Introduction to computing

System Software
System software enables the application software
to interact with the computer and helps the
computer manage its internal and external
resources.
System software is required to run application
software.
Reverse is not true.
Operating system is already installed in the
computers.
 System Software
Types of System software
 Operating system
 Utility Programs
 Operating system
 OS consists of the master system of programs
that manage the basic operations of computer.
 Every computer must have OS to run
 Os performs basic tasks such as
 Recognizing input from key board
Sending out put to the display device
Keeping track of files on the disk
 System Software
Control and use of hardware resources
CPU time allocation
The OS works behind the scene
The OS works like a traffic controller to
coordinates the activates of the computers
Computer cannot work without operating
system
 System Software
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Unix
Linux
Solaris
 System Software
All OS are not compatible with another
OS written for one kind of hardware will
not run on another kind of machine.
 Functions of operating system
Booting:
OS begins to operate as soon as we turn on
or boot the computer.
Booting refers to the loading of operating
system into computer’s main memory from
hard disk.
This loading is accomplished by a program
called bootstrap loader or boot routine.
 System Software
When we turn the computer on, programs
called diagnostics routines first start up and test
the main memory,CPU and other parts of the
system.
BIOS (Basic input/output system) will be
copied to main memory.
Boot program takes the operating system from
HD and load in to computer main memory.
Remain in the main memory until computer is
turnoff
System Software
Providing a user interface
The user interface is the the user-
controllable part of the operating system that
allows you to communicate,or interact,with
it.
Types of User Interface
 Command driven interface
 Menu driven interface
 Graphical user interface

 System Software
Command driven interface
A command driven interface requires you
to enter a command by typing in codes or
words.
Dos
C:\dir
 System Software
Menu driven interface
A menu driven interface allows you to
use cursor movement(arrow) keys to
choose command from a menu.
Easier to use
Slow to use.
 System Software
Graphical user interface
Allow you to use graphics and menus as
well as keystrokes to choose programs and
see list of files.
Desktop
Icons are small figure that represents
program.
Use of mouse.
 System Software
Network user interface
The network user interface defines settings
for the network and dialup connection
 System Software
Managing computer resources
OS allocates system resources so each
instruction takes up space
Amount of time to complete
OS ensures that adequate space is available
for the programs and programs instruction
completed quickly.
 System Software
OS manages memory,Keep track of the
locations within main memory where are
programs and data are stored.
Memory management
Partitioning
Foreground/background
Queues
 System Software
Partitioning
Memory is divided in to separate areas called
partitions each of which can hold data
Foreground/background
Some computers divide memory into
foregrounds and backgrounds areas.
Foreground programs have the highest priority
and background programs have the lowest.
 System Software
Foregrounds program is the one you are
currently working
Background program might be regulating the
flow of print to your printer.
 System Software
Queues
Programs wait on disk in queues for
their turn to be executed
Temporary place for holding data
System Software
Managing storage media
Blank diskette formatting
Formatting means initializing
electronically prepares a diskette so
that it can store data.
 System Software
Managing files
Files and other programs are located in
many places on HD.
OS allows you to find them
If u delete,rename a file OS manages such
changes and helps you locate and gain access
it.
System Software
Copy
Back up
Erase
Rename
 System Software
Utility programs
These programs are used to support,
enhance or expand existing programs in
a computer system
Norton utility
Utility for damaged files
System Software

Language translator
Program that translates a program
written by a programmer into machine
language which is understandable by
computers
Application Software and its
Categories
Use for specific purposes
Word
Excel etc.
Five categories
 Entertainment software
 Home/personal software
 Educative/reference software
 Productivity software
 Specialty Software
Application Software and its
Categories
Entertainment software
Video games
Generated 3.5. Billion dollars sales in
USA in 1996.
Degree programs in Video game and
animation programming.
Application Software and its
Categories
Home/personal software
Cook books
Medical
Home decoration
Gardening
Home repair etc
 Application Software and its
Categories

Educative/reference software
Problem solving games
Encyclopedias
Phone books
Library searches
Application Software and its
Categories
Productivity software
Consists of software found in most offices
Purpose to make users more productive at
performing particular tasks
Most important software
Ms Office
Financial software
Database software etc
Application Software and its
Categories
Specialty Software
Use by advertising people, lawyer
Computer aided design
Project management
Application Software and its
Categories
Computer aided design
Software programs for the design of
products structures, civil engineering
drawing and maps
Corel
Application Software and its
Categories
Project management software
PMS is a program used to plan,schedule
and control the people,costs and resources
required to complete a PROJECT.
Giant chart
Pert chart.
Application Software and its
Categories
Multimedia authoring software
enable to create multimedia applications
that integrate text,images,sound,motion
and animation.
Flash
Director
3D max etc.
Application Software and its
Categories
Data base software and its benefits
Data base software is a program that
controls the structure of a database and
access to the data.
Huge records
Easy retrieval of record.
Stores sound, pictures.
Sorting
Easy calculations
Application Software and its
Categories
Examples
Oracle
FoxPro
Access
 Application Software and its
Categories
Software for cyberspace
communication,E-mail web browser
Cyberspace has come to mean the online or
digital world in general and the internet and its
world wide web.
Three software tools for accessing cyberspace
are communication software,email,web browser.
Application Software and its
Categories
Communication software
Communication or data communication
software manages the transmission of data
between computers.
Modem and telephone line
Examples are crosstalk,quick link etc.
Application Software and its
Categories
Electronic mail(email)
Email software enables users to send
letters and files from one computer to
another
Example is Microsoft outlook
Application Software and its
Categories
Web browsers
Help to browser the internet.
IE
Netscape
Versions, Releases &
compatibility
Versions
Major upgrade in the software
Indicated by numbers 1.0,2.0,3.0
Higher the number proceeding the decimal
point, the more recent the version.
Versions, Releases &
compatibility
Releases
Minor upgrade in the software
Indicated by numbers as 1.0,1.1
Versions, Releases &
compatibility
Compatibility
Means that document created with
earlier versions of the software can be
processed successfully on later version
Also with operating system.