feel of desktop versionsCurrent version 6.1, next version to be calledMicrosoft Phone.

Windows Embedded: Designed for consumer andindustrial devices that are not perosonal computers

Cash register, GPS devices, ATMs, medicaldevices and robots.Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto for cars

Ford SyncAndroid: Linux based OS developed by Open HandsetAlliance (including Google)


Online Video

“A Tour of the T-Mobile G1 Android Mobile Phone”(click below to start video)

Reminder: The complete set of online videos and video podcasts are available at:www.cengage.com/computerconcepts/np/uc13

Courtesy of Google Inc.



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iPhone OS: Designed for Apple Mobile phones andmobile devices.BlackBerry Operating System: Designed for BlackBerrydevicesPalm OS and Palm webOS: Designed for Palm devicesSymbian OS: Designed for use with smart phonesEmbedded Linux: Used with mobile phones, GPS devices,and other mobile devices

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Operating Systems forLarger Computers

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Larger computers sometimes use operating systemsdesigned solely for that type of systemIBM’s z/OS and i/5OS operating systems are designedfor their servers and mainframesWindows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with bothmainframes and supercomputersOften a group of Linux computers are linked together toform what is referred to as a Linux supercomputingcluster


Utility Programs

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Search tools: Designed to search for files on the user’shard drive

Windows includes search toolsGoogle, Yahoo desktop search

Diagnostic programs: Evaluate your system and makerecommendations for fixing any errors foundDisk management programs: Diagnose and repairproblems related to your hard driveUninstall utilities: Remove programs from your harddrive without leaving bits and pieces behind

Important to properly uninstall programs, not justdelete them


Utility Programs

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Clean up utilities: Delete temporary filesFile compression programs: Reduce the size of files sothey take up less storage space on a storage medium orcan be transmitted faster over the Internet

Both zip and unzip filesWinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)

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Utility Programs

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Backup and recovery utilities: Make the backup andrestoration process easier

Backup: Duplicate copy of data or other computercontentGood backup procedures are critical for businessesIndividuals should back up important documents,e-mail, photos, home video, etc.Store backup data on a CD or DVD, second harddrive, flash memory drive, or upload to the InternetBack up your entire computer once all programshave been installed, so your system can berestored to that configuration.


Backup Programs


Utility Programs

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Security programs: Protect computers and usersAntivirus programsAntispyware programsFirewallsMany are included in Windows and other operatingsystemsDiscussed in detail in Chapter 9


The Future of Operating Systems

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Will continue to become more user-friendlyWill eventually be driven primarily by a voice interfaceLikely to continue to become more stable and self-healingWill likely continue to include improved security featuresand to support multiple processors and othertechnological improvementsMay be used primarily to access software availablethrough the Internet or other networks

Utility Programs Chapter 5: Operating Systems and System ... · Explain the different functions of an operating system and discuss some ways that operating systems can enhance processing

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