Question # 5. Discuss audio and video editing software?

Audio editing software

It is software which allows editing and generating of audio data. Audio editing software can be
implemented completely or partly as a library, as a computer application, as a web application, or
as a loadable kernel module. Wave Editors are digital audio editors and there are many sources
of software available to perform this function. Most can edit music, apply effects and filters,
adjust stereo channels, etc.

A digital audio workstation (DAW) consists of software to a great degree, and usually is
composed of many distinct software suite components, giving access to them through a unified
graphical user interface using GTK, Qt, or other library for the GUI widgets.

Editors designed for use with music typically allow the user to do the following:

 The ability to import and export various audio file formats for editing
 Record audio from one or more inputs and store recordings in the computer's memory as
digital audio
 Edit the start time, stop time, and duration of any sound on the audio timeline
 Fade into or out of a clip (e.g. an S-fade out during applause after a performance), or
between clips (e.g. crossfading between takes)
 Mix multiple sound sources/tracks, combine them at various volume levels and pan from
channel to channel to one or more output tracks
 Apply simple or advanced effects or filters, including compression, expansion, flanging,
reverb, audio noise reduction, and equalization to change the audio
 Playback sound (often after being mixed) that can be sent to one or more outputs, such as
speakers, additional processors, or a recording medium
 Conversion between different audio file formats, or between different sound quality
levels
Typically these tasks can be performed in a manner that is non-linear. Audio editors may process
the audio data non-destructively in real-time, or destructively as an "offline" process, or a hybrid
with some real-time effects and some off-line effects
Video editing software

These types of software are used for performing the post-production video editing of digital
video sequences on a non-linear editing system (NLE). It has replaced traditional flatbed
celluloid film editing tools and analogue video tape-to-tape online editing machines.

NLE Software

It is typically based on a timeline interface paradigm where sections of moving image video
recordings, known as clips, are laid out in sequence and played back. The NLE offers a range of
tools for trimming, splicing, cutting and arranging clips across the timeline. Once a project is
complete, the NLE system can then be used to export to movie in a variety of formats in context
which may range from broadcast tape formats to compressed file formats for the Internet, DVD
and mobile devices. As digital NLE systems have advanced their tool set, their role has expanded
and most consumer and professional NLE systems alike now include a host of features for color
manipulation, titling and visual effects, as well as tools for editing and mixing audio
synchronized with the video image sequence.

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Question # 6. What is Multimedia? Discuss interactivity, links, buttons,

and multimedia authoring programs?

Multimedia is a form of communication that combines different content forms such as text,
audio, images, animations, or video into a single presentation, in contrast to traditional mass
media, such as printed material or audio recordings. Popular examples of multimedia include
video podcasts, audio slideshows, animated shows, and movies.

Multimedia can be recorded for playback on computers, laptops, smartphones, and other
electronic devices, either on demand or in real time (streaming). In the early years of multimedia,
the term "rich media" was synonymous with interactive multimedia. Over time, hypermedia
extensions brought multimedia to the World Wide

Interactive media are means of communication in which the output values depend on inputs.
Interactive multimedia allows the user to control, combine, and manipulate a variety of media
types, such as text, computer graphics, audio and video materials, as well as animation.

Button In computing, the term button refers to any graphical control element that provides the
user a simple way to trigger an event, like searching for a query at a search engine, or to interact
with dialog boxes, like confirming an action.

A button often displays a tooltip when a user moves the pointer over it. The tooltip serves as
built-in documentation that briefly explains the purpose of the button.

Some very common incarnations of the button widget are:

 An OK button for confirming actions and closing the windows

 A Cancel button for canceling actions and closing the window
 An Apply button for confirming actions without closing the window
 A Close button for closing windows after changes have already been applied
Link: Linker or link editor is a computer system program that takes one or more object files
(generated by a compiler or an assembler) and combines them into a single executable file,
library file, or another "object" file.

A simpler version that writes its output directly to memory is called the loader, though loading is
typically considered a separate process.

An authoring system is a program that has pre-programmed elements for the development of
interactive multimedia software titles.[1] Authoring systems can be defined as software that
allows its user to create multimedia applications for manipulating multimedia objects.

Multimedia authoring involves collating, structuring and presenting information in the form of a
digital multimedia, which can incorporate text, audio, and still and moving images.

An authoring program usually includes an authoring language, a programming language built (or
extended) with functionality for representing the tutoring system. The functionality offered by
the authoring language may be programming functionality for use by programmers or domain
representation functionality for use by subject experts. There is overlap between authoring
languages with domain representation functionality and domain-specific languages.
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Question # 7. Describe System software? Discuss each of the four types of
system programs?

System software:

System software is kind of software which is  designed to provide a platform for other
software. Examples of system software include operating systems like macOS GNU /Linux ,
Android and Microsoft Windows, computational science software, game engines, industrial
automation, and software as a service applications. It is a computer program which is designed to
run a computer’s hardware and application programs. The operating system (OS) is the best-
known example of system software. The OS manages all the other programs in a computer.
System software refers to the files and programs that make up your computer's operating system.
System files include libraries of functions, system services, drivers for printers and other
hardware, system preferences, and other configuration files. The system software is installed on
your computer when you install your operating system. You can update the software by running
programs such as "Windows Update" for Windows or "Software Update" for Mac OS X. Since
system software runs at the most basic level of your computer, it is called "low-level" software.
It generates the user interface and allows the operating system to interact with the hardware.
Software used to control the computer and develop and run applications. It includes programs
such as operating systems, database managers, compilers, Web servers, router operating systems
and control programs for other network devices.

Types of System Programs

1. The operating systems

2. Device drivers
3. Language translators
4. Utilities perform

1. THE OPERATING SYSTEM(OS):

The operating system is a type of system software kernel that sits between computer hardware
and end user. It is installed first on a computer to allow devices and applications to be identified
and therefore functional. System software is the first layer of software to be loaded into memory
every time a computer is powered up. The desktop in modern OSs is a graphical workspace,
which contains menus, icons, and apps that are manipulated by the user through a mouse-driven
cursor or the touch of a finger. The disk operating system (DOS) was a popular interface used in
the 1980s.

Functions of Operating Systems

 They provide the interface between the user and hardware through GUI.
 Manages and allocates memory space for applications.
 Processes the management of applications, input/output devices, and instructions.
 Configures and manages internal and peripheral devices.
 Manages single or multi-user storage in local and network computers.
 Security management of files and applications.
 Manages input and output devices.
 Detects, installs, and troubleshoots devices.
 Monitors system performance through Task Manager and other tools.
 Produce error messages and troubleshooting options.
 Implement interface for network communication.
 Manages printers in single or multi-user systems.
 Internal or network file management.

2. Device Drivers:
Driver software is a type of system software which brings computer devices and peripherals to
life. Drivers make it possible for all connected components and external add-ons perform their
intended tasks and as directed by the OS. Without drivers, the OS would not assign any duties.

Examples of devices which require drivers:

 Soundcard
 Mouse
  Keyboard
 Display card
 Network card
 Printer etc.
Usually, the operating system ships with drivers for most devices already in the market. By
default, input devices such as the mouse and keyboard will have their drivers installed. They may
never require third-party installations.

If a device is newer than the operating system, the user may have to download drivers from
manufacturer websites or alternative sources.

3. Language Translators:

The former is a collection of programming languages that are easy for humans to comprehend
and code (i.e., Java, C++, Python, PHP, BASIC). The latter is a complex code only understood
by the processor. Popular translator languages are compilers, assemblers, and interpreters.
They're usually designed by computer manufacturers. Translator programs may perform a
complete translation of program codes or translate every other instruction at a time.

Besides simplifying the work of software developers, translators help in various design tasks.
They:

 Identify syntax errors during translation, thus allowing changes to be made to the code.
 Provide diagnostic reports whenever the code rules are not followed.
 Allocate data storage for the program.
 List both source code and program details.
 4. Utilities

Utilities are types of system software which sits between system and application software. These
are programs intended for diagnostic and maintenance tasks for the computer. They come in
handy to ensure the computer functions optimally. Their tasks vary from crucial data security to
disk drive defragmentation.

Examples and features of utility software include:

 Antivirus and security software for the security of files and applications, e.g., Malware
bytes, Microsoft Security Essentials, and AVG.
 Disk partition services such as Windows Disk Management, Easeus Partition Master, and
Partition Magic.
 Disk defragmentation to organize scattered files on the drive. Examples include Disk
Defragmenter, Perfect Disk, Disk Keeper, Comodo Free Firewall, and Little Snitch.
 File Compression to optimize disk space such as WinRAR, Winzip, and 7-Zip.
 Data backup for security reasons, e.g., Cobian, Clonezilla, and Comodo.
 Hardware diagnostic services like Hard Disk Sentinel, Memtest, and Performance
Monitor.
 Data recovery to help get back lost data. Examples include iCare Data Recovery, Recuva,
and EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard.
 Firewall for protection against external threats, e.g., Windows Firewall.
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Question # 8. Define Operating Systems. Describe the basic features and

three categories of operating systems?

Operating system:

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between computer user and computer hardware.

An operating system is software which performs all the basic tasks like file management,
memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling
peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. An operating system is a program that acts as
an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds
of programs.

Basic Features of Operating System:

 Protected and supervisor mode.

 Allows disk access and file systems Device drivers Networking security.

 Program Execution.

 Memory management Virtual Memory Multitasking.

 Handling I/O operations.

 Manipulation of the file system.

 Error Detection and handling.

 Resource allocation.

 Information and Resource Protection.

Categories of Operating System:

1. Batch Operating System

This type of operating system does not interact with the computer directly. There is an operator
which takes similar jobs having same requirement and group them into batches. It is the
responsibility of operator to sort the jobs with similar needs.
Advantages of Batch Operating System:

 It is very difficult to guess or know the time required by any job to complete. Processors
of the batch systems know how long the job would be when it is in queue
 Multiple users can share the batch systems
 The idle time for batch system is very less
 It is easy to manage large work repeatedly in batch systems.
Disadvantages of Batch Operating System:
  The computer operators should be well known with batch systems
 Batch systems are hard to debug
 Sometimes it’s costly
 The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails.

2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems

Each task is given some time to execute, so that all the tasks work smoothly. Each user gets time of
CPU as they use single system. These systems are also known as Multitasking Systems. The task
can be from single user or from different users also. The time that each task gets to execute is
called quantum. After this time interval is over OS switches over to next task.

Advantages of Time-Sharing OS:

 Each task gets an equal opportunity
 Less chances of duplication of software
 CPU idle time can be reduced.
Disadvantages of Time-Sharing OS:
 Reliability problem
 One must have to take care of security and integrity of user programs and data
 Data communication problem

3. Distributed Operating System:

These types of operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer technology and
are being widely accepted all-over the world and, that too, with a great pace. Various autonomous
interconnected computers communicate each other using a shared communication network.
Independent systems possess their own memory unit and CPU. These are referred as loosely
coupled systems or distributed systems. These system’s processors differ in size and function. The
major benefit of working with these types of operating system is that it is always possible that one
user can access the files or software which are not actually present on his system but on some other
system connected within this network i.e., remote access is enabled within the devices connected in
that network.
Advantages of Distributed Operating System:
 Failure of one will not affect the other network communication, as all systems are
independent from each other
 Electronic mail increases the data exchange speed
 Since resources are being shared, computation is highly fast and durable
 Load on host computer reduces
 These systems are easily scalable as many systems can be easily added to the network
 Delay in data processing reduces.

Disadvantages of Distributed Operating System:

 Failure of the main network will stop the entire communication
 To establish distributed systems the language which are used are not well defined yet
 These types of systems are not readily available as they are very expensive. Not only that
the underlying software is highly complex and not understood well yet
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Question # 9. What are desktop operating systems? Compare Windows,

Mac OS, Linux and Chrome OS. Discuss virtualization?

Desktop operating system is the main control program in a user's desktop or laptop

computer, also known as client operating system. It can either be freeware or commercial
software. The control program in a user's machine (desktop or laptop) .Also called a "client
operating system," Windows is the overwhelming majority while the Macintosh comes second.
There are also several versions of Linux for the desktop. Contrast with network operating system.

Types of Desktop Operating System:

 MS-Windows
 Mac OS
 Chrome OS
 Linux
Window:

Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft. Each version of Windows

includes a graphical user interface, with a desktop that allows users to view files and folders
in windows. For the past two decades, Windows has been the most widely used operating system
for personal computers PCs. Windows is designed to run on standard x86 hardware, such as Intel
and AMD processors. Therefore, it can be installed on multiple brands of hardware, such as Dell,
HP, and Sony computers, as well as home-built PCs. Windows 7 also includes
several touchscreen features, that allow the operating system to run on certain tablets and
computers with touchscreen displays. Microsoft's mobile operating system, Windows Phone, is
designed specifically for smartphones and runs on several brands of phones such as Nokia

Mac OS:

Mac OS is the computer operating system for Apple Computer's MacIntosh line of personal
computers and workstations. This is the operating system that runs on Macintosh computers. It is
pronounced, "mack-oh-es." The Mac OS has been around since the first Macintosh was
introduced in 1984. Since then, it has been continually updated and many new features have been
added to it. Each major OS release is signified by a new number (i.e. Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9). Mac
OS is considered the pioneer of GUI based operating systems, as it was launched when MS-DOS
was the industry standard. Mac OS is a completely capable OS that provides functionality and
services similar to Windows or Linux OS. Some of the code base and features of Lisa OS have
been incorporated in Mac OS. Mac OS is designed to operate on Apple manufactured PCs and
by default, does not support x86 architecture

Linux:

Just like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. In fact, one of the most
popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. An
operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your
desktop or laptop. To put it simply, the operating system manages the communication between
your software and your hardware. Linux is software that sits underneath all of the other software
on a computer, receiving requests from those programs and relaying these requests to the
computer’s hardware. Linux is similar to other operating systems you may have used before,
such as Windows, macOS (formerly OS X), or iOS. Like other operating systems, Linux has a
graphical interface, and the same types of software you are accustomed to, such as word
processors, photo editors, video editors, and so on. In many cases, a software’s creator may have
made a Linux version of the same program you use on other systems. In short: if you can use a
computer or other electronic device, you can use Linux.

Chrome OS:

Google’s Chrome OS is an alternative to operating systems like Windows and macOS. It’s a
great platform that’s aimed at a specific audience and has its pros and cons, just like its rivals. If
you’re thinking of buying a Chromebook. Chrome OS is an operating system developed and
owned by Google. It’s based on Linux and is open-source, which also means it’s free to use a big
advantage of Chrome OS is that it’s super simple to use. Although it has a desktop environment
similar to the one you get on a Windows machine, Chrome OS is basically a web browser at its
core. You can watch videos, scroll through Facebook and other social networks, and do
everything else you can do in a browser on rival operating systems like Windows and
macOS.The simplicity of Chrome OS also has a major drawback. Unlike on Windows and
macOS devices, you can’t download and run AAA games or use desktop programs like Adobe
Premiere Plus, for example. You can only run programs and games that are in the Play Store.
This is why Chromebooks aren’t for everyone.

Virtualization:

Virtualization is the process of creating a software-based, or virtual, representation of something,

such as virtual applications, servers, storage and networks. It is the single most effective way to
reduce IT expenses while boosting efficiency and agility for all size businesses.

HOW VIRTUALIZATION WORKS

Virtualization 101
Due to the limitations of x86 servers, many IT organizations must deploy multiple servers, each
operating at a fraction of their capacity, to keep pace with today’s high storage and processing
demands. The result: huge inefficiencies and excessive operating costs.

Enter virtualization. Virtualization relies on software to simulate hardware functionality and

create a virtual computer system. This enables IT organizations to run more than one virtual
system – and multiple operating systems and applications – on a single server. The resulting
benefits include economies of scale and greater efficiency.

Virtual Machines Explained

A virtual computer system is known as a “virtual machine” (VM): a tightly isolated software
container with an operating system and application inside. Each self-contained VM is completely
independent. Putting multiple VMs on a single computer enables several operating systems and
applications to run on just one physical server, or “host.”

A thin layer of software called a “hypervisor” decouples the virtual machines from the host and
dynamically allocates computing resources to each virtual machine as needed.

Key Properties of Virtual Machines

VMs have the following characteristics, which offer several benefits.

Partitioning
 Run multiple operating systems on one physical machine.
 Divide system resources between virtual machines.
Isolation
 Provide fault and security isolation at the hardware level.
 Preserve performance with advanced resource controls.
Encapsulation
 Save the entire state of a virtual machine to files.
 Move and copy virtual machines as easily as moving and copying files.
Hardware Independence
 Provision or migrate any virtual machine to any physical server.

Types of Virtualization

Server Virtualization
Server virtualization enables multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server as
highly efficient virtual machines. Key benefits include:
 Greater IT efficiencies
 Reduced operating costs
 Faster workload deployment
 Increased application performance
 Higher server availability
 Eliminated server sprawl and complexity

Network Virtualization
By completely reproducing a physical network, network virtualization allows applications to run
on a virtual network as if they were running on a physical network — but with greater
operational benefits and all the hardware independencies of virtualization. (Network
virtualization presents logical networking devices and services — logical ports, switches, routers,
firewalls, load balancers, VPNs and more — to connected workloads.

Desktop Virtualization
Deploying desktops as a managed service enables IT organizations to respond faster to changing
workplace needs and emerging opportunities. Virtualized desktops and applications can also be
quickly and easily delivered to branch offices, outsourced and offshore employees, and mobile
workers using iPad and Android tablets.
Virtualization vs Cloud Computing
Although equally buzz-worthy technologies, virtualization and cloud computing are not
interchangeable. Virtualization is software that makes computing environments independent of
physical infrastructure, while cloud computing is a service that delivers shared computing
resources (software and/or data) on demand via the Internet. As complementary solutions,
organizations can begin by virtualizing their servers and then moving to cloud computing for
even greater agility and self-service.
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Question # 10. What are mobile operating systems? Describe six leading
mobile operating systems?

Operating Systems

A mobile operating system, also called a mobile OS, is an operating system that is specifically
designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers
and other handheld devices.

Mobile Operating System (Mobile OS)

Much like the Linux or Windows operating system controls your desktop or laptop computer, a

mobile operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs can run on
mobile devices. The operating system is responsible for determining the functions and features
available on your device, such as thumb wheel, keyboards, WAP, synchronization with
applications, email, text messaging and more. The mobile OS will also determine which third-
party applications (mobile apps) can be used on your device.

Types of Mobile Operating Systems

When you purchase a mobile device the manufacturer will have chosen the operating system for
that specific device.  Often, you will want to learn about the mobile operating system before you
purchase a device to ensure compatibility and support for the mobile applications you want to
use.
Leading Mobile Operating Systems

1. Android OS (Google Inc.)

The Android mobile operating system is Google's open and free software stack that includes an
operating system, middleware and also key applications for use on mobile devices, including
smartphones. Updates for the open source Android mobile operating system have been
developed under "dessert-inspired" version names (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Gingerbread,
Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich) with each new version arriving in alphabetical order with
new enhancements and improvements.

2. IOS (Apple)
Apple's iPhone OS was originally developed for use on its iPhone devices. Now, the mobile
operating system is referred to as iOS and is supported on a number of Apple devices including
the iPhone, iPad, iPad 2 and iPod Touch. The iOS mobile operating system is available only on
Apple's own manufactured devices as the company does not license the OS for third-party
hardware. Apple iOS is derived from Apple's Mac OS X operating system.

3. BlackBerry OS (Research In Motion)

The BlackBerry OS is a proprietary mobile operating system developed by Research In Motion
for use on the company’s popular BlackBerry handheld devices. The BlackBerry platform is
popular with corporate users as it offers synchronization with Microsoft Exchange, Lotus
Domino, Novell GroupWise email and other business software, when used with the BlackBerry
Enterprise Server.

4. Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile is Microsoft's mobile operating system used in smartphones and mobile
devices – with or without touchscreens. The Mobile OS is based on the Windows CE 5.2 kernel.
In 2010 Microsoft announced a new smartphone platform called Windows Phone 7.

5. WebOS (Palm/HP)

WebOS is a mobile operating system that runs on the Linux Kernel. WebOS was initially
developed by Palm as the successor to its Palm OS mobile operating system. It is a proprietary
Mobile OS which was eventually acquired by HP and now referred to as webOS (lower-case w)
in HP literature. HP uses webOS in a number of devices including several smartphones and HP
TouchPads. HP has pushed its webOS into the enterprise mobile market by focusing on
improving security features and management with the release of webOS 3.x. HP has also
announced plans for a version of webOS to run within the Microsoft Windows operating system
and to be installed on all HP desktop and notebook computers in 2012.
6. Symbian OS (Nokia)

Symbian is a mobile operating system (OS) targeted at mobile phones that offers a high-level of
integration with communication and personal information management (PIM) functionality.
Symbian OS combines middleware with wireless communications through an integrated mailbox
and the integration of Java and PIM functionality (agenda and contacts). Nokia has made the
Symbian platform available under an alternative, open and direct model, to work with some
OEMs and the small community of platform development collaborators. Nokia does not maintain
Symbian as an open source development project.