What is system software?
-Programs that control or maintain operation of computer
-Two types are operating systems and utility programs
-Operating system (OS) (sometimes called the platform) coordinates all activities among computer hardware resources
What is a cross-platform application?
-Runs identically on multiple operating systems
-Operating system that computer uses is sometimes called the platform
What is booting?
-Process of starting or restarting a computer
--Cold boot Turning on computer that has been powered off
--Warm boot Restarting computer that is powered on
What is a user interface?
-Controls how you enter data and instructions and how information displays on screen
-With a command-line interface, a user types commands or presses special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
-User interacts with menus and visual images such as buttons and other graphical objects to issue commands
What is single user/ multitasking?
-Working on two or more programs that reside in memory at same time
--Foreground contains program you are using
--Background contains programs that are running but are not in use
What are other program management features of operating systems?
-multiprocessing
--Can support two or more processors running programs at same time
-multiuser
--Enables two or more users to run programs simultaneously
-fault-tolerant computer
--Has duplicate components such as processors, memory, and disk drives
--Continues to operate when one of its components fails
What is memory management?
-Optimizing use of random access memory (RAM)
-With virtual memory (VM), portion of hard disk is allocated to function as RAM
How does an operating system schedule jobs?
-A job is operation the processor manages
-Receiving data from input device
-Sending information to output device
-Processing instructions
-Transferring items between storage and memory
What is spooling?
-Sending print jobs to buffer instead of directly to printer
-Print jobs line up in queue
What is a driver?
-Program that tells operating system how to communicate with device
-With Plug and Play, operating system automatically configures new devices as you install them
How do you establish an Internet connection?
-Windows Vista includes Connect to a network wizard
--Guides user through setting up connection between computer and Internet
How does an operating system monitor performance?
-Provides program, called performance monitor, that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices
What is a network operating system?
-Allows users to share resources on a network
-Administers security by establishing user name and password for each user
What is a utility program?
-System software that performs maintenance-type tasks
--Also called utility
What is a file manager?
-Performs functions such as formatting, copying, renaming, deleting, and moving files
-Image viewer displays contents of graphics file when you double click on it
What is a personal firewall?
-Detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions
-Windows Vista automatically enables the built-in personal firewall upon installation
What is an uninstaller?
-Removes a program and all associated files
What is a disk scanner?
-Searches for and removes unnecessary files
-Windows Vista includes a disk scanner utility called Disk Cleanup
What is a disk defragmenter?
-Reorganizes files and unused space on hard disk so programs run faster
What is a diagnostic utility?
-Compiles technical information about hardware and certain system software
-Prepares report outlining problems
What is a backup utility?
-Copies selected files or entire hard disk onto another storage medium
-Most compress files during backup to require less storage space
-A restore program reverses the backup process and returns backed up files to their original form
What is a screen saver?
-Causes monitor’s screen to display moving image or blank screen if there is no activity for a specified time
-To secure computer, user configures screen saver to require password to deactivate
What are three categories of operating systems?
-Embedded
-Network
-Stand-alone
What is Windows XP?
-Fast, reliable Windows operating system
-Available in five editions: Home Edition, Professional Edition, Tablet PC Edition, Media Center Edition, and Professional 64-bit Edition
What is Windows Vista?
-Successor to Windows XP, containing a new interface and new / enhanced features
-Available in several editions, grouped into Home and Business categories
What is Mac OS X?
-Available only for computers manufactured by Apple
-Macintosh operating system has been model for most GUIs
What is UNIX?
-Used by power users because of its flexibility and power
-Most versions offer GUI
-Available for computers of all sizes
What is Linux?
-Popular, free, multitasking UNIX-type operating system
-Open-source softwaree— code is available to public
-Both a stand-alone and a network operating system
What are examples of network operating systems?
-NetWare
Designed for client/server networks
-Windows Server 2003
Upgrade to Windows 2000 Server
- Unix and Linux
Multi-purpose operating system
-Solaris
Version of UNIX developed by Sun Microsystems
Specifically for e-commerce applications
What is an embedded operating system?
-Found on most mobile computers, PDAs, and other small devices
--Windows CE is scaled-down version of Windows
--Windows Mobile for Pocket PC
--Palm OS for Palm
--BlackBerry OS
--Embedded Linux
--Symbian OS
What is a virus?
-Potentially damaging computer program
-Affects computer without user’s knowledge
SIGNS OF VIRUS INFECTION
-An unusual message or image is displayed on the computer screen
-An unusual sound or music plays randomly
-The available memory is less than what should be available
-A program or file suddenly is missing
-An unknown program or file mysteriously appears
-The size of a file changes without explanation
-A file becomes corrupted
-A program or file does not work properly
-System properties change
What is an antivirus program?
-Identifies and removes viruses in memory, storage media, and incoming files
-Must be updated frequently
What is spyware?
-Program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user
-Often enters a computer as a result of a user installing a new program
-A spyware remover is a program that detects and deletes spyware, adware, and similar programs
What are internet filters?
-Anti Spam Programs
-Web Filters
-Pop-up Blockers
What is a file compression utility?
-Shrinks size of files to free up room and improve performance
-Compressed files are sometimes called zipped files
What is a media player?
-Allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer
What is CD/DVD burning software?
-Writes text, graphics, audio, and video files to a recordable or rewriteable CD or DVD
What is a personal computer maintenance utility?
-Identifies and fixes operating system problems and disk problems
-Some continuously monitor computer to identify problems before they occur