Software Programs & Operating Systems PDF

# What is a Software Program? - Called software as they only function when loaded into computer's RAM memory and must be permanently stored on hard disk - Created using programming languages that contain commands to perform specific tasks # What is a Software Program? - Commands can be available...

# What is a Software Program? - Called software as they only function when loaded into computer's RAM memory and must be permanently stored on hard disk - Created using programming languages that contain commands to perform specific tasks # What is a Software Program? - Commands can be available in menu, toolbar button, shortcut keystroke, shortcut menu, or combination - Based on set of rules called algorithms created in software program - Algorithms set guidelines for how data is input into software program, and format for output - Software program used determines whether output is text, numbers, sound, video, etc. # Looking at Operating Systems - Operating system or environment is a collection of programs designed to control computer’s interaction and communication with user - Essentially performs two important functions - Manages input devices, output devices, and storage devices - Manages files stored on the computer and recognizes file types - Every computer requires operating system to function # Examples of operating systems include: - DOS - Windows - Unix - Linux - Apple Operating System (Macintosh) - With the exception of Unix, all other computers use a graphical operating system - Graphical user interface (GUI) allows person to use mouse and devices to point and select desired functions rather than commands - CLI - command line interface # 1. DOS - Original operating system for PC stands for Disk Operating System - Today, it is rare to find computers still using DOS as operating system due to display type # 2. Windows - Operating system for PCs - Allows WYSIWYG("what you see is what you get") screen display - Each version provides better graphics display and better file and disk management ## 2.A Windows 8 - Advanced graphics display as well as enhanced file and disk management tools ## 2.B Windows 10 - July 29, 2015- release to consumers - Windows 10-an ‘operating system as a service’ receives ongoing updates to its features and functionality # 3. Macintosh Operating System - Designed for Apple Macintosh computers - Provides graphics interface - One of the original graphical user interface systems and set standard for true WYSIWYG programs # 4. Unix - Created in early 1970s by programmers for programmers - Designed with flexibility in mind and used one of the more popular programming languages readily available on most computers - Main drawback is it is based on one-line commands controlling the functions versus a graphical user interface display - Very popular with universities and scientific or research organizations # 5. Linux - Based on Unix and provides more of a graphical user interface than Unix - Readily available and very popular for high-end servers and entrepreneurial software developers # 6. Handheld Operating Systems - Designed to work with PDA - Operating system will depend on PDA type