Chapter 05: System Software
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Definition of OS/System Software
• Master program
• Controls all hardwares connected to computer
• Collection of programs
Users
Application software
Operating System/
system software
Hardware
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System Software
• Handles the technical details
– Includes the operating system, utilities,
device drivers, and language translators
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Operating Systems
• A collection of programs that handle technical tasks, including managing computer resources
• Every computer has an operating system (OS), such as Windows 7 or Mac OS X
• The OS provides the interface between the user
and computer, and is required to run applications
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Examples
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Functions of an Operating System
• Manages computer resources
– Control Processor, Memory , storage and all hardwares – Control system performance
– Provide security
• Provides user interface
– Character-based interface
– Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Runs applications
– Multitasking
– Foreground and background applications
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Layers of System Software
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