System Software PDF

Computer software and its types Software Software is also called Program. “A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a problem is called Software.” “Software is a single/collection of programs that performs a particular task.” Different software's are used to solve...

Computer software and its types Software Software is also called Program. “A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a problem is called Software.” “Software is a single/collection of programs that performs a particular task.” Different software's are used to solve different problems. Types Of Software There are two types of software on the basis of their functionality: 1. System Software 2. Application Software Application Software Application Software includes programs that do real work for user. Application Software is created to perform specific tasks for a user. It is also known as application package. Application software is used to perform various applications on the computer. Examples Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Photoshop etc Custom software and Package software Custom software is software that is specially developed for some specific organization or other user. Packaged Software is a Software that is ready-made and available for sale, lease , or license to the general public. System Software System Software is set of programs to control and manage the operations of a computer hardware. It enables application programs to execute properly. It consists of the basic operations as follows: Saving data on disk Making computer to work for us Printing a document etc. Examples Examples of System Software's are: Operating Systems Utility Programs Device Drivers Operating System (OS) An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system. Software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and controlling peripherals. Application programs usually require an operating system to function. The functions of Operating System 1. Process Management Process Management support operating system to create and delete processes. Process management also offers a mechanism for synchronization and communication among processes. An operating system performs the following activities for process management The operating system maintains the track of the processor and the status of a process. The software which performs this task is referred to as a traffic controller. It assigns the processor to the process. It also performs the task of the de-allocated processor, if a process is no longer needed for the processor. 2. Memory Management Memory Management is used to manage Primary memory as well as secondary memory. The memory management module performs the allocation job and de- allocation of memory to the program. The operating system performs various activities for memory management are: It keeps track of memory means which part of the memory is in use, and what part of the memory is not in use. Operating system helps to allocate the memory at the time when the process request for memory. If process no longer needs memory, then de-allocates the memory. In multiprogramming, the task of memory allocation to the processes is done with the help of Operating System. 3. File Management For fast or simple navigation and easy usage file system is organized into directories. These directories consist of directories and other files. It helps to handle all the file-related tasks like organization storage, retrieval, sharing, naming and files protection. It preserves track of information, location, status, user, etc. 4. Device Management Operating System performs the task of allocations and de- allocations of the devices. It helps to keeps the track of all the devices. With the help of Operating system, device communication via their respective drivers is performed. It manages the device in an effective manner. 5. Secondary Storage Management Operating System is responsible for secondary storage management. The System has various levels of storage that consist of primary storage, secondary storage, and cache storage. The set of instruction and data are stored in primary memory or cache memory so that the program which is running can reference it. 6. Security The Operating system is responsible for security means the operating system prevents the data and information from unauthorized access and threats. 7. Coordination between other software & user The operating system also performs the task of coordination between other software and users. OS directs as well as allocates assemblers, interpreters, compilers, and other software to different computer system users. 8. Networking A distributed system means a bunch of processors which do not share memory hardware devices and clock. With the help of the network, the processor communicates with each other. 9. Job accounting Operating system performs the function of job accounting by keeping the track of time and resource used by several jobs and users. 10. Error detecting aids The operating system also performs the task of error detection. It continuously monitors the system to find or detect errors and prevents the system from the error. Utility program Utility program is a system software that allows a user to analyse, configure and maintain the computer. It performs a specific task related to the management of computer. Device Driver A Device Driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer, like printers.