system software

system software

1. operating system

   • is a collection of programs that control the hardware of the device
   • kernal
     • is the core of the os and has complete control of the the entire system
   • interface
     • graphical user interface
       • A GUI uses icons (small pictures) to represent the resources and actions, reducing the need to learn commands
     • command line interface
       • All operating systems have a command line interface that allows the user to type in direct commands to access the operating system functions
         • For specialist users, e.g. network technicians, a GUI is less efficient. A GUI requires several stages to issue a command and has large processor overheads.
   • memory management
   • multi tasking
     • Multi-tasking allows the computer to make best use of the CPU. The CPU works much faster than RAM and the other components of the computer. While the CPU waits for other actions to complete, e.g. loading data to RAM, it works on other tasks. Users often have several tasks running at the same time, for example word processor, email program, music player, spreadsheet and web-browser.

2. utility software

   • file compression, disk defragmentation, file repair, disc copying, disc formatting, disc backup/ restore, anti virus
   • defragmentation
     • when files on the hard drive are deleted there are gaps, these gaps are filled when new files are downloaded but the file is broken up in pieces. defragmentation is when the software regroups all the data so it is next to eachother so it runs quicker.
   • operating systems have supporting software to manage various aspects of the system
     • they are designed to do just one or two tasks by interacting with the hardware.