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Software: Systems and Applications

Basic Computer Concepts

Software

Ø Software: can be divided into:v

vsystems software or system programsapplications software or applicationprograms

ØTypes of Computer Software



Functions of anOperating System

ØOperating Systemsv

v

collection of system programs and routinesthat reside in the computer’s memoryfunctions:• Schedule input and output operations• Schedule work of jobs according topriority

• Communicate with the human operator• Handle interruptions and monitorsystem status

• Log the jobs that are finished andcurrently being executed

• Control system access and datasecurity functions

• Facilitate in locating and debuggingerrors

• Handle multiprogramming, so thatseveral programs can run at the sametime



Functions of anOperating SystemØOperating Systems

v

v

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stored in a secondary storage device knownas a system residence devicein the early days when magnetic tapedrives are still used as storage devices,operating systems that are stored inmagnetic tapes are called Tape OperatingSystemsif the operating system is stored in amagnetic disk it is called a Disk OperatingSystem (DOS)

Resident Storage Device



Structure of anOperating System



Programs that Make Upan Operating System

v

v

Control Programs - manage the overallsystem operations and perform tasks suchas scheduling, input/output handling,monitoring of system status andcommunication with the programmer• Supervisor Program• Input/Output Control System

Service Programs - are subprograms orroutines that are frequently used by theprogrammer• Language Translator Programs• Librarian Programs• Utility Programs• Diagnostic Programs



Survey of an OperatingSystem

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v

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MS-DOSThe Windows Family of OperatingSystems• Windows 1.0, 2.0, 3.1 and 3.11• Windows NT and Windows 2000• Windows 95, 98, ME and XP

UNIX and Linux



Survey of an OperatingSystemWhat’s the best-selling operating system?

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Microsoft Windows is being used on over 80percent of the world’s personal computers.Windows has evolved through several versions,since its introduction.



Survey of an OperatingSystem



Survey of an OperatingSystemWhat’s the best-selling operating system?

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Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME andWindows XP provide basic networkingcapabilities, making them appropriate forsmall networks in homes and businesses.Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XPProfessional are typically classified as serveroperating systems.



Survey of an OperatingSystemIs Mac OS similar to Windows?

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Both operating systems base their userinterfaces on the graphical model that wasoriginated at Xerox PARC.Both Mac and Windows interfaces use a mouseto point and click various icons and menus.Both also provide basic networkingcapabilities.Though the selection is not as vast as thecollection of Windows, a collection of softwareis available for computers that run Mac OS.



Survey of an OperatingSystemAre UNIX and Linux the same?

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UNIX gained a good reputation for itsdependability in multi-user environments.Many versions of UNIX became available formainframes and microcomputers.Linux is distributed under the terms of aGeneral Public License (GPL), allowingeveryone to make copies for their own use, togive others, or to sell.

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Survey of an OperatingSystemAre UNIX and Linux the same?

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Linux shares several technical features withUNIX.Linux is considered to be a popular operatingsystem for e-mail , web-servers and local areanetworks.Linux has been gaining popularity as a desktopoperating system.



Survey of an OperatingSystemWhy do I keep hearing about DOS?

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DOS was the first operating system and itscryptic command-line user interface left anindelible impression.The remnants of DOS still linger in the world ofpersonal computers, because it provides partof the operating system kernel for Windowsversions 3.1, 95, 98 and ME.Users rarely interact with DOS, because it iswell hidden by the Windows graphical userinterface.DOS is nothing more than footnotes in thehistory of the computer industry.



Application Software

An Overview of Application SoftwareØWord Processing

va term used in manipulating text or wordsin a file

ØBasic features:v insert textvvvvvvv

delete textcut and pastecopypage size and marginssearch and replaceword wrapPrint

ØAdvanced features:vvvvvvvvvvvv

file managementfont specificationsfootnotes and cross-referencesgraphicsheaders, footers, and page numberinglayoutmergesspell checkertables of contents and indexesthesauruswindowsWYSIWYG




Microsoft Word




Ø Spreadsheetv

v

computer programs especially designed todisplay information graphically and allowfiles and data to be manipulated easilyan electronic ledger sheet on which dataare entered

MS Excel Spreadsheet Program




ØDatabase Managementv

v

application software packages thatcomputerize the everyday task ofrecording, processing, filing, andmanipulation of information in thedatabaseDatabase : a collection of informationorganized in such a way that a computerprogram can quickly select desired piecesof information (or data); like an electronicfiling system

ØBasic features:vv

v

vv

To add or delete information within a fileTo search a file for some information basedon some criteriaTo update information from within a fileTo sort information into some orderTo generate a printout or reports




ØGraphics Software Packagesvdesigned to allow the user to displayimages on a computer monitor or to printthe images on a printer

ØExamples of graphic applications:v

vvv

vv

paint programsillustration/design programspresentation graphics softwareanimation softwareCAD softwaredesktop publishing

Documents

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