Operating Systems and Utility Programs

• System Software and Application Software are the two main categories of software.
• Operating systems are the most important type of system software.

Operating System (OS)

• Manages a computer's hardware resources.
• Provides common services for computer programs.
• Allows communication between computer hardware and software applications.
• Offers services like memory management, process management, device management, file management, and security.
• Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Google Chrome OS.

Utility Program

• A type of software that performs specific tasks to help manage, maintain, and optimize a computer system.
• Aims to make common computing tasks easier and more efficient.
• Used for disk cleanup, file compression, backup and recovery, system maintenance, and security.
• Helps diagnose and fix system problems.
• Can enhance system performance by optimizing system settings and resources.

Open Source

• Software with source code available to the public for use, modification, and distribution under a license.
• Allows anyone to access, use, modify, and share the source code.

Subscription

• A service where a user pays a recurring fee for ongoing access to a product or service.
• Examples include media, software, and entertainment.

Platform

• Refers to the Operating System and CPU (Processor) in a system.
• Impacts the compatibility of applications, software performance, and overall user experience.

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)

• An operating system designed to handle and execute applications requiring real-time computing.
• Involves controlling hardware devices and processing sensor data.
• Must respond to inputs and events within a specified time frame (deadline) to ensure correct system operation.
• Used in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, point-of-sale systems, and consumer electronics.

Networking Operating System (NOS)

• An operating system designed to support and manage computer networks.
• Multiuser, allowing users to log in and use different devices on the same network with one username.
• Examples include Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, and macOS Server.

Operating System (OS) Interfaces

• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Allows users to interact with the OS by entering text-based commands.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A visual interface that allows users to interact with the OS using graphical elements like windows, icons, menus, and buttons.
• Touch-Based Interface: Allows users to interact with the OS using gestures like tapping, swiping, and pinching; commonly used on smartphones and tablets.
• Voice-Based Interface: Allows users to interact with the OS using voice commands; popular in smart home devices and virtual assistants.
• Web-Based Interface: Allows users to interact with the OS using a web browser; often used for remote access and management of servers and networks.

Virtual Memory

• A computer system technique used by an OS that enables a computer to use more memory than physically available.
• Temporarily transfers data from RAM to disk storage (SSD or HDD).
• Used when memory is running low due to many applications running.

Device Driver

• A software program that allows the operating system to communicate with a hardware device.
• Enables the operating system to interact with hardware components like printers, scanners, graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards.
• Hardware may not work properly or at all without the correct driver.

Plug and Play (PnP)

• A technology that enables a computer system to detect and automatically configure newly installed hardware devices without requiring manual intervention.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

• Firmware built into the computer's motherboard stored in ROM.
• Responsible for controlling the basic input/output operations of the computer system.
• Performs critical functions during the startup process, checking hardware components and verifying their operation.

Hierarchical Structure

• Drives: Storage devices used to store and retrieve data.
• System Libraries: Collections of pre-written code modules used by the operating system for common tasks, like specialized folders (directories).
• Folders (or Directories): Used to organize files and other folders in a hierarchical manner.
• Root Folder: The main or top-level folder containing all other folders and files.
• Files: Basic units of storage containing data, information, or code.

File Extension

• A series of characters at the end of a file name that indicates the file type and the software to open it.

File Compression Utility

• Software used to compress (make smaller) and decompress (make larger) files.
• Reduces file size to make them easier to store, transmit, and share.

Backup Utilities

• Software applications that enable users to make copies of important files or entire systems for safekeeping and disaster recovery.

Accessibility Utilities

• Software applications designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to use computers and other digital devices.