SYSTEM
SOFTWARE
Grade 10 IT
Objectives
• Explain the role of the different types of software in computer
operation.
• System Software: Operating System and Utilities
Software tells the computer what to do
The instructions are prewritten and stored
in programs
SOFTWARE
These programs are usually stored in the
computer’s hard drive
Therefore, software is a set of instructions
that tells the computer what to do.
System Software: all programs which
control the basic functions of a
computer
• (TYPES: operating software, translators, utility
Types of programs)
Software Application Software : all those
applications – such as word processors
and spreadsheets – which are used for
specific purposes
• (TYPES: general purpose software, special
purpose software, custom written software,
customized software, integrated software)
System Software
• System software refers to all the files and programs
that manage the computer’s operating system and
make it usable. Two types of system software are:
• Operating Systems (OS)
• Utility Programs
The
Operating
System
What is an operating system?
• The most important type of system software.
• It is a set of programs and files that control the hardware
and software resources of a computer system.
• It works as the middle man making sure both hardware and
software interact correctly
• The OS is automatically loaded into the RAM section when
the computer is started up
• The major operating systems are: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
and Unix
Functions of
the
Operating
System (OS)
GUESS the Operating System function
being described based on the FOUR (4)
pictures presented for each
function!!!!!!
File Management: Manages files and folders in the system (Naming,
creating, moving, finding and deleting folders etc)
Device Management: monitors every device, channel and control
unit. It has to choose the most efficient way to allocate all system
devices eg usb stick, external hard drive
Memory Management: shares out system memory efficiently. The OS moves data
in and out of memory and decides how much memory to assign to particular tasks
Maintain Security: granting access to resources by checking IDs and
passwords. Allows passwords to be added/ changed
User interface: providing a way for users to interact with the hardware
and software
Process Management: providing for continuous processing of programs
(job control)
Providing error messages: the OS handles system problems and alerts the user. For
example if a printer is jammed and cannot print, the operating system will stop the print
job and alert the user with a warning message
Questions
Name ONE (1) operating system Why is it necessary for computers to If you could chose ONE function as the
have an operating system? most important function of an OS, what
function would this be? And Why?
Utility Programs
• Performs common tasks and ‘housekeeping’ routines, such as:
• Disk Format – divided disk into sectors and tracks for
recording
• Sort – eg sorts records in a file into alphabetical order
• Editor – enables one to write or edit data in a file
• Directory – lists file names, sizes, date stored and space
remaining on disk
• File maintenance – deletes, renames, copies and merges files
• Anti-virus software – is a class of programs that searches your
hard drive and any storage media for any known or potential
viruses.
In your own words, explain the difference
between system Software and application
software
List THREE (3) examples of system software
Questions List THREE (3) examples of application software
What is the purpose of translators?
