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• Technology in Action, 15th Edition, Chapter 4 covers System Software.
• Specifically the Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management.

Operating System Fundamentals

• An operating system manages the computer's hardware and coordinates tasks.
• It allows application software to work with the CPU.
• A user interface is how a user interacts with a computer, using elements like desktops, icons, and menus.
• Utility programs perform general "housekeeping" tasks.
• Multitasking is the ability to perform more than one process at a time.
• Common operating systems include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• Microsoft develops Windows, while Apple develops macOS and iOS.
• Google develops Android, and Linux is open-source.
• Windows is available on laptops, tablets, desktops, all-in-ones, and smartphones.
• macOS is available on laptops, desktops, and all-in-ones.
• iOS is available on tablets, iPhones, and iPod touches.
• Android is available on smartphones and tablets.
• Linux is available on laptops, desktops, and tablets.

Operating Systems for Personal Use

• The top three operating systems for personal computers consist of Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Mobile operating systems include Android, iOS, and Windows.
• Chrome OS is a web-based operating system.
• Linux is open source and utilized on personal computers and web servers, coming in various distributions called "distros".
• Platform describes the combination of operating system and processor.

Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, and Business

• A Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) manages machines that perform repetitive, specific tasks in precise timing.
• Multiuser operating systems are known as network OS, and allows multiple users access to the computer simultaneously, such as Unix.

The User Interface

• The OS coordinates and directs the flow of data and information, and enables the user to interact with the computer.
• Types of interfaces: Command-driven, Menu-driven, and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Hardware Coordination

• An event is when the operating system coordinates data flow and information.
• The interrupt handler is a special numerical code that prioritizes the requests.
• Preemptive multitasking is when the OS processes the task assigned a higher priority.
• The spooler is a program that helps prioritize print jobs.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) has limited capacity.
• Using drive space as virtual memory allows more memory than what is physically available.
• To avoid using virtual memory, increase RAM.
• A swap file is where data and instructions are stored when RAM is full.
• Paging is the process of swapping files.
• Thrashing occurs when excessive paging slows down the system.
• A device driver facilitates communication between the operating system and peripheral devices.
• Plug and Play (PnP) allows for automatic detection and configuration of newly connected devices.

Software Application Coordination

• The Application Programming Interface (API) are blocks of code the CPU recognizes, used for similar procedures.
• Microsoft Direct X is an example of API.

The Boot Process

• Step 1: Activating BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) manages data exchange between the OS and input/output devices and loads the OS into RAM.
• Step 2: Performing the Power-On Self-Test ensures that essential peripheral devices are attached and operational.
• Step 3: The OS system files are loaded into RAM and the kernel, an essential OS component, is then loaded.
• Step 4: Further configurations/customizations from the registry take place and are used by the OS and applications.

The Windows Interface

• The desktop serves as the primary working area.
• The Taskbar displays open and favorite applications for easy access.
• The Start Menu provides access to all applications and apps, and pinning allows choosing which applications are tiles on the Start menu.
• Virtual desktops all organizing groups of windows into different displays.
• macOS and Windows are not compatible with each other, but have similar functionality.
• Most Linux interfaces are based on familiar Windows and macOS paradigms

File Management

• Directories are the hierarchical structure of a computer's contents.
• They are drives, libraries, folders, subfolders, and files.
• The root directory is considered the top of the filing structure.
• A file contains a collection of program instructions or data, and is stored on a permanent storage device.
• File Explorer helps find, view, and manage the contents of the computer.
• File Explorer contains the file path and path separator.
• All files are named with a "file name" and file "extension".

Managing Files

• Open, copy, cut, rename, delete, and recycle are all options when managing files.
• The Recycle Bin is where deleted files are stored, and can be resorted or permanently deleted.
• File compression utilities makes large files more compact to be faster and easier to send.
• The File Explorer contains a built-in file compression setting.

Utility Programs

• System performance utilities help maintain system performance such as disk cleanup, task manager, and disk defragmenter.
• Incorporated into the operating system is a firewall and file-compression utilities.
• File and System Backup Utilities consist of file history and system restore.
• Standalone utility programs include antivirus and security programs, and freeware (free licenses).
• Accessibility Utilities are designed for users with special needs, typically relating to vision.