Operating Systems and Software Features Quiz

Introduction to Computer Software

• Software is a collection of programs, procedures, and supporting documentation that describes how to use a program.
• Software acts as an interface between the user and the computer.
• Software is categorized into System Software and Application Software.

System Software

• System software controls and maintains computer operations.
• It acts as an interface between the user, application software, and computer hardware.
• Two main types of system software are operating systems and utility programs.

Operating Systems

• An operating system (OS) is a set of programs working together to manage computer hardware resources.
• Different computer sizes use different OS.
• Operating system functions include:
  • Starting and Shutting Down a Computer: The kernel and frequently used OS instructions are loaded into RAM.
  • Providing a user interface (GUI): Users interact with menus and images to issue commands.
  • Managing Memory: Optimizes the use of random access memory (RAM).
  • Managing Programs: Allows users to work on multiple programs simultaneously; one is foreground, others background.
  • Coordinating Tasks: Receiving data from input devices, processing instructions, sending info to output devices, transferring items between storage and memory.
  • Configuring Devices: Loads device drivers when booting or a new device is attached.
  • Establishing Internet Connection: Facilitates setting up a connection to an internet service provider.
  • Monitoring Performance: Contains a performance monitor that identifies slow performance issues and detects when memory is used to maximum capacity.
  • Providing File Management and Other Utilities : Managing files, searching for files, viewing images, securing the computer from unauthorized access, uninstalling programs, cleaning up disks, diagnosing problems, backing up files and disks, and setting up screen savers.
  • Updating Software Automatically: Provides automatic updates for programs.
  • Controlling a Network: Organizes and coordinates multiple user access to shared resources on a network (hardware, software, data, and Information).
  • Administering Security: Creating user accounts and establishing permissions to access resources.

Types of Operating Systems

• Stand-alone Operating Systems:

  • complete OS that runs on desktop, notebook, or mobile devices.

  • Examples: Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux.

  • Windows: Developed its first version in the mid-1980s with a GUI, continually updated with new versions such as Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

  • Mac OS: Released in 1984 with Macintosh computers and set a standard for user -friendly operating systems. It's the model for other non-Macintosh systems like Mac OS, OS X, and macOS, the most current version being macOS 10.15

  • UNIX: A multitasking operating system, with various versions and flexible for many computer sizes.

  • Linux: A popular, multitasking UNIX-type operating system introduced in 1991. It is open-source; code is publicly available for use, modification, and redistribution. Includes programming languages and utility programs.

• Server Operating Systems:

  • Designed to support a network by managing resources for client computers; typically resides on a server
  • Windows Server 2019 is an example.

• Embedded Operating Systems:

  • Resides on a ROM chip in mobile devices and many consumer electronic devices.

  • Examples: Windows Embedded CE, iPhone OS, and Google Android.

  • Windows Embedded CE: A scaled-down version of Windows designed for devices with limited functionality like digital cameras, POS terminals, etc.

  • iPhone OS: The OS for iPhones and iPods.

  • Google Android: Designed by Google for various mobile devices, includes features like access to email, alarm clock, video capture, access Google apps, Wi-Fi, and easy web browsing.

Utility Programs

• Perform maintenance tasks related to managing computers, devices, or programs.

• File Manager: Displays files on storage media, organizes files in the folders, performs copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files.

• Search Utility: Locates files based on specified criteria.

• Image Viewer: Displays, copies, prints graphics files.

• Media Player: Views images, animation, and audio/video files.

• Screen Saver: Displays moving images or blank screens to prevent damage to the screen.

• Uninstaller: Removes programs and associated system files.

• Disk Cleanup: Removes unnecessary files, like downloaded files, temporary files, and unused files.

• Backup Utilities: Copies files or entire hard drives to other storage devices (e.g., another hard drive, optical disc, USB drive, tape).

• Personal Firewall: Detects and protects computers against unauthorized intrusions.

• Antivirus Programs: Identifies and removes computer viruses or other malware.

• Internet Filters: Remove/blocks unwanted items from being displayed (spam programs, web filters, phishing filters, pop-up blockers).

• Anti-Spam Programs: Prevents unsolicited messages (spam) sent to many recipients.

• Pop-up Blockers: Prevents unexpected ads from appearing.

• Disc burning: Writes text, graphics, audio, and video files onto a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc.

• Personal Computer Maintenance: Identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects disk problems, and improves computer performance.

Application Software

• Designed to improve user productivity or aid with personal tasks.

• Types:

  • Packaged Software: Mass-produced, meets the needs of many users.
  • Custom Software: Designed for specific business or industry needs.
  • Web Applications: Accessed and used via the internet from any computer or device.

• Also includes:

  • Open Source Software: Provided for use, modification, and redistribution with no restrictions.
  • Shareware: Free trial with payment required after the trial period.
  • Freeware: Provided free, with all rights retained by the developer.
  • Public-domain Software: No restriction on use, modification, or redistribution.

Application Software for Communications

• Web Browser: Enables accessing and viewing web pages.
• E-mail: Sending and receiving messages and files using networks like the internet.
• Instant Messaging: Real-time exchange of messages, audio, and/or video.
• Chat Rooms: Real-time online typed conversations.
• FTP: Uploading/downloading files between computers via a network like the internet.
• VoIP: Enables voice communication over the internet.
• Video Conferencing: Facilitates video and audio communication among geographically dispersed people.

Other Applications

• Travel and Mapping Software: Helps view maps, plan routes, and locate points of interest.
• Entertainment Software: Includes interactive games, videos etc.

Specialized Software

• Graphics and Multimedia Software: Includes types for computer-aided design (CAD), desktop publishing (DTP), paint/image editing, photo editing, video/audio editing, multimedia authoring, and web page authoring.
• Computer - Aided Design (CAD): Software used for creating drawings, plans, etc. for engineering, architectural, and scientific designs.
• Desktop Publishing (DTP): Creates high-quality color documents such as textbooks, newsletters, etc.
• Paint/ Image Editing Software: Programs to draw pictures, edit images, and enhancements to them.
• Professional Photo Editing Software: Allows for modifying existing pictures and images and enhances already-existing pictures.
• Video And Audio Editing Software: Allows for modification of clips, adding effects, and the reordering of clips.
• Multimedia Authoring Software: Combining text, graphics, audio, video, and animation into dynamic presentations.
• Web Page Authoring Software: Create, manage, and maintain websites for users of all technical levels.