Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

Chapter 5:
System Software:
Operating Systems and
Utility Programs
 Learning Objectives

1. Understand the difference between system software

and application software.
2. Explain the different functions of an operating system
and discuss some ways that operating systems can
enhance processing efficiency.
3. List several ways in which operating systems differ from
one another.
4. Name today’s most widely used operating systems for
personal computers and servers.

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 Learning Objectives

5. State several devices other than personal computers

and servers that require an operating system and list
one possible operating system for each type of device.
6. Discuss the role of utility programs and outline several
tasks these programs perform.
7. Describe what the operating systems of the future might
be like.

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 System Software and Application Software

• System software: The operating system and utility

programs that control a computer system and allow you
to use your computer
– Enables the boot process, launches applications,
transfers files, controls hardware configuration,
manages hard drive, and protects from unauthorized
use
• Application software: Programs that allow a user to
perform specific tasks on a computer
– Word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes,
browsing the Web, and so forth

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 The Operating System

• Operating system: A collection of programs that manage

and coordinate the activities taking place within a
computer system
– Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer

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 Functions of an Operating System

• Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)

• Booting the computer
– Kernel is loaded into memory
– Processes are started
– msconfig used to control startup of processes
• Configuring devices
– Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if
needed
– Plug and Play devices are recognized
automatically

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 Functions of an Operating System

• Managing resources and jobs

– Makes resources available to devices
– Monitors for problems
– Scheduling routines
• File management
– Keeps track of files stored
on computer
– Hierarchical format
• Security
– Passwords
– Biometric characteristics
– Firewalls
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 File Management

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

• Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to

have more than one program (task) open at one time
• CPU rotates between tasks
• Switching is done quickly
• Appears as though all programs executing at the
same time
• Multithreading: The ability to rotate between multiple
threads so that processing is completed faster and
more efficiently
• Thread: Sequence of instructions within a
program that is independent of other threads

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

• Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Multiple

processors (or multiple cores) are used in one computer
system to perform work more efficiently
– Simultaneous processing: Performs tasks at the same
time
– Multiprocessing: Each CPU (or core) typically works
on a different job
• Used with personal computers with multi-core
processors
– Parallel processing: CPUs or cores typically works
together to complete one job more quickly
• Used with servers and mainframes
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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

• Memory management: Optimizing the use of main

memory (RAM)
– Virtual memory: Memory-management technique that
uses hard drive space as additional RAM

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 Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

• Buffering and spooling: Used with printers and other

peripheral devices
• Buffer: area in RAM or on the hard drive
designated to hold input and output on their way in
or out of the system
• Spooling: placing items in a buffer so they can be
retrieved by the appropriate device when needed

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 Differences Among Operating Systems

• Command line vs. graphical user

interface (GUI)
– Most operating systems use
GUI today

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 Differences Among Operating Systems

• Personal vs. server operating system

– Personal operating system: designed to be installed
on a single computer
– Server operating system: designed to be installed on
a network server
• Client computers still use a personal operating
system
• Server operating system controls access to
network resources
– Many operating systems come in both versions
• Mobile and embedded operating systems also exist

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 Server Operating Systems

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 Differences Among Operating Systems

• Types of processors supported

– Desktop, mobile, server, etc.
• Number of processors
• 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
• Support for other technologies
– New types of buses
– Virtualization
– Power-saving features
– Touch and gesture input

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 Operating Systems for
Personal Computers and Servers
• DOS: Disk Operating System
– PC-DOS: Created originally for IBM
microcomputers
– MS-DOS: used with IBM-compatible computers
– DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
– Can enter DOS commands in Windows

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 Windows

• Windows: The predominate personal operating

system developed by Microsoft Corporation
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x: Operating
environments for DOS
– Windows 95 and Windows 98: Used a similar GUI
to the one used with Windows 3.x
– Windows NT (New Technology): first 32-bit version
of Windows designed for high-end workstations
and servers
– Windows Me (Millennium Edition): designed for
home computers, improved home networking and a
shared Internet connection

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 Windows

– Windows 2000: replaced Windows NT; was geared

towards high-end business workstations and
servers, support for wireless devices
– Windows XP: Replaced both Windows 2000 and
Windows Me
• Improved photo, video, and music editing and
sharing
• Improved networking capabilities
• Support for handwriting and voice input
• Large user base, MS will support until 2014

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 Windows

– Windows Vista: Replaced Windows XP

• Features the Aero visual interface
– Transparency and animations
– Live Thumbnails
• Additional features
– Sidebar, Instant Search, etc.
• The Vista Start menu is more streamlined
• Improved networking and multimedia
• Built-in security features
• Hardware requirements for Vista have increased
over earlier versions of Windows

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 Windows Vista

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 Windows

– Windows 7: Newest version of Windows released Oct.

2009
• 32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editions
– Home Premium (primary version for home
users)
– Professional (primary version for businesses)
• Starts up and responds faster than Vista
• Will run well on netbooks, unlike Vista
• Device Stage for all connected devices
• Improved home networking (HomeGroup, etc.)
• Jump lists, gadgets, etc.

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 Windows 7

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 Windows

– Windows Server: Server version of Windows

• Windows Server 2008: Most recent version
• Includes a variety of services
– Web platform
– Support for virtualization
– New security tools
– Streamlined management tools
– Windows Home Server: New operating system
based on Windows Server
• Provides services for a home network
• Can back up all devices on the network
automatically
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 Mac OS

• Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for computers

made by Apple Corporation
– Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set
the standard for graphical user interfaces
– Mac OS X Snow Leopard: Most recent personal
version – Lion will be released in July
– Includes:
• Safari Web browser
• New features like Time Machine, Stacks, Quick
Look, Boot Camp, etc.
• More responsive than previous versions

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 Mac OS

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 UNIX

• UNIX: Operating system developed in the late 1960s

for midrange servers
– Multiuser, multitasking operating system
– More expensive, requires a higher level of technical
knowledge; tends to be harder to install, maintain,
and upgrade
– “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX
operating system, now refers to a group of similar
operating systems based on UNIX
– Single UNIX Specification: A standardized UNIX
environment

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 Linux

• Linux: Version (flavor) of UNIX available without

charge over the Internet
– Increasingly being used with personal computers,
servers, mainframes, and supercomputers
– Is open-source software: has been collaboratively
modified by volunteer programmers all over the
world
– Originally used a command line interface, most
recent versions use a GUI
– Strong support from mainstream companies, such
as Sun, IBM, HP, and Novell
– Much less expensive than Windows or Mac OS

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 Linux

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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices

• Windows Mobile: Designed for mobile phones

– Look and feel of desktop versions
– Current version 6.1, next version to be called
Microsoft Phone.
• Windows Embedded: Designed for consumer and
industrial devices that are not perosonal computers
– Cash register, GPS devices, ATMs, medical
devices and robots.
– Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto for cars
• Ford Sync
• Android: Linux based OS developed by Open Handset
Alliance (including Google)
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 Online Video

“A Tour of the T-Mobile G1 Android Mobile Phone”

(click below to start video)

Courtesy of Google Inc.

Reminder: The complete set of online videos and video podcasts are available at:
www.cengage.com/computerconcepts/np/uc13
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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices

• iPhone OS: Designed for Apple Mobile phones and

mobile devices.
• BlackBerry Operating System: Designed for BlackBerry
devices
• Palm OS and Palm webOS: Designed for Palm devices
• Symbian OS: Designed for use with smart phones
• Embedded Linux: Used with mobile phones, GPS
devices, and other mobile devices

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 Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices

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 Operating Systems for
Larger Computers
• Larger computers sometimes use operating systems
designed solely for that type of system
• IBM’s z/OS and i/5OS operating systems are designed
for their servers and mainframes
• Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with both
mainframes and supercomputers
• Often a group of Linux computers are linked together to
form what is referred to as a Linux supercomputing
cluster

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 Utility Programs

• Search tools: Designed to search for files on the user’s

hard drive
– Windows includes search tools
– Google, Yahoo desktop search
• Diagnostic programs: Evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
• Disk management programs: Diagnose and repair
problems related to your hard drive
• Uninstall utilities: Remove programs from your hard drive
without leaving bits and pieces behind
• Important to properly uninstall programs, not just
delete them
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 Utility Programs

• Clean up utilities: Delete temporary files

• File compression programs: Reduce the size of files so
they take up less storage space on a storage medium or
can be transmitted faster over the Internet
– Both zip and unzip files
– WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)

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 Utility Programs

• Backup and recovery utilities: Make the backup and

restoration process easier
– Backup: Duplicate copy of data or other computer
content
– Good backup procedures are critical for businesses
– Individuals should back up important documents,
e-mail, photos, home video, etc.
– Store backup data on a CD or DVD, second hard
drive, flash memory drive, or upload to the Internet
– Back up your entire computer once all programs
have been installed, so your system can be
restored to that configuration.

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 Backup Programs

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 Utility Programs

• Security programs: Protect computers and users

– Antivirus programs
– Antispyware programs
– Firewalls
– Many are included in Windows and other operating
systems
– Discussed in detail in Chapter 9

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 The Future of Operating Systems

• Will continue to become more user-friendly

• Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface
• Likely to continue to become more stable and self-
healing
• Will likely continue to include improved security features
and to support multiple processors and other
technological improvements
• May be used primarily to access software available
through the Internet or other networks

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