chapter 6

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Chapter 6 computer systems

1. classifications of software

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Role of a operating system

operating system - a suite of programs designed to control the operations of a computer

virtual machine - the apparent machine that the OS presents to the user , while hiding the complexities of the hardware behind layers of OS software

the purpose of an OS is to hide the complexities behind software so that it is easier for the user to interface with the computer , this is known as a virtual machine .

an operating system is the programs which manage the hardware usable

OS programs

processor scheduling

memory management

I/O management

file management

Types of software

system software - performs tasks needed by the operating system

Application software - allows users to perform non computer tasks such as writing using a word processor

operating system

runs the hardware of the computer

acts as an interface between the user and the computer

a virtual machine

provides a platform for other software to run of e.g google chrome

Utility software

programs that perform very specific tasks that assists the computer

e.g disk formatter , file compressor

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