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    Computer Software and Operating System

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    Computer Software and Operating System

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    Computer Software and Operating System

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 7

    Lecture Note: Computer Software and Operating System

    Introduction

    Computer software and operating systems are critical components in the field of
    computing. Computer software includes all the programs and applications that direct a
    computer to perform specific tasks, while the operating system (OS) is the
    foundational software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for
    other software to run on.

    Computer Software

    Computer software is a collection of instructions that tell a computer how to perform


    specific tasks. It can be classified into different types based on its functions and
    applications.

    Types of Computer Software

    1. System Software:
     Serves as a bridge between computer hardware and application software.
     Includes the operating system and utility programs that help manage the computer’s
    resources.
     Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, and utility software like antivirus programs.
    2. Application Software:
     Allows users to perform specific tasks and applications.
     Tailored for end-users for productivity, entertainment, and various specialized functions.
     Examples: Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, web browsers, and games.
    3. Programming Software:
     Provides tools and environments for programmers to develop software.
     Includes compilers, interpreters, and integrated development environments (IDEs).
     Examples: Visual Studio, Eclipse, Python IDEs.
    4. Driver Software:
     Controls and manages the operation of specific hardware connected to the system.
     Acts as an interface between the operating system and hardware devices like printers,
    graphics cards, and sound cards.
     Example: Printer drivers, graphics card drivers.

    System Software and Its Components

    System software is essential for managing the computer's hardware and providing an
    environment where other software can operate. It includes several components:

    1. Operating System (OS):


     Manages hardware resources and provides services for application software.
     Acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware.
    2. Utility Software:
     Assists in maintaining and optimizing the computer system.
     Includes software for disk management, antivirus programs, and file management.
    3. Firmware:
     Embedded software programmed into hardware components.
     Typically stored in non-volatile memory and provides low-level control for hardware

    What is an Operating System (OS)?

    An Operating System (OS) is the primary system software that manages computer
    hardware and provides a platform for other software. It facilitates communication
    between users, applications, and hardware.

    Functions of an Operating System

    1. Process Management:
     Manages and schedules the execution of programs.
     Allocates resources and ensures smooth multitasking by switching between tasks
    efficiently.
    2. Memory Management:
     Manages system memory, including allocation and deallocation.
     Ensures that each application has the required memory space without conflicts.
    3. File System Management:
     Manages files on the disk, including file creation, deletion, and storage.
     Organizes files into directories, ensuring security and accessibility.
    4. Device Management:
     Manages and controls hardware devices, like printers, disks, and keyboards.
     Uses drivers as intermediaries between hardware and the OS.
    5. User Interface:
     Provides a user-friendly interface to interact with the computer.
     Common interfaces include Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line Interface
    (CLI).

    Types of Operating Systems

    Operating systems come in various forms, each designed for specific tasks and
    environments.

    1. Batch Operating Systems:


     Executes batches of jobs with minimal user interaction.
     Common in mainframe environments where tasks are processed in groups.
    2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems:
     Allows multiple users to use a system concurrently by dividing CPU time among users.
     Example: UNIX, used for multi-user applications.
    3. Distributed Operating Systems:
     Manages a group of computers and makes them appear as a single system.
     Suitable for environments requiring resource sharing, like distributed databases.
    4. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):
     Designed for applications that require immediate response to inputs, with strict timing
    constraints.
     Common in embedded systems, like automotive controls and medical devices.
    5. Network Operating Systems (NOS):
     Provides network services like file sharing, communication, and remote access.
     Example: Windows Server, Novell NetWare.
    6. Mobile Operating Systems:
     Optimized for mobile devices with specific features like touch interface and battery
    management.
     Examples: Android, iOS.

    Key Components of an Operating System

    An OS consists of several components that manage various aspects of the system’s


    operation.

    1. Kernel:
     Core part of the OS that manages hardware resources.
     Facilitates communication between hardware and software.
    2. Shell:
     Interface between the user and the OS kernel.
     Translates user commands into actions executed by the OS.
    3. File System:
     Organizes and manages files on storage devices.
     Examples: NTFS, FAT32, EXT4.
    4. Device Drivers:
     Specialized software that enables communication between the OS and hardware.
     Ensures that hardware devices function correctly.
    5. System Utilities:
     Provides tools for system maintenance and optimization.
     Examples: Disk cleanup, file compression, antivirus software.

    User Interfaces in Operating Systems

    Operating systems provide different interfaces for users to interact with the system.

    1. Graphical User Interface (GUI):


     Uses visual elements like windows, icons, and buttons.
     Examples: Windows, macOS, and Linux GUI.
    2. Command Line Interface (CLI):
     Requires users to type commands to interact with the system.
     Common in UNIX and Linux environments.
    3. Touch Interface:
     Optimized for touch-based devices, common in mobile OS.
     Examples: Android and iOS.

    File Management in Operating Systems

    File management is a core function of an OS, enabling storage, retrieval, and


    manipulation of data on storage devices.
     File Operations: Creation, deletion, reading, writing, and renaming of files.
     Directory Management: Organizing files in folders or directories for better
    organization.
     File Permissions: Setting access rights for users to enhance security.
     File Allocation: Managing space allocation for files on a storage device.

    Memory Management in Operating Systems

    Memory management ensures efficient allocation and deallocation of memory to


    applications and system processes.

    1. Memory Allocation:
     OS allocates memory to applications when needed and reclaims it when no longer
    required.
    2. Virtual Memory:
     Allows the OS to use a portion of the storage device as additional memory.
     Improves multitasking by expanding the available memory.
    3. Memory Protection:
     Ensures that different processes do not interfere with each other’s memory space.
     Protects system stability and security.

    Process Management

    Process management is essential for multitasking, allowing the OS to switch between


    processes efficiently.

    1. Process Scheduling:
     Decides the order in which processes are executed by the CPU.
     Types of scheduling include Round Robin, First-Come-First-Serve, and Priority
    Scheduling.
    2. Inter-Process Communication (IPC):
     Mechanisms that allow processes to communicate and share data.
     Examples include message passing and shared memory.
    3. Process Synchronization:
     Ensures that processes operate in a coordinated manner, especially in a multi-threaded
    environment.

    Importance of Software and Operating Systems

     Efficiency: The OS ensures optimal utilization of system resources, leading to better


    performance.
     User Accessibility: GUI-based OSs make it easy for non-technical users to operate
    computers.
     Security: Modern OSs provide protection mechanisms, including encryption, firewalls,
    and user authentication.
     Compatibility: OSs provide an environment that supports various applications and
    hardware components.

    Review Questions

    1. What are the main differences between system software and application software?
    2. Name three types of operating systems and describe their use cases.
    3. Explain the role of the kernel in an operating system.
    4. Describe the purpose of memory management in an OS.
    5. What is the function of process scheduling in process management?

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