Chapter 8 Operating Systems and Utility Programs.ppt

Chapter 8: Operating Systems and Utility Programs Catherine Gifford Dan Falgares System Software Two Types Operating Systems Set of instructions that coordinate all activities among computer hardware resources. Most perform following functions: Starting a computer Managing programs Managing memory Internet connection Utility Software Type of software that allows a user to perform maintenance types of tasks, usually relating to managing a computer’s devices or programs. Operating Systems (OS) Functions Starting a Computer Each time you boot your computer a operating system known as the kernel is used to: Load instructions from the hard disk to the computers memory (RAM). Manages memory and devices Maintains the computers clock Starts applications Assigns computers programs such as devices, programs, data, and information. Operating Systems User Interface: controls how you enter data and instructions, and how information is displayed on the screen. Three types of interfaces: Command-line When a user types commands or presses special keys to enter data or instructions Difficult to use Menu driven Menus as a means of entering commands Easier to use then command-lines. No need to learn the rules of entering commands. Graphical Most widely used Interact with menus and visual images such as buttons and other graphical objects to enter commands. I.e.: Back and forward button. Managing Programs Single user single tasking Allows one user to run one program at a time PDAs and other small computing devices use a single user/ single tasking operating system Single user multitasking A single user can work on two or more programs at the same time Foreground Background Preemptive multitasking An advantage to preemptive multitasking would be control factors, because it controls how the computer uses its memory Used for larger systems Managing Programs cont. Multiuser Enables two or more users to run programs at the same time, i.e. networks Multiprocessing Operating system s