Chapter 3

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this handout, the students should be able to:

1. Define and explain the concept of computer software.

2. Differentiate between system software and application software.
3. Explore the evolution of operating system.
4. Classify and distinguish between major types of operating system.
5. Differentiate and categorize operating system into four main types.

Overview:

The software is the one that drives the hardware (the computer) to do amazing things.
Without it, a computer but just a box, nothing but a lifeless box. Software truly brings the
computer to life. Basically, the software enables a computer to perform a specialized task. In
other words, the software contains a set of instructions for a computer to follow willingly,
like a servant following his or her master’s command. Generally, the software is categorized
into two. The first one is system software, while the other is application software.

Discussion:

SYSTEM SOFTWARE CATEGORY

 The Operating System

The Operating System is a collection of programs that perform a variety of tasks or

functions. The tasks performed by the operating system (OS) involve communicating with
the disk drives, printers, hard disks, CD-ROMs, monitor, modem and other peripheral
devices. The operating system performs also memory management task such as keeping
track of how the memory of the computer is being used so that no job would conflict with
another job performed at the other parts of the memory.

Moreover, the operating system performs data management. It provides a level of system
security that protects a certain type of data or information. It acts like a clerk locating
and accessing files and programs which are requested by the user.

HISTORY OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

  First Generation (1940's to early 1950's): When electronic computers were first
introduced in the 1940's, they were created without any operating systems. All
programming was done in absolute machine language, often by wiring up plugboards
to control the machine's basic functions. During this generation, computers were
generally used to solve simple math calculations, operating systems were not
necessarily needed.
 Second Generation (1955-1965): The first operating system was introduced in the
early 1950s, it was called GMOS and was created by General Motors for IBM's
machine the 701. Operating systems in the 1950s were called single-stream batch
processing systems because the data was submitted in groups. These new machines
were called mainframes, and they were used by professional operators in large
computer rooms. Since there was such a high price tag on these machines, only
government agencies or large corporations were able to afford them.
 Third Generation (1965-1980): By the late 1960s operating systems designers were
able to develop the system of multiprogramming in which a computer program will be
able to perform multiple jobs at the same time. The introduction of multiprogramming
was a major part in the development of operating systems because it allowed a CPU to
be busy nearly 100 percent of the time that it was in operation. Another major
development during the third generation was the phenomenal growth of
minicomputers, starting with the DEC PDP-1 in 1961. The PDP-1 had only 4K of 18-bit
words, but at $120,000 per machine (less than 5 percent of the price of a 7094), it sold
like hotcakes. These microcomputers help create a whole new industry and the
development of more PDP's. These PDP's helped lead to the creation of personal
computers which are created in the fourth generation.
 Fourth Generation (1980-Present Day): The fourth generation of operating systems
saw the creation of personal computing. Although these computers were very similar
to the minicomputers developed in the third generation, personal computers cost a
very small fraction of what minicomputers cost. A personal computer was so
affordable that it made it possible for a single individual could be able to own one for
personal use while minicomputers where still at such a high price that only
corporations could afford to have them. One of the major factors in the creation of
personal computing was the birth of Microsoft and the Windows operating system.
Today, all of our electronic devices run off of operating systems, from our computers
and smartphones to ATM machines and motor vehicles. And as technology advances,
so do operating systems.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

 GUI (Graphical User Interface) - An operating system which is usually navigated by a

mouse which contains graphics and icons. GUI Operating Systems are much easier for
end-users to learn and use because commands do not need to be known or memorized.
GUI operating systems are the dominant operating system for end-users today.
Example: Windows 10
 Multi-User - An operating system that allows for one computer to be used by multiple
users at once or at different times. Example: Linux
 Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing more than
one computer processor. Example: Windows 2000
 Multitasking - An operating system that can have multiple software processes to run
simultaneously. Example: Unix
 Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software program to
run concurrently. Example: Unix, Linux, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2008,
Windows Server 2019.
 Real-Time - An operating system that instantly responds to input from the user.
Example: Abassi, AMOS, DNIX, FlexOS, RSX-11, Windows CE, Simba
Mobile Operating System

As technology has advanced, so have an operating system, smartphones that many

people use today have what you would call a mobile operating system. These operating
systems are specially designed to run on smartphones, PDA's, tablets and other handheld
devices. The operating system ystem is responsible for determining the functions and
features available on your devices, such as a thumbwheel, keyboards, WAP, synchronization
with applications, email, text messaging and more. A mobile operating system also
determines what applications you are able to run on your handheld device. Some of the most
popular mobile operating systems are the Android OS by Google, the iPhone OS by Apple,
Symbian by Nokia and the Blackberry OS by Research in Motion.

EXAMPLES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

 The DOS (Disk Operating System)

In the 1980s and early 1990s, DOS (Disk Operating System) emerged as the
dominant operating system for personal computers. It featured a character-based user
interface, requiring users to type commands for tasks, in contrast to the graphical
user interface of modern systems like Windows. DOS had two primary versions, IBM
PC-DOS, and Microsoft MS-DOS. Despite its widespread use, DOS faced limitations
such as supporting a restricted amount of RAM, lacking built-in networking support,
and compatibility only with 16-bit programs. Its era marked a significant phase in the
evolution of operating systems, eventually giving way to more user-friendly interfaces.
 Microsoft Windows Operating System
In the early 1990s, Microsoft released Windows 3.0, 3.1 and 3.11 that required
MS-DOS to be installed first completely. It runs on top of DOS to provide GUI
(Graphical User Interface) and additional capabilities.
In August 1995, the Microsoft released their Windows 95. A total enhancement
of the Windows 3.1 and 3.11 which were used by a few computer users in the early
1990s who wanted to a Graphical User Interface (GUI) type of operating system.

Windows 98 is considered just an update to Windows 95. One noticeable change

in Windows 98 is the inclusion of the Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) Web browser
and the Active Desktop that lets the user browse the Internet and local drive of the PC
or Laptop in a similar manner.
 The Windows Me (Millennium Edition) offers more enhancements such as
digital video editing, improved multi-media support and capabilities, and enhanced
Internet features.

The Windows 2000 Professional combines the user-friendly interface of

Windows 98 and the networking power of Windows NT. Its main feature is support for
symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) with up to two microprocessors (CPUs).

The Windows NT (New Technology) was released in 1993 before Windows 95.
It was originally designed as the successor of DO, but it turned out to be repositioned
as a high-end operating system for the powerful workstation (Windows NT
Workstation) and network servers (Windows NT Server) used heavily in business
operations.
 With the release of Windows XP in October 2001, the PC desktop has more
three-dimensional (3D) look, with more shading and rounded corners, and offers
brighter color choices. It supports 64-bit CPU. With its digital media support, the user
can take advantage of video and audio rendering for multimedia projects and digital
broadcast support.

Windows Vista
The Microsoft Windows Vista is a computer operating system. The World Wide
Web is easily accessible from anywhere in Windows Vista. By using Windows Vista, we
can access the Support Online Web site for answers to our common questions. It has
tools that can help us to regularly test our hard disk and check system files.

Windows 7
Windows 7 is a personal computer operating system that was produced by
Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was released to
manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and became generally available on October 22, 2009,
less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista.
 Windows 8
Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, with general
availability on October 26, 2012. It introduced major changes to the operating
system's platform and user interface to improve its user experience on tablets, where
Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and
iOS.

Windows 10
Windows 10 is the successor to Windows 8.1 and was released to manufacturing
on July 15, 2015, and broadly released for retail sale on July 29, 2015. Windows 10
receives new builds on an ongoing basis, which are available at no additional cost to
users. One of Windows 10'smost notable features is support for universal apps, an
expansion of Metro style apps first introduced in Windows 8.

 LINUX
 The Linux is a multi-tasking operating system that supports multiple users and
multiple processors. Linux can run on nearly any type of computers, and supports
almost any type of software applications. The most popular Linux operating system
distributions are from Red Hat Linux and Novell Linux. Most of the Linux distributions
are free.

 UNIX
The UNIX operating system has been popular for high powered workstations that
are used in engineering and scientific applications powered It is also heavily used in
mission-critical applications such as web servers that are used for online transactions,
maintaining Internet domain names, large database servers of banks, manufacturing
companies, and pharmaceutical firms.

 Mac OS
The new Apple Macintosh operating system, popularly known as Mac OS X, is
based on the UNIX operating system code (the BSD (Berkley System Distribution)
UNIX). The Mac OS is heavily favored by graphics artists, multi-media developers, and
media publishers. This is due to its highly powerful graphics features and capabilities.
Graphics artists who created cartoon movies and TV cartoon series, TV, magazine, and
newspaper advertisements, are using iMac computers as their tool for their creative
works.

 Palm Pilot OS and Microsoft Windows CE (Embedded Operating System)

There is another kind of operating system that is not popular to us, but we usually
used them already through some of our electronic gadgets. This kind of operating
system is directly built into the circuitry of an electronic device such as in our PDA's
(Personal Digital Assistant), cell phones, medical equipment, bar-code scanners, and
electronic devices found in automobiles The widely used embedded operating systems
are the following:
 Microsoft Windows [Link] and Windows XP Embedded
 Palm Pilot OS
 Microsoft Pocket PC OS
 Symbian OS
  Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
The Internet devices called routers and switches use an operating system that is
specifically designed for them to operate and work. Most of the popular router and
switch are designed and developed by Cisco Systems the world leader in Internet
device design and manufacturing. It is called the Cisco IOS. The router needs the
Cisco IOS to run configuration files that contain instructions and parameters that
control the traffic in and out of the Cisco router or switch. The configuration files
specify all the information for the correct setup of selected routing protocols on the
router to communicate with other routers, successfully. By using routing protocols, the
router can decide effectively how to send the packet that contains data or information
to the best path to reach its destination in a fast and efficient way.

THE FOUR CATEGORIES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

 1. Workstation Operating System which is used primarily by computers that are not
connected to the networks. It is the type of operating system that we used at home or
installed on our laptops. The Microsoft Windows, Linux, and UNIX have their own
individual version for this workstation operating system. The most popular are from
Microsoft which are called the Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP
Professional and Windows Vista. The Windows XP Professional operating system is
used primarily in the computers found in the company that is connected to the Local
Area Network, Intranet, Internet or Extranet. It is specifically designed for a computer
(workstation) that connects to the server in the network that needs system security
settings.
2. Network Operating System (NOS) is specifically designed for network servers.
Network servers act as the main computers used in the company. The most famous
server operating systems are still from Microsoft. They are the Windows Server
2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012,
Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019. The
Linux and UNIX operating systems are usually used as a server operating system in
the company.
Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of the server operating system by
Microsoft, as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems.
3. Embedded Operating System is the one used for PDAs, cell phones, bar-code
readers, and electronic devices found in automobiles. The most popular embedded
system are Windows CE NET, Windows Pocket PC, Palm OS, and Symbian OS.
4. Internetwork Operating System (IOS) which specific application is in the Internet
devices called routers and switches. Because of the IOS that powers up the router and
switch, the computer connected to the Internet can communicate with each other,
regardless of distance or time. The router and switch made this possible.

Learning Exercise:
Multiple Choice.
1. Which generation of operating systems marked the introduction of the first operating
system, GMOS, for IBM's 701 machine?
A) First Generation B) Second Generation
C) Third Generation D) Fourth Generation
Correct Answer: B) Second Generation
2. During which generation of operating systems did multiprogramming emerge,
allowing computers to perform multiple tasks simultaneously?
A) First Generation B) Second Generation
C) Third Generation D) Fourth Generation
Correct Answer: C) Third Generation
3. Which type of operating system allows multiple users to access a computer
simultaneously or at different times?
A) Multiprocessing B) Multitasking
C) Multi-User D) Multithreading
Correct Answer: C) Multi-User
4. An operating system that supports and utilizes more than one computer processor is
known as:
A) Multithreading B) Multi-User
C) Multiprocessing D) Real-Time
Correct Answer: C) Multiprocessing
5. What type of operating system is characterized by navigation through graphics and
icons, making it easier for end-users to learn and use?
A) Multi-User B) Multiprocessing
C) Multitasking D) GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Correct Answer: D) GUI (Graphical User Interface)
6. Which operating system, dominant in the 1980s and early 1990s, featured a character-
based user interface where users had to type commands for tasks?
A) Microsoft Windows B) Windows 95
C) DOS (Disk Operating System) D) Windows 98
Correct Answer: C) DOS (Disk Operating System)
7. Which category of operating system is specifically designed for network servers,
acting as the main computers used in a company?
A) Workstation Operating System B) Network Operating System (NOS)
C) Embedded Operating System D) Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
Correct Answer: B) Network Operating System (NOS)
8. Which type of operating system is commonly used for PDAs, cell phones, bar-code
readers, and electronic devices in automobiles?
A) Workstation Operating System B) Network Operating System (NOS)
C) Embedded Operating System D) Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
Correct Answer: C) Embedded Operating System
 9. Which Windows operating system introduced significant changes to its platform and
user interface to enhance tablet user experience, competing with mobile operating
systems like Android and iOS?
A) Windows Vista B) Windows NT
C) Windows 8 D) Windows Me (Millennium Edition)
Answer: C) Windows 8
[Link] Windows operating system introduced a more three-dimensional (3D) look to
the PC desktop, supporting 64-bit CPUs, and enhancing digital media support?
A) Windows Vista B) Windows XP
C) Windows 7 D) Windows 10
Answer: B) Windows XP
[Link] Windows operating system, released on July 22, 2009, less than three years
after its predecessor, is part of the Windows NT family?
A) Windows Vista B) Windows 2000 Professional
C) Windows 7 D) Windows 8
Answer: C) Windows 7
[Link] which Windows operating system is the World Wide Web easily accessible from
anywhere, with tools for regular hard disk testing and system file checks?
A) Windows Vista B) Windows XP
C) Windows NT D) Windows 8
Answer: A) Windows Vista
[Link] operating system is specifically designed for routers and switches, serving as
the Internet devices' operating system, and is widely used in devices manufactured by
Cisco Systems?
A) Linux B) UNIX
C) Mac OS D) Cisco Internetwork Operating System
(IOS)
Answer: D) Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
[Link] operating system, favored by graphics artists, multimedia developers, and
media publishers, is based on the UNIX operating system code (BSD UNIX) and is the
operating system for Apple Macintosh computers?
A) Linux B) UNIX
C) Mac OS D) Palm Pilot OS
Answer: C) Mac OS
[Link] Windows operating system was designed as an update to Windows 95,
introduced the Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) Web browser?
A) Windows Me (Millennium Edition) B) Windows 2000 Professional
C) Windows NT (New Technology) D) Windows XP
Answer: A) Windows Me (Millennium Edition)
References:
Introduction to Information Technology & Computer Fundamentals (second edition) Book

Prepared By:
Ador, Juvie Ann G.
BSES 2C