Chapter 8
Operating Systems
and
Utility Programs
Chapter 8 Objectives
Identify the types of system software
Summarize the features of several
stand-alone operating systems
Summarize the startup process
on a personal computer
Describe the functions of an operating
system
Discuss ways that some operating
systems help administrators control a
network and administer security
Explain the purpose of the utilities
included with most operating systems
Identify various network operating
systems
Identify devices that use several
embedded operating systems
Explain the purpose of several
stand-alone utility programs
System Software

What is system software?
 Programs that control or maintain operation of the
computer and its devices.
 The interface between the user, application
software, and the computer’s hardware.
 Two types are operating systems and utility
programs
 Operating system (OS) - (sometimes called the
platform) coordinates all activities among computer
hardware resources
What are the functions of an operating system?

Coordinates all the activity of the computer hardware
start the computer
provide a user interface
manage programs
administer
security
manage
memory
control a
network
provide file
management
and other
utilities
monitor
performance
establish an
Internet
connection
schedule jobs
and configure
devices
What is a cross-platform application?

Runs identically on multiple operating systems
 Operating System Software Resides on the Hard
Drive usually found on the 1st Hard Drive Partition
or Drive C:\
Application
Operating System/
Platform A
Operating System/
Platform B
Operating System/
Platform C
Operating System/
Platform D
What is booting?

Process of starting or restarting a computer

Cold boot Turning on
computer that has been
powered off

Warm boot Restarting
computer that is powered
on
How does a personal computer boot up?
Step 1. Power supply sends
signal to components in
system unit
Step 4. Results of POST are
compared with data in CMOS chip
Step 5. BIOS looks for system files
Step 2. Processor
accesses BIOS to start
computer
Step 3. BIOS runs tests,
called the POST, to
check components such
as mouse, keyboard,
and adapter cards
in floppy disk drive or CD/DVD
drive, and then hard disk
Step 6. Kernel (core) of operating
system loads into RAM
Step 7. Operating system loads
configuration information and
displays desktop on screen
BIOS
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What is a recovery disk?

Contains system files that will start computer when
computer cannot boot

Also called boot disk
What is a user interface?

Controls how you enter data and instructions and how
information displays on screen

Three Types:
•
Command-Line Interface
•
Menu-Driven Interface
•
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Menu-driven Interface
Provides menus as a means of entering commands.
Command-line Interface
A user type commands or presses special
key on the keyboard (Such as function keys
or key combinations) to enter data and
instructiuons.
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

User interacts with menus and visual images
such as icons and buttons
What is single user/ multitasking?

Working on two or
more programs that
reside in memory at
same time

Foreground contains
program you are using

Background contains
programs that are
running but are not
in use
What are other program management
features of operating systems?
multiprocessing
Can support two
or more processors
running programs
at same time
multiuser
fault-tolerant computer
Continues to
operate when one
of its components
fails
Enables two or
more users to
run programs
simultaneously
Has duplicate
components such as
processors, memory,
and disk drives
Managing Programs
There are four ways an OS manages programs:
Real-time operating system (RTOS)
Single-user, single task
Single-user, multi-tasking
Multi-user
Real-time operating system (RTOS)
Real-time operating systems are used to control
machinery, scientific instruments and industrial
systems. An RTOS typically has very little userinterface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the
system will be a "sealed box" when delivered for use. A
very important part of an RTOS is managing the
resources of the computer so that a particular operation
executes in precisely the same amount of time every
time it occurs. In a complex machine, having a part
move more quickly just because system resources are
available may be just as catastrophic as having it not
move at all because the system is busy.
Single-user, single task
As the name implies, this operating system is designed
to manage the computer so that one user can effectively
do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld
computers is a good example of a modern single-user,
single-task operating system.
Single-user, multi-tasking
This is the type of operating system most people use on
their desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft's
Windows and Apple's MacOS platforms are both
examples of operating systems that will let a single user
have several programs in operation at the same time.
For example, it's entirely possible for a Windows user to
be writing a note in a word processor while downloading
a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail
message.
Multi-user
A multi-user operating system allows many different
users to take advantage of the computer's resources
simultaneously. The operating system must make sure
that the requirements of the various users are balanced,
and that each of the programs they are using has
sufficient and separate resources so that a problem with
one user doesn't affect the entire community of users.
Unix, VMS and mainframe operating systems, such as
MVS, are examples of multi-user operating systems
Multi-Processing
Supports two or more processors (CPU)
Aysmmetric:
one CPU does the
work of the system,
the other CPUs
service user
requests.
Symmetric:
All processors can
be used by the
system and users
alike. No CPU is
special.
What is memory management?

Optimizing use of random access memory (RAM)

With virtual memory (VM), portion of hard disk is
allocated to function as RAM
Step 1. The operating system transfers the least recently
used data and program instructions to disk because RAM
is needed for other functions.
Step 2. The operating system transfers data and program
instructions from hard disk to RAM when they are needed.
Windows Vista ReadyBoost
Windows ReadyBoost lets users use a removable flash
memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve
system performance without opening the box. Windows
ReadyBoost can improve system performance because
it can retrieve data kept on the flash memory more
quickly than it can retrieve data kept on the hard disk,
decreasing the time you need to wait for your PC to
respond.
Windows Vista ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost does not cache file writes—it's a writethrough cache. That way, you never lose any precious
data that's meant to be written to a hard drive. After all,
a flash memory key can get yanked out of a system at
any time. The cache itself is encrypted using AES-128
encryption, so no one can steal your flash memory key
and casually browse through the cache file to see what
you've been doing.
How does an operating system schedule jobs?
Determines the order in which jobs are processed.
Utilizes a Buffer – a segment of memory for temporary storage
of items until needed
Utilizes a Queue – a list in the buffer of jobs waiting to be
completed
Utilizes Spooling – sending a job to a buffer instead of directly
to a device (printers)
Adjusts schedule
based on
job’s priority
A job is operation
the processor manages
Receiving data
from input device
Sending
information
to output device
Processing
instructions
Transferring items
between storage
and memory
What is spooling?

Sending print jobs to buffer instead of
directly to printer

Print jobs line up in queue
What is a device driver?
Program that
tells operating system
how to communicate
with device
Device
Driver
Also called driver
With Plug and Play,
operating system
automatically configures
any new devices as you
install or connect them to
the computer
Configuring Devices
The OS configures through a Device Driver or Driver.
Each hardware component of a computer has a
device driver.
It is how the OS communicates with the hardware.
Plug and Play
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How do you install a device driver?
Step 1. Open Control
Panel window. Point
to Printers and Other
Hardware link.
Step 2. Click Printers
and Other Hardware
link. Point to Add a
printer link.
Step 3. Click Add
a printer link.
Follow on-screen
instructions.
Step 5. If Add Printer Wizard cannot find any
Plug and Play printers, you can select type of
printer you want to install. An on-screen prompt
may ask you to insert floppy disk, CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM that contains necessary driver files to
complete the installation of printer.
Step 4. Add Printer
Wizard searches for
Plug and Play
printers on your
computer. If it
finds any such
printers, it installs
them.
How do you establish an
Internet connection?

Windows XP includes New
Connection Wizard

Guides user through setting
up connection between
computer and Internet
 Establishing a Network Connection
 Provides the means of making a
connection to a network
including the Internet
 Usually a Web Browser is
provided for the Internet
connection function
How does an operating system
monitor performance?

Provides program, called performance monitor, that assesses and
reports information about
system resources and devices

A part of the OS that shows the
performance statistics of the
system.

Useful for troubleshooting
problems or just seeing how
well your system works.

In Windows XP it is located under the Task Manager Dialog Box
What is a network operating system?

Allows users to share printer, Internet
access, files, and programs on a network

Administers security
by establishing user
name and password
for each user
Administering Security

The OS provides a way to
control user access
through security
authentication.

Example: Logging into this
labs computers
Controlling a Network

Some Operating
Systems are specifically
designed to control
networks. These types
are called Network
Operating Systems
(NOS).

They coordinate the
activities of the network
What is a utility program?

System software that performs maintenance-type
tasks

Also called
utility

Are programs that allows us to
perform maintenance or
management of our computers.

These include File Managers, Image
Viewers, Uninstallers, Disk
Scanners, Disk Defragmenters,
Diagnostics, Backup, Screen
Savers, Spyware/Adware
Removers, and Antivirus Utilities.
What is a file manager?

Performs functions such as saving, reading
copying, renaming, deleting, and moving files

Image viewer
displays contents
of graphics file
when you double
click on it
 Windows Explorer
is the primary file
manager in
Windows XP
What is a personal firewall?

Detects and protects a personal computer from
unauthorized intrusions

The latest update to
Windows XP automatically
enables the built-in
personal firewall upon
installation
Personal Firewalls
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What is an uninstaller?
Removes a
program and
In Windows XP,
uninstaller is in Add/Remove
all associated files
Programs in Control Panel
What is a disk scanner?

Detects and corrects
problems on hard disk

Searches for and removes
unnecessary files
What is a disk defragmenter?

Reorganizes files and unused space on hard
disk so programs run faster
fragmented disk
disk after
defragmentation
process
What is a diagnostic utility?

Compiles technical information
about hardware and some
software

Prepares report outlining
problems
Video: How to Tell When Your
Hard Drive’s About to Die
Protect your hard drive and prevent devastating data loss
low quality
(click to start)
high quality
(click to start)
What is a backup utility?

Copies selected files or entire hard disk onto
another storage medium

Most compress files
during backup to
require less storage
space
What is a screen saver?

Causes monitor’s screen to display moving
image or blank screen if there is no activity
for a specified time

To secure computer,
user configures screen
saver to require
password to
deactivate
Screen Savers
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Types of Operating Systems

What are some characteristics of operating systems?
Devicedependent
Runs only on specific
type of computer
Proprietary
software
Privately owned and
limited to specific vendor
or computer model
Downward
compatible
Works with application
software written for
earlier version of
operating system
Deviceindependent
Runs on many
manufacturers’
computers
Upward
compatible
Runs on new versions of
operating system
What are three categories of
operating systems?
Embedded
Network
Stand-alone
Stand-Alone Operating Systems
DOS, WINDOWS, MAC OS X, UNIX, LINUX

What is DOS (Disk Operating System)?
Developed in
early 1980s
for personal
computers
Hardly used today
because it does
not offer GUI
D Used command-line
O
S
interface when first
developed, later
included menus
Stand-Alone Operating Systems

How do Windows
versions compare?







GUI
Clint OS, Connects to
Windows NT
Networking support
Network integration
Faster system start-up
and shut-down
USB connectivity
Home user
Windows Version
Year Released
Windows 3.x
1990
Windows NT 3.1
1993
Windows 95
1995
Windows NT Workstation 4.0
1996
Windows 98
1998
Windows Millennium Edition
2000
Windows 2000 Professional
2000
Windows XP
2001
Windows XP SP2
2004
Windows Vista
2006
What is Windows XP?

Fast, reliable Windows operating system

Available in five
editions:
Home Edition,
Professional Edition,
Tablet PC Edition,
Media Center Edition,
and 64-bit Edition
What is Windows Vista?

Successor to Windows XP, containing a new
interface and new / enhanced features

Available in several
editions, grouped into
Home and Business
categories
Windows Vista
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What are some features of Windows Vista?
Windows Vista Features
Reliability and Performance
Security
Information Management
Appearance and Navigation
Communications and the Internet
What is Mac OS X?

Available only for computers manufactured
by Apple

Macintosh operating
system has been
model for most GUIs
Mac OS X
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What is UNIX?



Used by power users because of its flexibility
and power
Most versions
offer GUI
Available for
computers of all
sizes
Unix
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And click on Unix
What is Linux?



Popular, free, multitasking UNIX-type
operating system
Open-source software
code is available to
public
Both a stand-alone
and a network
operating system
e
Red Hat provides a version of Linux called Red Hat
Enterprise Linux.
Network Operating Systems
What are examples of
network operating
systems?
NetWare
Designed for
client/server
networks
Windows
Server 2003
UNIX / Linux
Upgrade to Windows
2000 Server
Solaris
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Multi-purpose
operating system
Solaris
 Version of UNIX
developed by Sun
Microsystems
 Specifically for
e-commerce
applications
Embedded Operating Systems

What is an embedded operating system?
•
•
•
•


WINDOWS CE
WINDOWS MOBILE
PALM OS
SYMBIAN OS
Found on most mobile
computers, PDAs, and other
small devices
Windows CE is
scaled-down version of
Windows
What are two operating systems for PDAs?


Windows Mobile for Pocket PC
Palm OS for Palm
Palm OS
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Windows Mobil
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What is Embedded Linux?

Scaled-down Linux operating system
designed for PDAs, smart phones,
smart watches, set-top boxes,
Internet telephones, and other
devices

Offers many PIM functions
What is Symbian OS?

Open-source, multitasking operating system
designed for smart phones

Make telephone calls,
save appointments,
browse Web, send
and receive e-mail
and faxes, and more
Stand-Alone Utility Programs
•
•
•
•



Antivirus Programs
Personal Firewalls
File Compression
Personal Computer Maintenance
What is a virus?
Potentially damaging computer program
Affects computer without user’s knowledge
SIGNS OF
VIRUS
INFECTION
• An unusual message or image is displayed on the
computer screen
• An unusual sound or music plays randomly
• The available memory is less than what should be
available
• A program or file suddenly is missing
• An unknown program or file mysteriously appears
• The size of a file changes without explanation
• A file becomes corrupted
• A program or file does not work properly
• System properties change
What is an antivirus program?

Identifies and removes viruses in memory, storage
media, and incoming files

Must be updated frequently
What is spyware?

Program placed on a computer without the user’s
knowledge that secretly collects information about the
user

Often enters a computer as a result of a user installing
a new program

A spyware remover is a program that detects and
deletes spyware
What are internet filters?

Programs that remove or block certain items from
being displayed
Anti-Spam
Programs
Web
Filters
Pop-up
Blockers
What is a file compression utility?



Shrinks size of files to free up room
and improve performance
Compressed files are sometimes called
zipped files
Two popular utilities:
PKZIP and WinZip
File Compression Utilities
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File Compression Utilities
What is CD/DVD burning software?

Writes text, graphics,
audio, and video files to
a recordable or
rewriteable CD or DVD
What is a personal computer
maintenance utility?


Identifies and fixes operating system problems and
disk problems
Some continuously
monitor computer to
identify problems
before they occur
HOMEWORK – Chapter 8
Operating Systems and Utility Programs




Page 435-437
 Checkpoints
Page 444
 READ BUYERS GUIDE 2006
Buy a New PC Computer (Pretend)
 You can choose whatever components you want from any supplier
or retailer.
 Explain to me why you chose this computer and what it will do for
you.
 Also list the individual components of the computer and the final
total cost of the system.
 You have a budget of $ 5,000.00
Some Starting Points
 Parts Resellers
System Resellers
 www.newegg.com
www.dell.com
 www.mwave.com
www.gateway.com
 www.buy.com
www.hp.com
 www.pricewatch.com