Computing Essentials 2013 Tim and Linda O’Leary

Computing Essentials 2013 Making IT Work for

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Chapter 5
System Software
Lecture Guide
• Competencies
o Describe the differences between system software and application software.
o Discuss the four types of system software.
o Discuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems.
o Describe Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, and virtualization.
o Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
o Discuss mobile operating systems including Symbian, BlackBerry OS, iOS,
Android, Windows Phone 7, and WebOS.
o Identify the five most essential utilities.
o Discuss Windows utility programs.
o Describe device drivers, including Windows’ Add a Device Wizard and Update.
Chapter Outline
• System Software
o System software works with end users, application software, and computer
hardware to handle the majority of technical details.
o It is a collection or a system of programs that handle hundreds of technical details
with little or no user intervention.
o There are four types of programs that make up system software:

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Computing Essentials 2013 Tim and Linda O’Leary

▪ Operating systems - coordinate computer resources, provide an interface

between users and the computer, and run applications.
▪ Utilities - perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
▪ Device drivers - specialized programs that allow particular input or output
devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
▪ Language translators - convert the programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers understand and process.
• Operating Systems
o An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical
details related to using a computer.
o Without an operating system the computer would be useless.
o Functions can be classified into three groups:
▪ Managing resources – coordinate all the computer’s resources including
memory, processing, storage, and devices such as printers and monitors.
▪ Provide user interface – how the user interacts with the computer.
Almost all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI).
▪ Running applications - load and run applications such as word processors
and spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the
ability to switch between different applications stored in memory.
o Features
▪ Booting – the process of starting up or restarting the operating system.
• Warm boot – occurs when the computer is already on, and you
restart it without turning off the power.
• Cold boot – is starting the computer when it is turned off.
▪ Desktop – a place which provides access to computer resources.
▪ Icons - graphic representations for a program or function.
▪ Pointer - controlled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its
current function.
▪ Windows - rectangular areas for displaying information and running
programs.
▪ Menus - provide a list of options or commands.
▪ Tab – divide menus into major activity areas.
▪ Dialog boxes - provide information or request input.
▪ Help - provides online assistance for operating system functions and
procedures.
▪ File management system:
• Files are used to store data and programs.
• Folders store related files. They can contain other folders for
organizational purposes.
o Categories
▪ There are hundreds of different operating systems, but only three basic
categories:
• Embedded operating systems are used for handheld devices such
as smartphones, cable and satellite television tuner boxes, video
game systems, and other small electronics. The operating system
programs are permanently stored on ROM.

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o Examples include Windows CE and Windows XP

Embedded
• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and
coordinate computers that are networked or linked together.
Typically located on one of the connected computers’ hard disks.
Called the network server, this computer coordinates all
communication between the other computers.
o Examples include NetWare, Windows Server, and UNIX
• Stand-alone operating systems also called desktop operating
systems, control a single desktop or notebook computer. Often
desktop computers and notebooks are part of a network and are
referred to as the client operating system.
o Software environment, or platform
▪ Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific
platform.
▪ Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and UNIX are operating systems commonly
used by individuals.
• Desktop Operating Systems
o Microsoft’s Windows
▪ The most popular microcomputer operating system today with over 90
percent of the market.
▪ More application programs are developed to run under Windows than any
other operating system.
▪ Current version: Windows 7 (Released in 2009)
• Improved handwriting recognition for tablet computers
• A taskbar that features previews, large icons, and personalization
features
• Advanced searching capabilities for finding files and content on
your computer
o MAC OS
▪ One of the first GUIs, making it easy for novice computer users to move
and delete files.
▪ Designed to run with Apple computers
▪ Not as widely used as the Windows operating system
▪ Fewer application programs have been written for it
▪ One of the most innovative operating systems
▪ Popular with professional graphic designers, desktop publishers, and many
home users.
▪ Current version: Mac OS X:
• Spotlight is an advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files,
folders, email messages, addresses, and much more
• Dashboard Widgets are a collection of specialized programs that
will constantly update and display information
• Boot Camp – operating system Mac OS and Windows to co-exist.
• Features of the Mac OS X 10.7 (known as Lion) version include:
o Launchpad – displays and provides direct access to all
installed apps

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Computing Essentials 2013 Tim and Linda O’Leary

o Mission Control – displays all running programs at one

time
o Gestures – allows users to use their fingers to run programs
and to control the content of the display screen
o Unix and Linux
▪ Originally designed to run on minicomputers in network environments.
▪ Now, being used by powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web
and mainframe computers
▪ There are a large number of different versions of UNIX Linux is one of
the versions.
▪ Linux
• Open source operating system
• Developed at the University of Helsinki by Linus Torvalds in 1991
• Popular and powerful alternative to the Windows operating
system
• Modifications and improvements to the OS are encouraged
• Google’s Chrome OS operating system is based on Linux
• Virtualization
o The ability to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.
o With virtualization software the physical machine can be logically separated into
separate into two or more independent virtual computers known as virtual
machines.
o
▪ Each machine appears to the user as a separate independent computer with
its own operating system
• Host operating system – is the OS of the physical machine
• Guest operating system - is the OS on all of the virtual machines
• Mobile Operating Systems
o Known as mobile OS; are a type of embedded operating system and are in every
mobile computer.
o Mobile operating systems are less complicated and more specialized for wireless
communication.
o Every mobile computer requires an operating system.
o Best know are:
▪ Symbian – controls more smartphones worldwide than any other mobile
operating system
▪ Blackberry OS or RIM OS – introduced in 1999 for the Blackberry
device
▪ iOS – formerly known as iPhone OS developed by Apple in 2007 for the
iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. iOS is one of the fastest-growing mobile
operating system.
▪ Android – introduced in 2007 and developed by Android, Inc., but
purchased by Google. Widely used in many smartphones and is also one
of the fastest-growing mobile operating systems.
▪ Windows Phone 7 – introduced in 2007. It followed two other mobile
operating systems from Microsoft: Windows CE and Windows Mobile
for the social networker

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▪ WebOS – introduced in 2009 by Pam, Inc. and later purchased by HP.

Evolved to support HP’s smartphones and tablet computers.
• Utilities
o Specialized programs designed to make computing easier.
o Essential programs:
▪ Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and correct
problems, ideally before they become serious.
▪ Antivirus programs that guard a computer system against viruses or
other damaging programs.
▪ Uninstall programs that allow one to safely and completely remove
unneeded programs and related files from the hard disk.
▪ Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the
originals are lost or damaged.
▪ File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they require
less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet.
o Window Utilities
▪ Backup and Restore is a utility program included with the many versions
of Windows that makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been
saved onto a disk. It helps to protect from the effects of a disk failure.
(Figure 5-11 illustrates the Windows 7 Backup and Restore utility)
▪ Disk Cleanup is a trouble-shooting utility that identifies and eliminates
nonessential files. This frees up valuable disk space and improves system
performance. (Figure 5-12 illustrates the Windows 7 Disk Cleanup utility)
▪ Disk Defragmenter is a utility program that locates and eliminates
unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to
optimize operations. (Figure 5-14 illustrates the Windows 7 Disk
Defragmenter utility)
o Utility Suites:
▪ Combine several programs into one package
▪ Buying the suite is less expensive than buying the programs separately
▪ The three best-known utility suites are:
• McAfee Office
• Norton 360
• V Communications SystemSuite
▪ Suites provide a variety of utilities, including programs that protect your
system from dangerous programs like computer viruses.
• Device Drivers
o A program or driver that is associated with every hardware device on a computer.
o Works with the operating system to allow communication between the device and
the rest of the computer system.
o The operating system loads all of the device drivers into memory.
o Whenever a new device is added to a computer system, a new device driver must
be installed before the device can be used.
o Windows supplies hundreds of different device drivers with its system software.
o Some drivers are automatically selected and installed when the device is first
connected to the computer system. For others, the device driver must be manually
installed.

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▪ Windows’ Add a Device Wizard provides step-by-step guidance for

selecting the appropriate hardware driver and installing that driver.
▪ Windows makes it easy to update the drivers on your computer using
Windows Update.
• Making IT Work For You
o Virus and Internet Security
o Walks the student through installing McAfee Security Center
o It discusses the Internet Security Suite which includes
▪ VirusScan
▪ PersonalFirewall
▪ SiteAdvisor
o Windows Update
▪ Check for updates
▪ Review the list of recommended updates and install them if need
• Careers in IT
o Computer Support Specialists or Technical Support Specialists or Help-desk
Technicians
▪ Provide technical support to customers and other users.
▪ Manage the everyday technical problems faced by computer users.
▪ Resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting
programs to diagnose problems.
▪ Increasingly common for companies to provide technical support as an
outsourced service.
▪ Degrees in advanced associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree or a degree
in computer science or information systems may be preferred.
▪ Because demand for qualified applicants is high, those with practical
experience and certification from a training program increasingly fill these
positions.
▪ Employers seek individuals with good analytical and communication skills
▪ Good people skills and customer service experience is an advantage
▪ Computer support specialists can expect to earn an annual salary of
$32,000 - $53,500
▪ Advancement opportunities are very good
• A Look to the Future
o Autonomic computing (Self-healing computers)
o Computers may become too complex for humans to oversee.
o IBM announced plans to make self-repairing, self-updating, and self-protecting
computers.
▪ Autonomic Computing Initiative
▪ Not artificial intelligence
Teaching Tips
• System Software
o Students tend to know very little about system software. Emphasize that it
interfaces with the user, applications and the hardware. A good analogy is that it
works like an interpreter between the user and the hardware.
o Make it clear that there are four types of system software programs:

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▪ Operating systems - coordinate computer resources, provide an interface

between users and the computer, and run applications.
▪ Utilities - perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
▪ Device drivers - specialized programs that allow particular input or output
devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
▪ Language translators - convert the programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers understand and process.
• Operating Systems
o Functions
▪ Managing resources – a good way to illustrate the management portion of
the operating system is to use the Performance tool.
• Go to Windows 7 – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools –
Resource Monitor. You can show the students how the memory,
disk, and processor are performing.
• You can have them launch applications and do calculations to see
the different performance rates.
▪ Provide user interface
• Most of today’s students have only known a GUI interface.
• To illustrate the different types of interfaces, go to the command
prompt on a Windows 7 - All Programs – Accessories – Command
Prompt system and show them different types of commands, such
as Dir, CD, and MD
• Then you can switch into Windows 7 and show the Browse,
File/New/Folder, etc.
o Features
▪ Booting
• You can ask the students what a cold (or hard) boot is, and see how
many answers you receive, then do the same for a warm (or soft)
boot. You can then explain why you want to do one over another
in different instances.
▪ Icons—Pointer—Windows—Menus—Dialog boxes—Help
• You can use any application or utility projected onto a screen to
show the students these things. Most of them will be familiar with
terms. Or you can refer to Figure 5-2.
▪ File management system
• A good way to explain a file system is to use the analogy of a file
cabinet
• A good lab is to use Windows Explorer and create, copy, and move
files and folders. You can also introduce short cuts, such as Ctrl +
click, or Shift+click.
o Categories
▪ Discuss the three categories of operating systems:
• Embedded operating systems are used for handheld devices such
as smart phones, cable and satellite television tuner boxes, and
other small electronics. The operating system programs are
permanently stored on ROM.

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• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and

coordinate computers that are networked or linked. Typically
located on one of the connected computers’ hard disks, called the
network server, this computer coordinates all communication
between the other computers.
• Examples include NetWare, Windows Server, and UNIX
• Stand-alone operating systems also called desktop operating
systems, control a single desktop or notebook computer. Often
desktop computers and notebooks are part of a network and are
referred to as the client operating system.
o Software environment, or platform
▪ Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific
platform.
▪ Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are operating systems commonly used by
individuals.
o Microsoft’s Windows
▪ Most students are familiar with the Windows environment. You can refer
to Figure 5-5 to give the students a summary of the different versions of
Windows.
▪ Discuss the improvements that Windows 7 offers over Vista
o MAC OS
▪ More and more students are using the MAC OS system. You can briefly
go over some of it characteristics
▪ Current version is Mac OS X
• Spotlight is an advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files,
folders, email messages, addresses, and much more.
• Dashboard Widgets are a collection of specialized programs that
will constantly update and display information.
• Boot Camp – allows Macintosh to run both the Mac OS and the
Windows operating system
• Mac OS X – Lion has some really neat futures that students like to
use. As one of the students in the class who has this operating
system to show others the Launchpad, Mission Control, and
Gesture features.
•
o Unix and Linux
▪ More experienced students have heard of Linux, but they may not know
that it is a type of UNIX.
o You can go over some benefits and features of Linux and UNIX operating
systems, proprietary and non-proprietary systems. Virtualization
▪ Ask the students what they would do if they wanted to run two or more
applications on one single machine where each application requires a
different operating system.
▪ Discuss with students how it is possible to do this task with virtualization.
▪ Give a lab demonstration and show students how they can readily switch
between virtual computers and programs running on them. Explain to

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them how each machine appears to the user as a separate independent

computer with its own operating system.
• Host operating system – operating system of the physical machine
• Guest operating system – operating system for each virtual
machine
o Mobile Operating Systems
▪ Mobile operating systems (mobile OS), are a type of embedded operating
system.
▪ Every mobile computer including smartphones have an embedded
operating system.
▪ Mobile operating systems are less complicated and more specialized for
wireless communications.
▪ Discuss with students why all apps (OSs) cannot run on all phones.
Students need to be made aware that they must run the correct OS per the
smartphone’s requirements.
▪ As a lab exercise – ask students who have mobile computers or
smartphones what OS is on their device.
• Utilities
o You can have students run some of these utilities, so that they can have first hand
experience using them. It is a good way to generate questions and teach good
computer management techniques.
▪ Backup and Restore
▪ Disk Cleanup
▪ Disk Defragmenter
o Utility Suites
▪ The Making IT Work For You section is a good way to illustrate a utility
suite.
▪ It covers VirusScan, PersonalFirewall, and SiteAdvisor software.
▪ It is a good way to familiarize students with these applications and to
facilitate student understanding.
• Device Drivers
o A program (driver) associated with every hardware device on a computer.
o Works with the operating system to allow communication between the device and
the rest of the computer system.
o The operating system loads all of the device drivers into memory.
o Whenever a new device is added to a computer system, a new device driver must
be installed before the device can be used.
• Careers in IT
o Computer Support Specialists:
▪ Provide technical support to customers and other users.
▪ Manage the everyday technical problems faced by computer users.
▪ Resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting
programs to diagnose problems.
▪ Degrees in computer science or information systems may be required or
preferred.
• A Look to the Future
o Autonomic computing (self-healing computers), but not a form of AI

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o Computers may become too complex for humans to oversee.

o IBM announced plans to make self-repairing, self-updating, and self-protecting
computers.
o As an exercise – break students up into small groups. Task them to come up with
some ideas where they thing autonomic computing would be extremely valuable.

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Key Terms

Key Term Definition

A Windows feature provides step-by-step guidance for
Add Printer Wizard selecting the appropriate printer driver and installing that
driver.
Mobile phone operating system developed by Andriod for the
Android
Andriod phone.
A system utility that guards a computer system against viruses
antivirus program
or other damaging programs that can invade it.
Program or programs that are not active in your window on
background the desktop but are available to switch to from your
foreground program
A utility program included with the many versions of
Backup and Restore Windows that makes a copy of all files or selected files that
have been saved onto a disk.
A system utility that makes copies of files to be used in case
backup program
the originals are lost or damaged.
Also know as RIM OS, a mobile phone operating system
Blackberry OS designed as the platform for the BlackBerry handheld
computer
Feature of Leopard, the new version of Mac OS, which allows
Boot Camp appropriately equipped Apple computers to run both Mac OS
and Windows XP.
booting The process of starting or restarting a computer
Linus OS designed for netbook computers and focuses on
Chrome OS
Internet connectivity through cloud computing
cold boot The process of starting a computer after it has been turned off.
A person who provides technical support to customers and
computer support specialist
other users.
A feature of MAC OS. They are a collection of specialized
Dashboard Widgets
programs that will constantly update and display information.
A place an operating system provides users in order to access
desktop
computer resources.
An operating system that controls a desktop or laptop
desktop operating system
computer. (See also stand-alone operating system)
Specialized programs that allow particular input or output
device driver devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
(See also driver)
A system utility that recognizes and corrects problems, ideally
diagnostic program before they become serious. (See also troubleshooting
program)
A feature of a GUI operating system which provides
dialog box
information or requests input.
A trouble-shooting utility included in many versions of
Disk Cleanup
Windows that identifies and eliminates nonessential files.

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A Windows utility program that locates and eliminates

Disk Defragmenter unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused disk
space to optimize operations.
Specialized programs that allow particular input or output
driver devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
(See also device driver)
A device that has the operating system programs permanently
embedded operating system
stored on ROM
file Where data and programs are stored
A system utility that reduces the size of files so they require
file compression program less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the
Internet.
A container in a file management system where related files
folder
are stored.
Program in which you are currently running in the active
foreground
window on your desktop.
When a file cannot be stored to disk as one contiguous block,
fragmented it is broken up into small parts and stored wherever space is
available.
Use of fingers to run programs and to control the content of
gestures
the display screen.
A user interface that uses graphical elements such as icons
graphical user interface (GUI)
and windows.
guest operating system The operating system for a virtual machine.
Provides online assistance for operating system functions and
Help
procedures.
host operating system The operating system of a physical machine.
Icon A graphic representation for a program or function.
Developed by Apple (formerly known as iPhone OS) to
iOS support iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. One of the fastest-
growing mobile OS.
Type of mobile phone operating system used as the platform
iPhone OS
for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Displays and provides direct access to all apps installed on a
Launchpad
computer
Converts the programming instructions written by
language translator programmers into a language that computers understand and
process.
Linux A nonproprietary version of Unix
Lion Most recent version of Mac OS 10.7(See also (Mac OS 10.7)
The operating systems that are designed to run on Apple
Mac OS
computers.
Mac OS 10.7 The most recent version of the Mac OS. (See also Lion)
Mac OS X One of the latest versions of MAC OS.
menu Provides a list of options or commands.
Feature of the Mac OS that displays all running programs at
Mission Control
one time.
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Type of embedded operating system on every smartphone to

mobile OS
control the operations. (See also mobile operating system)
Type of embedded operating system on every smartphone to
mobile operating system
control the operations. (See also mobile OS)
The ability to switch between different applications stored in
multitasking
memory.
network operating systems Operating systems that are used to control and coordinate
(NOS) computers networked or linked together.
In a network environment, it is the main computer that
network server
coordinates all communication between the other computers.
Programs released for free distribution to allow the program
open source
code to be modified and further developed by others.
Software that coordinates computer resources, provides an
operating system interface between users and the computer, and runs
applications.
Another name for an operating system. (See also software
platform
environment)
A graphic that is controlled by a mouse and changes shape
pointer
depending upon its current function.
A mobile phone operating system designed as the platform
RIM OS for the BlackBerry handheld computer. (See also Blackberry
OS)
Wedge-shaped sections of a disk platter that help organize the
sector
storage of files on a magnetic disk.
software environment Another name for an operating system. (See also platform)
A feature of MAC OS that is an advanced search tool that can
Spotlight rapidly locate files, folders, email messages, addresses, and
much more.
An operating system that controls a desktop or laptop
stand-alone operating system
computer. (See also desktop operating system)
Mobile phone operating system that controls more
Symbian
smartphones currently than any other mobile operating system
Works with end users, application software, and computer
system software
hardware to handle the majority of technical details.
Common feature of an application that divide menus into
tabs
major activity areas.
Concentric rings on a disk platter that help organize the
tracks
storage of files on a magnetic disk.
A system utility that recognizes and corrects problems, ideally
troubleshooting program
before they become serious.
A system utility that allows unneeded programs and related
uninstall program
files to be safely and completely removed from a hard disk.
An operating system that was originally designed to run on
UNIX minicomputers in network environments, and currently runs
on powerful microcomputers and servers.
How the user communicates with the operating system,
user interface
computer, and/or application.

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Performs specific tasks related to managing computer

utility
resources.
utility suite A combination of several utility programs into one package.
Virtual machine appears to the owner as a separate
virtual machine
independent computer with its own operating system.
A method in which a physical computer can support multiple
virtualization
operating systems that operates independently.
Software that allows the physical computer to be logically
virtualization software
separated into separate and independent virtual computers.

A dangerous program that can cause a variety of damage or

virus
problems to a computer.
The process of starting or restarting a computer when the
warm boot
computer is already on.
Developed by Palm, Inc. and later purchased by HP. Evolved
WebOS
into the operating system for many of HP’s mobile devices.
A rectangular area for displaying information and running
window
programs.
Windows An operating system released by Microsoft corporation.
This is the latest version of Microsoft Windows released in
Windows 7
2009.
Mobile phone operating system designed for users actively
Windows Phone 7
involved in social networking and instant messaging
A Windows utility that makes it easy to update the drivers on
Windows Update
a computer.
Windows Vista A version of Microsoft Windows

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Answers to End-of-Chapter Materials

Chapter 5

Num Multiple Matching Multiple Choice Answers Matching Answers

Choice Answers (www.computing2013.com (www.computing2013.com
Answers (Book) Only) Only)
(Book)
1 D H B B
2 D J B E
3 B E D D
4 B F D H
5 D B B C
6 A I B G
7 C G B F
8 A A A J
9 B D C I
10 D C D A

Open Ended Questions:

1. Describe system software. Discuss each of the four types of system programs?
System software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to
handle the majority of technical details. System software is not a single program. Rather
it is a collection or a system of programs that handle hundreds of technical details with
little or no user intervention. System software consists of four types of programs:
• Operating systems coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users
and the computer, and run applications.
• Utilities, also known as service programs, perform specific tasks related to managing
computer resources.
• Device drivers are specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
• Language translators convert the programming instructions written by programmers
into a language that computers understand and process.

2. Define operating systems. Describe the basic features and the three categories of
operating systems
An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical details
related to using a computer. The operating system is considered the most important type
of computer program. Without an operating system, your computer would be useless.
Operating systems have several features in common with application programs including:
a. Icons – graphic representations for a program, type of file, or function.
b. Pointer – controlled by a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, the pointer changes
shape depending upon its current function.
c. Windows – rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs
d. Menus – provide a list of options or commands
e. Tabs – divide menus into major activity areas
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Computing Essentials 2013 Tim and Linda O’Leary

f. Dialog boxes – provide information or request input.

g. Help - provides online assistance for operating system functions and procedures.

The three main categories of operating systems are:

• Embedded operating systems - The entire operating system is stored within or
embedded in the device and permanently stored on ROM.
• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate computers
that are networked or linked together.
• Stand-alone operating systems control a single desktop or notebook computer.

3. What are desktop operating systems? Compare Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and
Chrome OS. Discuss visualization.
Desk-top operating systems, also called stand-alone operating systems, control a single
desktop or notebook computer. Every microcomputer has an operating system
controlling its operations. These operating systems are located on the computer’s hard
disk. Often desktop computers and notebooks are part of a network. In those cases, the
desktop operating system works with the network’s NOS to share and coordinate
resources. The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or
platform. Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific platform.
The most widely used operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and Linux. They
all perform the basic functions of an operating system. They manage resources, provide a
user interface, and run applications. They all use a graphical user interface, and can
network small groups of computers.

The differences are as follows:

Windows – has 90 percent share of the operating system market, more application
programs are developed to run under Windows than any other operating system.
Windows comes in a variety of different versions and is designed to run with Intel and
Intel-compatible microprocessors. The newest version, Windows 7, has several
improvements, including:
a. Improved handwriting recognition for tablet computers
b. Taskbar that features previews, large icons, and personalized features
c. Advanced searching capabilities for finding files and content on the computer.

MAC OS- Designed to run on Apple machines, Mac OS is not as widely used as the
Windows operating system. Fewer applications have been written for it. The latest
version (Mac OS X) can also run on Intel microprocessors. It is not as widely used as
Windows, but is one of the most innovative operating systems. It includes utilities such
as Spotlight which is an advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files, folders, email
messages, addresses, and much more, and Dashboard Widgets which are a collection of
specialized programs that will constantly update and display information. Some versions
of Mac OS X also include Boot Camp, with allows Macintosh computers to run both Mac
OS and the Windows operating system. The most recent version, Mac OS 10.7 is known
as Lion and features including Launchpad, Mission Control, and gesture support.
Linux – Of the three operating systems, it is the only one that is an open source. It is a
version of UNIX. It runs on powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web. It
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encourages others to modify and further develop the code. Linux has been the basis of
several other operating systems.

Google’s Chrome OS is based on Linux. This operating system is designed for netbook
computers and other mobile devices. Chrome OS focuses on Internet connectivity and
cloud computing.

Virtualization – a method in which a physical computer can support multiple operating systems
that operate independently. With virtualization software a single computer operates as
though it were two or more separate and independent computers known as virtual
machines. Each virtual machine appears to the user as a separate independent computer
with its own operating system. The OS of the physical machine is known as the host
operating system. The OS for each virtual machine is known as the guest operating
system. Users can readily switch between virtual computers and programs running on
them.

4. What are mobile operating systems? Describe six leading mobile operating systems.
Mobile operating systems, also known as mobile OS, are a type of embedded operating
system. Every mobile computer including smartphones requires an operating system.
These mobile operating systems are less complicated and more specialized for wireless
communication. While there are numerous mobile operating systems, some of the best
known are:
a. Symbian – mobile phone OS that controls more smartphones currently than any
other mobile operating system.
b. BlackBerry OS – also known as RIM OS, a mobile phone OS designed as the
platform for the BlackBerry handheld computer, but has evolved into a powerful
mobile phone operating system.
c. iOS – formerly known as iPhone OS. Based on Mac OS and is used as the
platform for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. iOS is one of the fastest-
growing mobile operating systems.
d. Android – mobile phone OS developed by Andriod for the Andriod phone. Is
widely used in many smartphones and is also a fast-growing mobile operating
systems.
e. Windows Phone 7 – mobile phone OS designed for users actively involved in
social networking and instant messaging
f. WebOS – originally developed for Palm’s handheld computers, it has evolved to
support HP’s smartphones and tablet computers.

5. Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite?
Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing easier. The most essential
are:
• Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and correct problems, ideally
before they become serious.
• Antivirus programs that guard your computer system against viruses or other
damaging programs that can invade your computer system.
• Uninstall programs that allow you to safely and completely remove unneeded
programs and related files from your hard disk.
• Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or
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damaged.
• File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they require less storage
space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet.

Utility suites combine several programs into one package. Buying the package is less
expensive than buying the programs separately.

6. Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add a Device Wizard and Windows
Update.
Every device, such as a mouse or printer that is connected to a computer system has a
special program associated with it. This program, called a device driver, works with the
operating system to allow communication between the device and the rest of the
computer system. Each time the computer system is started, the operating system loads
all of the device drivers into memory.

Windows’ Add a Device Wizard provides step-by-step guidance for selecting the
appropriate hardware driver and installs that driver.
Windows Update makes it easy to update the drivers on your computer. At times when
your computer behaves unpredictably, users find this utility to be an invaluable resource.

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