Software

Software

1. The OS

   • operating system is a complex piece of software found on most computer systems
   • Main Function of the OS
     • communicate with internal and external hardware via the device drives
     • provide a platform for different applications to run
     • provide a user interface, allowing a user to interact with the computer and vice-versa
     • deal with file management and disk management
     • allows the computer to multi-task by controlling memory resources and the CPU
     • manage system security and user accounts
   • Device Drivers
     • operate system use device driver software to communicate with internal hardware or peripherals connected to the computer system
     • every piece of hardware is connected to the computer system requires a device driver. drivers act as a 'translator' for the signals between OS and hardware
     • device manufactures may release updates to device drivers in order to fix bugs, add features or improve the performance of their hardware. updates may be installed automatically by the OS or manually by the user.
     • when a computer is booted up, the OS will choose the correct device drivers for the hardware it detects. if new hardware is connected to the computer. the system will install the new, matching driver.
   • File and Disk Management
   • User Accounts
     • 1) operating systems can be single-user or multi-user. single-user OSs (such as Windows 10 and OS X) allow one user to use the computer at once, whereas multi-user OSs (UNIX server) allow several users to use the computer at the same time. multi-user OSs are often used on mainframes (huge supercomputers) and give many user simultaneous access. e.g. ATMs allow thousands of people access to a large bank's mainframe at the same time.
     • 2) the OS is also responsible for user account control. user accounts allow different users to be granted access to specific data or resources on a computer system
     • 3) on most desktop operating systems each user has access to their own personal data and desktop, but cannot access other users' personal data.
     • 4) operating systems may have anti-theft measures to prevent other users from accessing locked devices or accounts to steal information. user accounts may be password, or pin protected. some devices also require a user to draw a specific pattern on the screen, or have fingerprint or retina scanners.
   • User Interface
     • 1) a user interface allows the user to interact with a computer system
     • 2) graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are the most common type-they're designed to be easy for everyday users by making them visual, interactive and intuitive
     • 3) GUI systems are optimised for specific input methods. in the past, GUIs have been WIMP-based (using windows, icons, menus and pointers). android and IOS were created for touchscreen devices, using finger gestures like pinching and swiping in place of a mouse.
     • 4) a command-line interface is text based. the user enters specific commands to complete tasks. command-line interfaces are less resource-heavy the GUIs
     • 5) command-line interfaces aren't suitable for everyday users. but for advanced users, they can be far more efficient and powerful than a GUI. they can be used to automate processes using scripts (simple programs)
   • Multi-Tasking

2. System Software

   • is a software designed to run and maintain a computer system.

3. Utilities

4. Open Source & Proprietary Software