Software: System, Application, & Open Source

Software Categories

• Two main software categories include system and application software.

Operating System

• The operating system manages a computer's hardware resources.
• The operating system provides common services for computer programs.
• Communication between computer hardware and software applications is facilitated by the operating system.
• The operating system provides memory, process, and device management.
• File management and security are components of the functionality of the operating system.
• Windows, IOS, Linux, MacOS, Android, and ChromeOS are operating systems.

Utility Tool

• Utility programs are designed to make computing tasks easier and more efficient.
• Utility programs can handle disk cleanup, file compression, backup and recovery.
• System maintenance and security are functions of utility programs.

Open Source

• Open-source software has the source code available to the public.
• Public code can can be used, modified, and distributed.
• An example of open-source software is Linux.

Subscription

• Subscriptions involve paying recurring fees, monthly or annually.
• Subscriptions provide ongoing access to a product or service like media, software, and entertainment.

Platform (System Platform)

• A platform refers to the operating system and CPU processor a system uses.
• Windows on an Intel i7 is one example of a platform.

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)

• A real-time operating system handles and executes applications with real-time computing requirements.
• RTOS's focus on controlling hardware devices and processing sensor data.
• Automotive systems, aerospace, medical devices, retail point-of-sales, and consumer electronics use RTOS.

Networking Operating System (NOS)

• NOS is designed to support and manage computer networks.
• NOS is multiuser, enabling users to log in and access various devices within the same network.
• Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, and macOS Server are examples of network operating systems.

Types of Interfaces for an OS

• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Utilizes text-based commands, often used by advanced users and system administrators.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses graphical elements such as windows, icons, menus, and buttons.
• Touch-Based Interface: Employs gestures like tapping, swiping, and pinching on a screen or display.
• Voice-Based Interface: Uses voice commands for hands-free interaction.
• Web-Based Interface: Interacts with the OS through a web browser, often used for remote access and server management.

Virtual Memory

• Virtual memory is used when the main memory (RAM) is low.
• The OS temporarily transfers data from RAM to disk storage (SSD or HDD).

Device Driver

• A device driver allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices.
• Hardware devices can include printers, scanners, graphic cards, sound cards, and network cards.
• Without a device driver program, the hardware may not function.

Plug and Play (PnP)

• Plug and Play enables a computer system to detect and configure newly installed hardware.
• OS automatically installs the device driver when a device (printer, mouse, keyboard) is connected.

BIOS

• BIOS is firmware built into the computer’s motherboard stored in ROM.
• BIOS controls the basic input/output operations of the computer system.
• The firmware performs functions like checking hardware components during startup.

Hierarchical Structure of Files

• Drives: Storage devices, like SSDs, or logical partitions on a physical device. Example: Windows C:, macOS Macintosh HD.
• Folders (Directories): Organize files using multiple levels of subfolders, creating a tree-like structure.
• Root Folder: The main folder that contains all other folders and files; also called home folder or root directory.
• Files: Basic units of storage for containing data, information, or code and can include documents, pictures, audio files, video files, etc.
• System Libraries: Folders that contain system files and programs for both the operating system and applications.

File Path

• The file path is the location of a file and includes the drive, primary folder, and subfolders.
• C:\Users\siddiq\Documents\Courses\PCS112 S23\System Software Terms.pptx is an example of file path.

File Extension

• A file extension is a series of characters consist of a period (.) followed by a few letters at the end of a file name.
• The file extension indicates the type of file and the software that can be used to open it.
• "example.docx" is a Microsoft Word document.

File Compression

• File compression reduces the size of a file and encodes it more efficiently.
• Compressed files occupy less disk space and can be transferred more quickly over the internet than their uncompressed files.

Backup

• A backup is making copies of important files or entire systems for safekeeping and disaster recovery.
• Saving phone data (pictures, contacts, applications) on iCloud is an example of backup.

Accessibility Utilities

• Accessibility utilities are software applications designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to use computers and other digital devices.
• These utilities can help people with visual, auditory, or physical disabilities and those who have difficulty typing or using a mouse.