System Software Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which feature allows users to control operations with finger movements?

Gesture control (correct)

Help

Icons

Dialog boxes

What is the main role of a network operating system?

To store applications locally on individual computers

To provide online assistance for individual applications

To manage hardware components within a single device

To coordinate communication between linked computers (correct)

Which of the following is an example of an embedded operating system?

Android (correct)

Windows Server

Unix

Linux

What do menus in system software typically provide?

A list of options or commands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes dialog boxes in system software?

They provide information or request input Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared between system and application software?

Embedded capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of embedded operating systems?

They are entirely stored within a device Signup and view all the answers

What function do tabs serve in system software?

Dividing menus into major activity areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of storage management programs?

To mitigate issues of storage space by managing files. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of backup programs?

They create copies of files to prevent loss or damage. Signup and view all the answers

Antivirus programs are primarily designed to:

Protect against viruses and malware. Signup and view all the answers

What role do troubleshooting or diagnostic programs serve?

They recognize and fix potential system problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about virtual assistants is correct?

They facilitate intuitive interaction with devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of antivirus programs?

Managing storage space on a device. Signup and view all the answers

How often should backup programs be run to prevent data loss?

Periodically and frequently. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using storage management programs?

They help clear space by identifying unused files. Signup and view all the answers

What is a guest operating system?

The operating system for each virtual machine Signup and view all the answers

Which software is known for allowing users to run Windows programs on macOS?

Parallels Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines mobile operating systems?

They are specialized for wireless communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mobile operating system mentioned?

Windows Phone Signup and view all the answers

In terms of utility programs, what is a common function these programs provide?

Performing maintenance-type tasks related to system management Signup and view all the answers

Which mobile operating system is based on the macOS?

iOS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programs is an example of virtualization software?

VirtualBox Signup and view all the answers

What are search programs primarily used for in utility applications?

Finding and examining files across the system Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of system software related to disk management?

It identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a feature of software suites?

Increasing the number of available device drivers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of device drivers within the system software?

To facilitate communication between devices and the computer. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Security Center contribute to system maintenance?

It monitors the computer continuously. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about system software is true?

It requires specific drivers for each connected device. Signup and view all the answers

What function does VirusScan serve in system software?

It controls the frequency of virus scanning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of software suites?

They can improve performance through integrated features. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of PersonalFirewall in system software?

Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an uninstaller?

To remove a program and its associated entries from system files Signup and view all the answers

What does the File History utility do?

It makes copies of files to prevent data loss during disk failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is performed by a utility that identifies and eliminates nonessential files?

Frees up space by deleting temporary and unused files Signup and view all the answers

How does defragmentation benefit a computer?

By reorganizing files for quicker access, improving program performance Signup and view all the answers

What is an image viewer primarily used for?

To display, copy, and print graphics without editing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a stand-alone operating system?

Manage a single desktop or laptop computer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following operating systems is known for being open source?

LINUX Signup and view all the answers

Which type of files does the utility program mentioned help to eliminate?

Temporary Internet and downloaded files Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of disk fragmentation?

Slower disk access and reduced overall performance Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of the Windows operating system?

It has the largest variety of compatible application programs Signup and view all the answers

Which tool would be best suited for someone looking to recover from a disk failure?

File History Signup and view all the answers

Which Windows feature allows users to customize their desktop experience?

Easy setup and personalization Signup and view all the answers

Which feature allows users to find information quickly in Windows 11?

Universal search Signup and view all the answers

What was the release date of Windows 11?

October 5, 2021 Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system is known for being powerful and user-friendly?

Mac OS Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of application programs designed for an operating system?

They are optimized for a particular platform Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

System Software

System software works with users, application software, and computer hardware for technical details
System software includes operating systems, utilities, device drivers, and language translators

Competencies

Describe the difference between system software and application software
Identify the four types of system software
Explain operating systems: functions, features, and categories
Describe Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, and virtualization
Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites
Discuss mobile operating systems including iOS and Android
Identify the five most essential utilities

Introduction

Computers are helpful and expected to be present when needed
System software is the background processes and programs that keep computers functioning efficiently (e.g., operating systems, utility programs, device drivers)

Operating Systems

A collection of programs that manage computer resources and provide an interface between the user and the computer, running applications
Provides user interfaces and runs applications
Examples: Windows, Mac OS
Also referred to as the software environment or platform

Functions of an Operating System

Manages Computer Resources:
- Starts up and restarts the computer, loading instructions into memory (RAM)
- Coordinates memory usage: allocates and assigns data and instructions to memory, monitors memory contents
- Schedules tasks: determines the order of task processing (e.g., input, processing, output, storage transfers)
- Monitors system performance: tracks resource use and identifies potential problems (e.g., low memory)
- Provides security: records successful and unsuccessful login attempts, encrypts sensitive data
Provides User Interface:
- Controls how data and instructions are entered and displayed
- Two types: graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI)
Runs Applications:
- Loads and runs applications like Microsoft Word and Excel
- Supports multitasking: runs multiple applications simultaneously
- Distinguishes between running applications and background applications: Foreground applications are current tasks; background applications operate in the background
Booting: Cold boot (starting a powered-off computer) and warm boot (restarting a powered-on computer)

Features of an Operating System

Provides a user interface (GUI) via a desktop to access computer resources
Includes icons, pointers, Windows, menus, tabs, dialog boxes, help, and gesture control

Categories of Operating Systems

Embedded:
- Real-time operating systems embedded in devices
- Control smartwatches, smartphones, video game systems, and other small electronic devices
- Examples: Android, iOS, Apple Watch
Network:
- Operating system on a network server that coordinates and controls communication among linked computers
- Typically connect different types of computers and larger networks
- Examples: Windows Server, Linux, Unix
Stand-alone:
- Control a single desktop or laptop computer
- Reside on the computer's hard disk
- Examples: Mac OS, Windows

Desktop Operating Systems

Each computer has an operating system controlling its functions, often called the software environment or platform
Almost all application programs run on a specific platform
Commonly used desktop operating systems include Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux

Windows

Most popular microcomputer operating system
Large market share leads to many developed application programs
Available in many versions and designed to operate with various microprocessors
Windows 11 offers improvements over previous versions and was released on October 5th, 2021
Windows 11 features include:
- Easier to use (universal search, accessibility features, personalization)
- Easier to be productive (desktop groups, PC and phone syncing)
- Easier to stay safe (performance and security, Microsoft Edge security features)

Mac OS

Runs on Apple computers, less popular than Windows
Commonly used by graphic designers and desktop publishers, known for macOS X
Recent versions such as macOS Mojave and High Sierra include features like Dark Mode, improved data storage, video compression, and virtual reality support.

UNIX

Designed in the late 1960s for minicomputers in networking environments
Widely used with web servers, mainframe computers, and microcomputers
Many versions of UNIX exist

LINUX

An open-source operating system extending the UNIX version
Available for free download or may be bundled with other software
A popular alternative to Windows OS, used by inexpensive notebooks with cloud computing
Efficiency is dependent on the speed of the internet connection

Virtualization

Enables a single computer to support multiple operating systems running independently
Virtualization software creates and runs virtual machines
Allows users to run different operating systems (e.g., Windows in macOS) on one device
Allows multiple operating systems in one machine (host and guest operating systems)

Mobile Operating Systems

Embedded OS found in mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, wearable computers)
Mobile operating systems are typically less complex and more adaptable to wireless communication
Popular examples:
- iOS: Created by Apple, used for Apple devices like iPad and iPhone.
- Android: Developed by Google, used for Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, and Lenovo devices.

Utilities

Programs for maintenance tasks related to managing computers, devices, and programs
Essential utilities:
- Search: Quick way to find files, applications, or data
- Storage Management: Helps with running out of storage by identifying and deleting unused files or archiving them elsewhere
- Backup: Creates copies of files
- Antivirus: Guards against viruses
- Troubleshooting/Diagnostic: Recognizes and corrects potential problems
- Virtual Assistants: Accepts commands via text or voice and coordinate data across applications (e.g., Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant)
- Uninstaller: Removes programs and associated entries
- Image Viewer: Displays, copies, or prints graphics
File History: Makes copies of files and folders to protect against data loss from hard disk failure

Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter

Disk Cleanup: Identifies and eliminates unnecessary files (temporary internet files, downloaded program files, etc.) to improve system performance by freeing space
Disk Defragmenter: Reorganizes files and unused disk space to speed up disk access and improve overall computer performance by storing files on contiguous sectors of the drive

Utility Suites

Combine several programs into one package saving money and resources
May incorporate various protection tools and performance upgrades

Device Drivers

Allow communication between a device and the computer
Each device has a set of commands that must be interpreted by the computer
Are loaded when the computer starts and must be installed with the addition of a new device
A device driver must be specifically created for a device; the driver must be loaded into a computer each time the computer starts.

Making IT Work For You: Virus Protection

Security Center continually monitors the computer
VirusScan controls the frequency of virus searches
Quarantines or removes infected files
Monitors inbound and outbound network traffic
SiteAdvisor protects privacy online

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of system software, highlighting its role in managing computer resources and interfacing with users and application software. You will explore various types of system software, including operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux, as well as utilities and mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android.