Chapter 5 :System Software

 System Software

•          Handles technical details
•          Works with end users, application software, and computer hardware
Functions of an Operating System


Features of an Operating System
•          Booting
•          Features in common with application software
–        Icons
–        Pointers
–        Windows
–        Menus
–        Dialog boxes
–        Help
Categories of Operating Systems
•          Hundreds of operating systems
•          Three basic categories
–        Embedded operating systems – hand-held
–        Network operating systems – linked computers
–        Stand-alone operating systems – desktop
More on Operating Systems
•          OS often called software environment or platform
•          Operating systems commonly used by individuals
–        Windows – most widely used
–        Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
–        UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
–        LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web
Windows
•          The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market
•          Comes in a variety of different versions
•          Windows 7 provides several improvements  over Windows Vista

UNIX and LINUX
•          UNIX operating system
–        Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network
–        Used by powerful microcomputers
•          LINUX is a version of UNIX
–        Not proprietary
–        Open source

Virtualization
•          Ability to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine
•          Virtualization software
–         Physical machine can be logically separated into separate and independent virtual computers called virtual machines
            -Host operating system
            - Guest operating system
Utilities
Windows Utilities  
Utility Suites
•          A group of several utility programs bundled for sale
•          Buying the package is economical
•          Popular suites
–        Norton System Works
–        McAfee Office
–        V Communications
SystemSuite


Careers In IT
•          Computer support specialist provide technical support to customers and other users
•          Resolve common networking problems and use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems
•          Employers look for a bachelors degree, good analytical and communication skills
•          Computer support specialist
                can expect to earn $32K - $53K annually


A Look to the Future
IBM's Aware Supercomputer
•          IBM’s Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)
–        Handles time-consuming maintenance
–        Self-regulating and virtually invisible
•          Self-maintaining servers
–        Self-repairing
–        Self-updating
–        Self-protecting



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