System and Application Software

L_05_System Software

• System software manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs.
• Infrastructure software offers services and functions for both system and application software.
• Application software is designed for end-users to perform specific tasks.
• System software supports the execution of application software.
• Development software helps software developers create new software, including programming languages and debuggers.
• Utility software provides helpful services that improve computer efficiency and functionality.

Categories of Software

• System Software: Includes operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Infrastructure Software: Manages networks, storage, and virtual machines.
• Application Software: Includes text processing, graphic design, and database management systems.
• Development Software: includes programming languages, linkers, compilers and debuggers.
• Utility Software: Includes virus scanners and backup tools.
• Software is typically written in high-level languages like Python, Java, or C++.

Betriebssystem (OS)

• Acts as the central component of system software, managing computer hardware to ensure efficient software application operation.
• Prominent examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• OS includes all system programs, forming the basic infrastructure for application software execution, abstracting hardware properties.
• Consists of an operating system kernel and utility programs.
• Windows 10 was the leading OS with approximately 78% of the market share.
• macOS X 10.15 held second place at 9.9%.

Marktanteile

• In Germany, Microsoft's Windows led with about 77.8% market share in page views.
• Apple's macOS followed at 16.2%, and Linux-based systems held 2.94%.
• Android OS dominated the smartphone market at 81.2% in 2022.
• Apple's iOS had a 18.8% share.

Components and Features of Operating Systems

• Desktop operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux which cater to the needs of end-users
• Server operating systems optimize server hardware, providing network functions, data management, and application support, such as Windows Server and Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server.
• Real-time operating systems (RTOS) respond to external stimuli in real time, frequently used in embedded and safety-critical applications.
• Mobile operating systems focus on touch interaction, power efficiency and connectivity, such as Android and iOS.
• Manages: CPU, RAM, storage, and I/O devices
• Executes software: Loading software into memory and executing it, includes process management.
• Uses: Command-line (CLI) or graphical (GUI) interface for computer interaction.
• Controls: Access to resources and data via user accounts and file permissions.

Multitasking

• Modern operating systems can run multiple processes at once.

Security

• Includes firewalls and anti-virus to protect system integrity.

Drivers

• Software that allows the OS to work with specific hardware such as printers and graphic cards.

API

• Enable software developers to utilize functions.

Updates and Patches

• Updates are released to fix security vulnerabilities and improve functionality.

Open Source vs. Proprietary Systems

• Open source (e.g. Linux) allows code modification and distribution by anyone
• Proprietary systems like Windows restrict code access.

Virtualisierung

• Virtualization enables multiple OS instances on one physical computer.
• Softwares include VMware, Hyper-V and VirtualBox.

Benutzerinteraktion

• interaction tailored to intended audience.
• GUIs suit end customers but system admins prefer CLIs for automation.

Filesystems

• Used to organize and store data, e.g.
  • NTFS (Windows)
  • ext4 (Linux)
  • APFS (macOS)

Process Management

• Oversees creation, prioritization, and termination of tasks to ensure resources are allocated and conflicts avoided.

Interprocess Communication (IPC)

• Lets processes exchange data, e.g. through sockets, message queues, or shared memory.

Memory management

• Allocation of RAM to processes, virtual memory, and memory release.

Network Management

• Configuring network connections using tools and services.

Power Management

• Battery optimization and energy saving techniques

User Accounts

• Let’s user manage settings, data, and permissions, restricting data access.

Compatibility

• Needed to support old software or hardware.

Error Handling

-System uses mechanisms that notify user.

Plug & Play

• OS can automatically install hardward drivers

Scalability

• From small single user to server clusters.

Embedded Operating Systems

• Optimized for specific hardware and tasks like routers and cars.

Trends in Application Software

• Shift towards browser-based applications
• Counter-trend in mobile device development

Programming Languages for System Software

• C is historically dominant in OS and system software development.
• C++ is frequently used for system-level applications and driver development.
• Assembly is used where direct hardware manipulation is required.
• Rust Offers memory safety and is used tasks that are system focused.
• Go (Golang) is growing for system-level tasks, especially cloud applications.
• Ada is employed in safety- and mission-critical embedded and aerospace systems.
• Fortran remains in legacy and specialized apps.

Interaction between Hardware and Software

• Booting: BIOS or UEFI firmware initializes hardware.
• Operatings Systems (OS): OS manages hardware resources.
• Drivers: Specific programs that enables communcation with software
• Application: Requests and controls hardware to perform actions.
• Middleware/Runtime Enviroments: Support software.
• Interrupts: Hardware signal CPU for attention.
• Data Transmissions: Flow controlled by System.

Tasks to Explore

• Definitionen erläutern
• Diskussion über Programmiersprachen
• Funktionsweise von Betriebssystemen
• Softwaretypen verstehen
• Szenario-Fragen
• Open-Source vs. Proprietär
• Diskussionsfrage