System software and computer management

1. CAT grade 12
System software and computer
management (Term 3)

2. Role of the operating system
The operating system is a set
of programs responsible for
controlling a computer.
The operating system
maintains system software,
runs applications and
controls hardware
devices.
Provides the user with an
interface to tell the
operating system what to
do.

3. Providing a user interface
The user interface is a way in which a user can control the computer.
Known as a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Uses graphical elements such as icons, buttons, tabs and drop-down boxes
instead of text
commands instead of text commands.

4. Managing applications
• The operating system
manages all of the applications
within the computer system.
• While the application is busy
the OS assigns and controls
system resources needed.
• The operating system provides
input from the user and returns
the output

5. File management
• File management utilities such as Windows
Explorer are designed to perform file
management
• such as copying and pasting for files and
folders

6. Scheduled updates
• Updates are important to keep security up to
date and have the newest features available
on the computer.
• Schedule updates to run automatically in order
for it not to be possible for the user to forget
doing updates

7. Control security
• The operating system controls the security on a computer by using built-in functions
or 3rd party software:
• Firewall: hardware or software that stops any unauthorised access to or from the
network or computer.
• Access control: uses details such as a username and password to restrict access to the
computer or specific data
• Anti-malware: keeps out malware such as spyware, viruses, worms and Trojans.
• An adware blocker: Adware are free programs that companies pay for to have their
advertisements being shown on the programs. Most are harmless but some need to be
stopped as malware may be hidden in it.

8. Antivirus software
• System software designed to stop viruses from
entering your system.
• Tasks include scanning removable devices,
checking e-mail attachments, when connected to
a network to check network traffic and check
websites for viruses.

9. The end!