program or set of instructions that tells the computer what to do

programs that are used to accomplish specific tasks for computer users

programs that control the basic operations of a computer system

EXAMPLES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARES

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARES

 software that contains instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer resources.
serves as the middleman between applications and hardware

 Every operating system has two main internal components: Shell relates to the user and to applications, provides an interface for user to access the services of a kernel Kernel core of an operating system, the central module of an OS, part of OS that load first

Each operating system is designed to support different types of hardware systems and user needs.

Disk Operating System (DOS) Windows Unix Linux Mac OS

 It is the first OS used for IBM and IBM compatible computers. It uses a command-line interface where the user has to enter specific commands.

 It is a popular OS used to manage networks, support multiple users, to handle a high volume of instruction and to support applications used on the Internet. It is an open source OS. Below is a screenshot of a sample UNIX command prompt.

 It is a scaled down version of Unix. It is mainly used for server applications. In its basic form, Linux is free and an open source so that users and developers can modify the code. Below is the Linux logo.

 It is available only for Apple Macintosh computers. Macintosh computers often referred to as Macs are used by people working with graphics applications.

 The Windows operating system is the operating system most widely used on todays personal computers. Each Windows version developed was designed to provide additional features for specific users including home or business users.

OS provides a user interface

Command-line interface Menu-driven interface

Graphical user interface

This interface requires the user to interact with the Computer by selecting various options from list Of choices called menu. Advantages of Menu driven interface User does need to memorize lots of command Easy-to-use program for beginners with minimal training requirements Disadvantages Certain operations cannot be visual Can be time consuming to find a command if unfamiliar with software The junction between the user and the computer program. An interface is a set of commands and menus through which a user communicates with a program

MENU DRIVEN INTERFACE

USER INTERFACE

A program interface that takes advantage of the computers graphics capabilities GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE To make the program easier to use.

OS manages files and folders OS manages applications: --installing and loading application software --handling multiple programs

Windows XP provides four ways to load software:

A. Using a Shortcut B. Using the Start Menu

C. Using the Command Prompt

D. Using the Windows Explorer

OS manages hardware An OS also is responsible for communicating with hardware. -- OS uses device drivers -- OS uses system BIOS to manage devices

 Boot process or booting is the process or restarting a computer and loading the operating system. Booting refers to either a cold booth or a warm boot.

Boot Process 1. Startup BIOS runs a process called the power-on self test and assigns system resources. 2. The ROM BIOS startup program searches for and loads an OS. 3. The OS configures the system and completes its own loading. 4. Application software is loaded and executed.