Visualizing Technology Become our fan at Facebook Chapter 6 – System Software Copyright ©2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Visualizing.

Copyright ©2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Visualizing Technology

Visualizing Technology

Become our fan at Facebook

Chapter 6 – System Software


CHAPTER 6

1. Explain what an operating system does.2. Compare the most common stand-alone operating

systems.3. Compare the most common network operating

systems.4. Compare specialized operating systems.5. List and explain important disk utility software.6. Identify the certifications and careers related to

system software.


CHAPTER 6 – RUNNING PROJECT

•You’ll learn about system software and how to obtain it.

•Look for instructions at the end of each article.

•Complete the questions as you work through each article and be prepared to submit your responses at the end of the chapter.


Article 1 – Who’s Being Bossy Now?

Objective 1 – Explain what an operating system does.

•The operating system provides the user with the interface to communicate with hardware and software.

•A computer is useless without the operating system.


Provides user Interface

•Modern operating systems have a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that you see and interact with.

•A GUI allows users to point and click to initiate various commands.

•The evolution of operating systems over time has made them much more user friendly.


Manages Resources

•The operating system manages the allocation of resources within the processor and memory.

•Multitasking is a key feature of modern operating systems.

•A single processor switches between tasks so quickly, that it’s transparent to the user.


•Today’s operating systems control a large number of peripheral devices.

•An OS communicates with hardware by means of a device driver. Device drivers are necessary for installing new hardware on your system.

•PnP – Plug and Play allows you add hardware once it’s plugged in.

Manages and Controls Hardware


Interacts with Software •The OS interacts directly with the software you install, giving it the resources it needs to run.

•Application Programming Interface (API) allows an application to request services from the OS.

•This allows programmers to write software that will run on computers with different hardware configurations.


Key Terms•Application Programming Interface – API•Device Driver•Graphical User Interface – GUI•Multitasking•Operating System – OS•Plug n Play – PnP•System Software Four things you need to know

1. GUI allows you to point and click to control your PC.2. The OS manages the system resources: processing

and memory.3. PnP allows you to add new hardware easily.4. Application software communicates with the OS

through an API.

Running Project

•What OS is on your PC?

•Right-click on Computer in the Start Menu and select Properties.

•Which OS would you like to use?


Article 2 – Running the Show on Personal Computers

Objective 2 – Compare the most common stand-alone operating systems.

There are many different operating systems.

We will now look at a few of the most popular operating systems: •Windows•Mac•Linux


Windows

•Microsoft Windows is the most common OS.

•90% of PC’s run a version of Windows.

•Since being released to consumers in 2009, Windows 7 is steadily replacing many of the older versions of the Windows operating system.


Windows Technology:

•Windows 95 introduced PnP.

•Windows 98 included Internet Explorer and advanced multimedia capabilities.

•Windows XP had increased stability, and introduced simple Internet and networking connectivity.

•Windows Vista added Gadgets and enhanced features with a new interface.

•Windows 7 was further improved with a redesigned taskbar and multi-touch technology.


Mac

•First computer introduced in 1984 with a GUI interface.

•System 7 was released in 1990 with many updates. With version 7.6 the name was changed to Mac OS.

•Mac OS 8 was released in 1997

•Mac OS9 is referred to today as Mac Classic.


•Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 is a secure, feature rich operating system that runs only on Mac computers. •Macs have about a 5% share of the computer market.

Mac

•Mac OS X was first released in 2001 as 10.0, or Cheetah. •Cheetah introduced iMovie and iTunes.


Linux

•Linux was developed in 1991 by Linus Tovalds.

•Different versions of the operating system are available using the same kernel OS – Linux.

•Linux is open-source, unlike UNIX. The code is publicly available.

•Distributions (Distros) are software applications for Linux that are developed by people all over the world.

•Ubuntu is the most popular personal version of Linux.


Linux

•Beta version of Google Chrome was released in 2009

•The full release of this Google Linux distro will be released in 2010.

•Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the leading open-source application platform.


Ethics

•Older versions of the Mac OS only ran on Power PC processors, but now use Intel processors.

•It is possible to get a Mac OS to operate on a PC.

•Is this legal?

•Is this ethical?


Key Terms•Beta Version•Linux•Mac OS X•Microsoft Windows•Open Source

Three things you need to know

1. Microsoft Windows is the primary OS installed on PCs.

2. Mac OS X is the propriety Mac OS.3. Linux is an open source kernel OS that’s distributed

as part of many versions of distros.

Running Project

•Microsoft Windows is installed on most PCs, but consumers may want a different OS.•Research the variety of Linux versions available.•Write a 2-3 page essay about your findings. •Applications? Cost? Other details?


How to keep Windows up to date

One of the most important things you can do is keep your Windows system up to date.

1. Open Windows Update2. Click Change Settings to verify you’re receiving the necessary

updates.3. Updates can be installed automatically or manually.4. Check the boxes you want, or select Recommended Updates.


Article 3 – The NOS Knows Objective 3 – Compare the most common network operating

systems.

•A Network Server centralizes resources, storage, and security in a client-server network.

•These servers run a specialized operating system called a network operating system.

•We’ll look at the most common network operating systems and their basic functions.


Network Operating Systems

•A network operating system (NOS) is a multi-user system that controls hardware and software that runs on a network.

•It allows multiple computers and users to communicate with each other and share resources.

•Some of these shared services are – file and print services, communication services, internet and email services, and backup services.


Comparing modern network operating systems


School Network:

•Most likely a client-server network.•You are given access to only certain resources, such as printers and file storage.•When you enter your password, you are granted access to HOMENET resources.

Home Network:

•This peer to peer network does not require a NOS.•Files and services shared on your home computers are not centralized.•Peer to peer networks are only practical for a network with a few computers.


Key Term•Network Operating System (NOS)


1. A NOS controls the software and hardware that runs on a client-server network.

2. The most common NOSs are Windows Server, UNIX, and Linux.

3. A NOS isn’t necessary on a peer to peer network.

Running Project

•Web usage is easily monitored on a NOS system.•Netcraft (netcraft.com) does a monthly survey of Web servers.•Visit the Netcraft website and review the current report.•What are the 3 most popular servers this month? How much has it changed this last month? Are there servers not mentioned in this article?


Article 4 – Something Special for You

Objective 4 – Compare specialized operating systems.

We’ll now look at embedded and Web operating systems.


Smartphone Operating Systems

Symbian•Large market share globally. Small impact in United States

Blackberry OS•The standard for business users

Apple iPhone•Found only on iPhones and iTouch

Microsoft Windows Mobile•Based on Windows embedded CE

Google Android•Linux kernel

Palm webOS•Linux kernel


Windows Embedded OS

•Developed in 1996•This OS drives many GPS devices, cable boxes, medical devices, and industrial automation controllers.


Web Operating Systems

•A Web OS is a virtual desktop that you interact with through your web browser.•As long as you have access to a computer and internet connection, you have access to your documents, pictures, contacts, and other files. •Another popular term for Web OS is Cloud.•Web OS does not require you to install any software on your computer.


Key Terms•Embedded operating system•Web OS


1. Embedded Oss are small and specialized for devices like GPS, ATM’s, and smart phones.

2. A Web OS is a virtual desktop that provides access to your applications and documents through a Web browser.

Running Project

•What is the embedded OS running on your favorite handheld device?•What are some of the features that you like about it?•Are there any missing features?•What features do you use the most often?


Article 5 – Utilities you should use Objective 5 – List and explain important disk utility software.

•Utility software is considered system software, but it helps you maintain your computer.•We’ll look at some of the most important disk utilities that you should be using.•Antivirus software, firewalls, and antimalware software are considered utility software.


Why use Utilities?

•A healthy computer system must continue to run efficiently and be protected.

•Your hard disk is divided up into sectors that resemble a pie.•Files are stored in blocks of these sectors, called clusters.•High-level formatting sets up the file system on the disk, like a library catalog.•When you save files to your disk, the file system keeps it organized. •Windows 7 uses the NTFS file system.•Older versions of Windows may be formatted with the FAT file system.


Utilities for Disk Health

•Windows includes disk utilities to help maintain your computer:• Check Disk• Disk Defragmenter• Disk Cleanup• Backup

•To open these disk utilities:• Open the computer window from the Start menu.• Right-click on the disk you want to work with.• From the context menu, select Properties to open the dialog box for

the disk.


Check Disk

•Disk checking utilities monitor the health of the file system on a disk.

•To check a Windows disk for errors:

• Navigate to the disk’s Properties dialog box

• Click the Tools tab, and select Check Now.

• Click Start

• A message states that Windowscan’t check the disk when in use.

• Schedule the disk check to runthe next time you start Windows.


Disk Defragmenter

•Your disk may become messy as time goes on.•Files that are fragmented are broken into small pieces and stored in nonadjacent or noncontiguous clusters on the disk.•This is referred to as file fragmentation.•The Disk Defragmenter rearranges the fragmented files to improve efficiency.

•Windows 7 has a built-in disk defragmenter that runs on a weekly basis.•It can also be run manually if necessary.•Microsoft recommends that you run this utility if you have a drive that is more than 10% fragmented.


Disk Cleanup

•A disk cleanup looks for files that can be safely deleted to free up disk space.•Windows disk cleanup is located on the General tab of the disk’s Properties dialog box.•Click the disk cleanup button to begin.•Read each description and decide which files you can delete safely.•To proceed with the cleanup, click Ok.


Green Computing

•Power Management

• Energy Star power management features are standard in both Windows and Mac operating systems.

• Activating these settings are simple and can help save resources.

• The EPA recommends setting computers to sleep or hibernate after 30-60 minutes of inactivity.

• Don’t use screensavers!


Power Management• Energy Star power management features are standard in

both Windows and Mac operating systems.

• Activating these settings are simple and can help save resources.

• The EPA recommends setting computers to sleep or hibernate after 30-60 minutes of inactivity.

• Don’t use screensavers!


3rd Party Utilities

•The utilities we’ve discussed are included with Windows, but there are also 3rd party versions available.

•Remember to run these utilities. Regular maintenance of your computer will keep it running more efficiently and it will ultimately last longer.


Key Terms•Defragmenter•File fragmentation•File system•Format

Four things you need to know

1. Utility software helps you maintain your computer.2. You format a disk to prepare it to hold data.3. Files that are broken up and stored in noncontiguous clusters are

considered to be fragmented.4. NTFS is the file system used on Windows-formatted hard drives.

Running Project

•What is the embedded OS running on your favorite handheld devicce?•What are some of the features that you like about it?•Are there any missing features?•What features do you use the most often?


Article 6 – What can I do with knowledge about system software

Objective 6 – Identify the certifications and careers related to system software.

Every personal computer has an operating system, so there will always be work for those who can install and troubleshoot OS problems.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist Certification

•The MCTS Certification is a great way to specialize in Windows operating systems.•There are currently 16 different MCTSCs that you can earn.•Learn more at the Microsoft website: microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcts.aspx.


Microsoft Certified IT Professional

•Microsoft offers an advanced certification called Microsoft Certified IT Professional.•A second exam is required and geared towards support technicians.

Linux Certifications are offered by:

•Comp TIA•Novell•Red Hat•Linux Professional Institute

Apple Certifications

•Several Mac OS certifications are offered through Apple.•The first level certification is Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP).


Job Opportunities

•A computer support specialist is an entry-level IT position.•Support specialists assist people with computer problems.•By 2016 the demand for help desk jobs will increase by 18 percent.



CHAPTER 61. Explain what an operating system does2. Compare the most common stand-alone operating systems.3. Compare the most common network operating systems.4. Compare specialized operating systems5. List and explain important disk utility software.6. Identify the certifications and careers related to system

software


All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

Visualizing Technology Become our fan at Facebook Chapter 6 – System Software Copyright ©2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Visualizing.

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