ICT Unit I: Booting Process

Overview of Software

• Software is a computer program offering instructions to execute user commands and direction to the computer.
• Examples include MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Software is classified into System Software and Application Software.

System Software

• Acts as an interface between the hardware and user applications, managing hardware components.

Types of System Software

• Operating Systems (OS):

  • Manages computer hardware and software resources, providing common services.
  • Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix, Android, iOS.
  • Functions include process, memory, file system, device management, and user interface.

• Device Drivers:

  • Programs that control specific hardware devices attached to the computer.
  • Examples: Printer drivers, graphics drivers, network drivers.
  • Enables communication between OS and hardware, ensuring proper function.

• Firmware:

  • Low-level software programmed into read-only memory for device control.
  • Examples: BIOS, UEFI, firmware in embedded systems.
  • Initializes hardware components and supports higher-level software.

Application Software

• Designed for users to perform specific tasks, ranging from productivity to entertainment.

Types of Application Software

• Productivity Software:

  • Aimed at increasing productivity, such as document, presentation, and spreadsheet management.
  • Examples: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace.
  • Functions: Creating, editing, and managing office-related tasks.

• Multimedia Software:

  • Applications for creating and managing multimedia content.
  • Examples: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), VLC Media Player, iTunes.
  • Functions: Creating, editing, and playing audio, video, and graphics.

• Web Browsers:

  • Software for accessing and navigating the internet.
  • Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari.
  • Functions: Browsing web pages, downloading files, running web applications.

Differences Between System Software and Application Software

• System software manages system resources, while application software performs specific user tasks.
• System software generally installed with the OS; application software installed as needed.
• System software operates independently; application software depends on system software.
• System software is typically written in low-level languages; application software in high-level languages.

Booting Process

• Power-On Self Test (POST):

  • Initial diagnostic check on hardware components to ensure functionality and presence.
  • Tests components like CPU, RAM, and storage devices.
  • Displays error messages or beep patterns in case of failures.

• BIOS:

  • Firmware on the motherboard providing initial instructions during boot.
  • Initializes hardware components like the video card, keyboard, and storage drives.

• Loading the Operating System:

  • Bootloader: Program that initiates the operating system loading process by transferring control from BIOS.
  • Kernel Loading: The core part of the OS, it loads into memory and takes control system operations.

• System Configuration:

  • Kernel initializes hardware and sets up memory management.
  • Loads necessary drivers and mounts the root filesystem.

• Loading System Utilities:

  • Runs initialization scripts to configure the system and start services.
  • Services include network management and system logging.

• User Authentication:

  • Login prompt appears, asking for credentials either in CLI or GUI format.
  • System verifies user credentials and may perform additional security checks.

File Management in Operating Systems

• Processes involved in creating, organizing, and controlling files on storage devices.
• Key activities: creation, deletion, naming, classification, and protection of files.
• Involves metadata management such as file name, size, creation date, permissions, ownership, and type.

Key Components of File System Management

• File System Structure:

  • Files as storage units; directories to hold files and organize them hierarchically.
  • Paths indicate the route to access files or directories.

• File Types:

  • Regular files containing user data, directories for organizing files, special files for device I/O, and links serving as shortcuts to other files.

This quiz covers essential concepts from Unit I of Information Communication Technology by Aditya More, focusing on the booting process. Participants will explore key steps such as user authentication through both CLI and GUI. Test your knowledge on the background services involved in system startup.