This document discusses system software and operating systems. It defines system software as programs that help run the computer by coordinating between applications and hardware. It notes the main components are the operating system and utility programs. The operating system manages processing, memory, storage, devices, and tasks. Common operating systems include Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS, and Android. The operating system provides a graphical user interface, manages CPU instructions and devices, and prioritizes multitasking. It discusses the boot process and roles of the BIOS, POST, kernel, and system files.

1. S
System Software:
The Operating System,
Utility Programs & File Management
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2. System Software
 helps run the computer and coordinates
instructions between application
software and hardware devices.
 consists of the operating system (OS)
and utility programs.

3. The Operating System
 Utilizes a user interface consisting of
menus, icons, windows
 Manages processing, memory, storage,
and peripheral devices as well as all
tasks of the computer
 Allows users to multi-task

4. Operating Systems
 All computers have Operating Systems
 Windows (10, 8, 7, Vista, XP)
 Mac OSX (Sierra, El Capitan, Mavericks)
 Linux, UNIX
 iOS, Android

5. Real Time Operating Systems
RTOS
 Embedded Systems –
require little interaction
 Used in appliances, cars,
robotic cameras (football games)

6. Multi-User
Operating Systems
 Allow multiple users to log-in to protected
areas of system and also access networks
 Network Operating Systems allow
computers to work on a network – file
sharing, access to servers and networked
printers
 Linux, UNIX, Windows Server, OSX Server
are more robust network OS’s

7. Linux & UNIX
 Linux is an open-source OS that can
run on personal computers or
network computers.
 Linux is used as a server OS
(web servers)
 UNIX is used primarily as an OS on
network and web servers

8. Mobile Devices OS’s

9. Desktop OS Market share

10. What the OS Does?
 Provides a GUI
(Graphical User Interface)
instead of Command Driven
 MS-DOS was the Microsoft OS
until Windows in 1993-95
 Command-Driven Applications are
still used: Command Prompt,
Powershell (Win) & Terminal (Mac)

11. Windows Powershell
Command Line Interface
 Launch Windows Powershell
 ls list directory contents
 cd change directory
 cd ~ go back to root directory
 mkdir make new directory/folder; rmdir remove
 echo text > myfile.txt - create an empty file
 exit exit out of Powershell

12. What the OS Does?
 Manages CPU instructions & input events
 Manages the interrupt handler
 Prioritizes with pre-emptive multitasking
 Manages the print spooler
 Uses RAM as temporary storage area for
instructions and processor needs
 Uses Virtual Memory (Hard Drive Space)
when RAM runs out

13. What the OS Does?
 Manages peripheral devices
 Devices can be Plug n Play
or require installed device drivers
 Helps applications use API’s Application
Programming Interfaces – special blocks
of code to help applications interact
with the CPU

14. The Boot Process
1. Activate BIOS
Basic Input/Output System
2. Power On Self Test POST – ensures
peripherals and hardware is working
3. Loads the OS – system files and kernel,
stays in RAM and manages processor
4. Checks Configurations – registry
which contains all customized settings