Chapter 8 Operating Systems and Utility Programs

Chapter 8 Objectives
Describe the two types of software Understand the startup process for a personal computer Describe the term user interface Explain features common to most operating systems Know the difference between stand-alone operating systems and network operating systems
Next p.8.2

Identify various stand-alone operating systems Identify various network operating systems

Recognize devices that use embedded operating systems

Discuss the purpose of the following utilities: file viewer, file compression, diagnostic, uninstaller, disk scanner, disk defragmenter, backup, and screen saver

System Software
What is software?

The series of computer-language coded instructions that tells the computer how to perform tasks Two types of software
application software

system software

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System Software
What is system software?

Next p.8.2

Consists of the programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices Serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer's hardware Two types are operating systems and utility programs

Operating Systems
What is an operating system (OS)?

Click to view animation Next p.8.3

A set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources Required for a computer to work Sometimes called the software platform or platform

Operating System

Operating Systems
What are the functions of an operating system?
provide user interface manage programs manage memory schedule jobs and configure devices

start up the computer administer security

Next p.8.3 Fig. 8-1

Operating System
monitor performance and provide housekeeping services

control access the a network Web

Operating Systems
Where is the operating system located?

Resides on computers hard disk in most cases May reside on a ROM chip on handheld computers

different sizes of computers typically use different operating systems

same types of computers may have different operating systems various operating systems often are not compatible with each other

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Operating Systems
What is a cross-platform application?

One that runs identically on multiple operating systems Often has multiple versions, each corresponding to a different operating system

runs on Windows 98 and Windows NT

Next p.8.4 Fig. 8-2

Operating System Functions

What is booting?

The process of starting or restarting a computer

cold boot Process of turning on a computer after it has been powered off completely

warm boot Process of restarting a computer that is already powered on Also called a warm start

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Operating System Functions

What is the kernel?

memory resident

The core of an operating system Manages memory and devices Maintains the computers clocks Starts applications Assigns the computers resources,
such as devices, programs, data, and information

Instructions remain in memory while the computer is running

The kernel is
memory resident

nonresident

Each time you boot a computer, the kernel and other frequently used operating system instructions are loaded Loading a file means the file is
copied from the hard disk to the computer's memory

Instructions remain on the hard disk until they are needed Other parts of the operating system are nonresident

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Operating System Functions

What messages display on the screen when you boot the computer?
BIOS version and copyright notice total amount of memory devices detected and tested message sound card and CD-ROM drivers loaded
Next p.8.4 Fig. 8-3

How does a personal computer boot up?

Step 1: The power 2: processor looks supply sends a for the BIOS. signal to components in the BIOS system unit. basic input/output
system Firmware that contains the computer's startup instructions
Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

Operating System Functions

Step 1

Step 2

processor

BIOS

Operating System Functions

Step 3: The BIOS performs the POST, which checks components such as the mouse, keyboard connectors, and expansion cards.
Step 3
BIOS CD-ROM drive

processor

POST power-on self test

expansion cards

Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

Operating System Functions

Step 4: The results of the POST are compared with data in the CMOS chip.
CD-ROM drive CMOS

Step 4 CMOS chip

processor

Also detects new devices connected to the computer

BIOS expansion cards

Stores configuration information about the computer

Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

Operating System Functions

Step 5: The BIOS looks for the system files in drive A (floppy disk drive) and then drive C (hard disk).
processor floppy disk drive CD-ROM drive CMOS

hard disk

system files Specific operating system files loaded during start up

BIOS

Step 5

expansion cards

Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

Operating System Functions

Step 6: The boot program loads the kernel of the operating system into RAM from storage (hard disk). The operating system in memory takes control of the computer.
processor (RAM) memory modules BIOS floppy disk drive CD-ROM drive CMOS

hard disk

Step 6
expansion cards

Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

Operating System Functions

Step 7: The operating system loads configuration information and displays the desktop on the screen. The operating system executes programs in the StartUp folder.
registry Several files that contain the system configuration information Registry is constantly accessed during the computer's operation
Next p.8. 5 Fig. 8-4

StartUp folder Contains a list of programs that open automatically when you boot the computer

Step 7

Operating System Functions

What is a boot drive?
The drive from which your personal computer boots (starts) In most cases, drive C (the hard disk) is the boot drive

Next p.8.6 Fig. 8-5

Operating System Functions

What is an emergency repair disk?

A floppy disk, Zip disk, or CD-ROM that contains system files that will start the computer Used when a hard disk becomes damaged and the computer cannot boot Also called a boot disk or a rescue disk To create a boot disk:
Step 2: Click Backup on Step 1: Click the Start 3: the Systemthe taskbar, button on Tools Disk Emergency Repair submenuPrograms on the point to to openthe button to create the Backup window. Point to Start menu, repair to emergency point disk. the Emergency Repair Accessories on the Follow the on-screen Disk button. Programs submenu, point instructions. to System Tools on the Accessories submenu, and then point to Backup.

Next p.8.6 Fig. 8-5

Emergency Repair Disk button

Operating System Functions

What is a user interface?
command-line interface (GUI) graphical user Controls how you enter
menus and visual keywords or press images to issue special keys on the commands keyboard to enter data and instructions Set of commands you use to interact with the computer is called the command language
Click to view animation Next p.8.7 Fig. 8-6

data and instructions and how information Allows you to type displays on the screen use

commands entered by user

Operating System Functions

What are features of a graphical user interface?

Next p.8.8 Fig. 8-7

Menu: a set of commands from which you can choose Icon: a small image that represents a program, an instruction, a file, or some other object Web pages can be delivered or pushed automatically to your screen

icons function as Web links

Web pages pushed onto the desktop

Operating System Functions

How does an operating system manage programs?

Operating systems vary in capabilities Number of users Number of programs running at the same time Number of processors Management of programs directly affects user productivity

single user/single tasking operating system Allows only one user to run one program at a time Early systems were single user

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Operating System Functions

What is multitasking?

Allows a single user to work on two or more applications that reside in memory at the same time The foreground contains the active application: the one you currently are using The other programs that are running, but are not in use, are in the background

foreground application

background applications listed on the toolbar

Next p.8.9 Fig. 8-8

Operating System Functions

What are other program management features of operating systems?
multiuser Operating system enables two or more users to run a program simultaneously multiprocessing Operating system can support two or more processors running programs at the same time

fault-tolerant computer
Click to view animation Next p.8.9

Continues to operate even if one of its components fails Computer has duplicate components such as processors, memory, and disk drives

Operating System Functions

What is memory management?

Optimizes the use of random access memory (RAM)

allocates, or assigns, data and instructions to an area of memory while they are being processed monitors the contents of memory

clears items from memory when the processor no longer requires them
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Operating System Functions

What is virtual memory (VM) management?

The operating system allocates a portion of a storage medium, usually the hard disk, to function as additional RAM
Step 1: Operating 2: system transfers least and program data recently used data and program instructions from instructions to disk disk to memory because memory is when they are needed for other needed. functions.

page swapped out

disk (virtual memory)

RAM (physical memory)

Next p.8.10 Fig. 8-9

page swapped in

Operating System Functions

What are some virtual memory terms?
swap file The area of the hard disk used for virtual memory

paging
The technique of swapping items between memory and storage thrashing When an operating system spends much of its time paging, instead of executing application software

page

The amount of data and program instructions that can swap at a given time

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Operating System Functions

How does an operating system schedule jobs?

Adjusts the schedule of jobs based on their priority A buffer is an area of memory or storage in which items are placed while waiting to be transferred to or from an input or output device
job

receiving data from an input device

An operation the processor manages

transferring items from storage to memory and from memory to storage

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sending information to an output device

processing instructions

Operating System Functions

What is spooling?

Next

Print jobs are sent to a buffer instead of sending them immediately to the printer Multiple print jobs line up in a queue within the buffer A program, print spooler print job called a print print queue spooler, intercepts print jobs from the operating system and places them jobs jobs in the queue
to be printed being printed

p.8.11 Fig. 8-10

server

disk

laser printer

Operating System Functions

What is a device driver?

A small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a device Also called a driver Each device on a computer requires its own specific driver
device driver

Click to view Web Link then click Device Drivers Next p.8.11

Operating System Functions

How do you install a device driver?
Step 1: Open the Control Panel window. Point to the Step 2: Start the Step 3: The Add/Remove Hardware Add/Remove Add/Remove Hardware Hardware icon. Wizard by doubleWizard searches for Step 5: Next you select Step 4: If the clicking the Plug and PlayHardware devices the manufacturer and Add/Remove Hardware Add/Remove on yourcannot find any If modelFollow theto it Wizard system. onicon. you want finds and such be install.any Play devices, Plug You may screen instructions. devices, select the the requested to insert type you can it installs them. floppy disk, CD-ROM, or of device you want to DVD-ROM that contains install. necessary driver files to complete the installation of the device.
Next p.8.12 Fig. 8-11

Add/Remove model Hardware icon selected device type selected manufacturer selected

Operating System Functions

What is Plug and Play?

The computer can recognize a new device and assist you in its installation by loading the necessary drivers automatically and checking for conflicts with other devices Supported by most devices and operating systems today

Click to view Web Link then click Plug and Play Next p.8. 13

Operating System Functions

What is an interrupt request (IRQ)?

A communications line between a device and the processor Most computers have 16 IRQs, numbered 0 through 15 IRQs are assigned during installation

Next p.8. 13Fig. 8-12

Operating System Functions

How does the operating system help access the Web?

Typically provides a means to establish Web connections Some include a Web browser and an e-mail program

Next p.8.13 Fig. 8-13

Operating System Functions

How does an operating system monitor performance?

Provides a program, called a performance monitor, that assesses and reports information about various system resources and devices

Next p.8.14 Fig. 8-14

Operating System Functions

How does an operating system manage files?

Contains a program called a file manager Performs functions related to storage and file management

Next p.8.14 Fig. 8-15

Operating System Functions

What are some file manager functions?
creating shortcuts: an icon on the desktop that runs a program when you click it

formatting and copying disks

displaying a list of files on a storage medium

organizing, copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files
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checking the amount of used or free space on a storage medium

Operating System Functions

What is formatting?

The process of preparing a disk for reading and writing Most floppy and hard disk manufacturers preformat their disks Various operating systems format disks differently

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Operating System Functions

What is a file allocation table (FAT)?

Next p.8. 15

A table of information that the operating system uses to locate files on a disk Defined during the formatting process Lists all files, file types, and locations Reformatting a disk usually erases only the file allocation table and leaves the actual files on the disk

Operating System Functions

What is a network operating system?

An operating system that supports a network Also called a network OS or NOS A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications media and devices

client

client

client

Next p.8.15 Fig. 8-16

laser printer

server controls access

Operating System Functions

What are features of a network operating system?

The server is the computer that controls access to the network and provides a centralized storage area The other computers on the network are called clients
Organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on the network

Resources include programs, files, and devices such as printers and drives

Next p.8.15 Fig. 8-16

Network administrator uses the network OS to add and remove users, computers, and other devices to and from the network

Operating System Functions

How do operating systems administer security?

Most multiuser operating systems allow each user to log on

log on

Processname user of entering a user A unique combination password name and a of characters that password A combination of characters identifies one specific associated with the user user name that allows access to Also called a user resources certain computer ID
Next p.8.16 Fig. 8-17

Operating System Functions

How does a network administrator use the network OS?

Next p.8. 16

To establish permissions to resources To define who can access certain resources To define when they can access those resources To assign passwords to files and commands to restrict access to only authorized users

Active Directory (AD) A feature of Windows 2000 Server that allows network administrators to manage all network information including users, devices, settings, and connections from a central environment

Types of Operating Systems

What are some characteristics of operating systems?
device-dependent One that runs only on a specific type of computer proprietary software Privately owned and limited to a specific vendor or computer model device-independent Run on many manufacturers computers

downward-compatible Recognizes and works upward-compatible with application software Written for an earlier written for an earlier version of the operating version of the operating system, but also runs with system the new version

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Types of Operating Systems

What are three categories of operating systems?

Next p.8.17 Fig. 8-18

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is a stand-alone operating system?

Next p.8.17

A complete operating system that works on a desktop or notebook computer Some, called client operating systems, also work in conjunction with a network operating system

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is DOS (Disk Operating System)?

Refers to several single user operating systems developed in the early 1980s for personal computers Two more widely used versions were PC-DOS and MSDOS, both developed by Microsoft

Used a command line interface and added a menudriven interface in later versions
commands entered by user

Next p.8.17

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is Windows?

Developed by Microsoft to meet the need for an operating system that had a GUI
Windows 3.x Windows NT Workstation A client operating system that could connect to a Windows NT server Used a Windows 95 interface

Refers to three early versions of Microsoft Windows that were operating environments with DOS
Click to view Web Link then click Windows Next p.8.18

Windows 95 A true multitasking operating system with downward compatibility for DOS and Windows 3.x

An operating environment is a GUI that works in combination with an operating system to simplify its use

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What are features of Windows 98?

Upgrade to Windows 95 More integrated with the Internet than Windows 95 Included Internet Explorer, a popular Web browser The file manager, Windows Explorer, had a Web browser look and feel An Active Desktop interface allowing icons and file names to work similar to Web links

Support for multimedia technologies such as DVD and Web TV

Next p.8.18

Support for the Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is Windows 2000 Professional?

Upgrade to the Windows NT Workstation operating system Complete multitasking client operating system that has a GUI

Click to view video Next p.8.18 Fig. 8-19

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What are features of most Windows operating systems?
Active Desktop Taskbar/toolbars Windows Explorer has a Web browser look and feel Increased speed Tune-Up Wizard Universal Serial Bus
Next p.8.18

Registry Checker FAT32

Update Wizard

Multiple display support Hardware support

Accessibility Settings Wizard

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is Windows Millennium Edition (Me)?

Next

An operating system that has features specifically for the home user Also called Windows Me Includes multimedia features

p.8.20 Fig. 8-21

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is Mac OS?

A multitasking operating system available only for computers manufactured by Apple Apples Macintosh operating system was the first commercially successful GUI Mac OS is the current version

Click to view Web Link then click Mac OS Next p.8.21 Fig. 8-22

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

What is OS/2 Warp?

Next

IBMs GUI multitasking client operating system Supports networking, the Internet, Java, and speech recognition Runs programs written specifically for OS/2, as well as most programs written for DOS and Windows

p.8.22 Fig. 8-23

Company on the Cutting Edge

Apple Computer, Inc.

Click to view Web Link then click Apple Next p.8.21

Formed by Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak in 1976 Began with the Apple I circuit board developed in Jobs garage The Apple II product line generated more than $1 billion in annual sales from 1977 until 1993 The current highperformance Power Macintosh line was introduced in 1994, followed by the iBook, the PowerMac G4, and the Mac OS X

Network Operating Systems

What is a network operating system?

An operating system that supports a network Typically resides on a server Client computers on the network rely on the server(s) for resources

Next p.8.22

Network Operating Systems

What is Novells Netware?

A widely used network operating system designed for client/server networks Has a server portion that resides on the network server and a client portion that resides on each client computer connected to the network

Click to view Web Link then click Novell Next p.8.22

Network Operating Systems

What is Windows 2000 Server?

Family of three products Windows 2000 Server: operating

system for the typical business network Windows 2000 Advanced Server: designed for e-commerce applications Windows 2000 Datacenter Server: best for demanding, large-scale applications such as data Windows NT server warehousing Older version developed as an operating system for client/server networks

Next p.8.22

Network Operating Systems

What is OS/2 Warp Server for E-business?

IBMs network operating system Designed for all sizes of business Includes Netscape as its Web browser and e-mail program

Next p.8.23

Network Operating Systems

What is UNIX?

A multitasking operating system developed in the early 1970s by scientists at Bell Laboratories Lacks interoperability across multiple platforms Several versions exist, each slightly different Command-line interface

Click to view Web Link then click UNIX Next p.8.23 Fig. 8-24

Network Operating Systems

What is Linux?

A popular, free, multitasking UNIX-type operating system Also includes many programming languages Open-source software Code is available to the public Some versions are command-line and others are GUI

Next

p.8.24 Fig. 8-25

Product on the Cutting Edge

Operating system created by Linus Torvalds A free program offered as alternative to Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS Linux GNU General Public License allows anyone to obtain and modify the source code and then redistribute the revised product A large, friendly community of users distribute the operating system and provide an extensive number of user groups, mailing lists, newsletters, and forums

Click to view Web Link then click Linux Next p.8.24

Technology Trailblazer
Linus Torvalds
Creator and lead technical developer of the free operating system Linux A native of Finland Credits the high level of technology and superior educational system of Finland for giving him the advantages of being able to concentrate on his Click to view Web Link brainstorm instead of then click Linus Torvalds worrying about economic Next issues

p.8.25

Network Operating Systems

What is Solaris?

A version of UNIX Developed by Sun Microsystems A network operating system designed specifically for e-commerce applications Can manage high-traffic accounts Incorporates security necessary for Web transactions Client computers use a version called CDE (Common Desktop Environment)

Next p.8.25

Embedded Operating Systems

What is an embedded operating system?

The operating system on most handheld computers and small devices Resides on a ROM chip
Palm OS

Pocket PC OS

Next p.8. 25

Windows CE

Embedded Operating Systems

What is Windows CE?

A scaled down Windows operating system designed for use on wireless communications devices and smaller computers Handheld computers Supports color, In-vehicle devices sound, multitasking, Web-enabled devices
e-mail, and Internet capabilities

Incorporates many elements of the Windows GUI

Next p.8. 25 Fig. 8-26

Provides for scaled-down versions of applications

Embedded Operating Systems

What is an Auto PC?

A device mounted onto a vehicles dashboard that is powered by Windows CE Directed through voice commands Provides information to the driver such as driving directions, traffic conditions, weather, and stock quotes, and allows the driver to access and listen to e-mail Acts as a radio or an audio CD Shares information with a handheld or notebook computer

Next p.8. 25 Fig. 8-26

Embedded Operating Systems

What is Pocket PC OS?

Click to view video Next

A scaled-down operating system developed by Microsoft Works on a specific type of handheld computer, called a Pocket PC Allows access to all the basic PIM functions Provides Web access Supports handwriting recognition Allows document creation

p.8. 26 Fig. 8-27

Embedded Operating Systems

What is Palm OS?

Used in handheld computers Palm from Palm, Inc. Visor from Handspring Manages data and synchronizes this information with a desktop computer Some access the Internet

Next p.8. 26

Utility Programs
What is a utility program?

Next p.8.27

A type of system software that performs a specific task Usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs Also called a utility Most operating systems include several utility programs You can also buy standalone utilities

utility suites Combine several utility programs into a single package Web-based utility service You pay an annual fee that allows you to access and use a vendors utility programs on the Web McAfee and Norton offer utility suites and Webbased utility services

Utility Programs
What is a file viewer?

Allows you to display and copy the contents of a file Windows Explorer has a viewer called Imaging Preview

Next p.8.27 Fig. 8-28

Imaging Preview

Utility Programs
What is a file compression utility?

Next

Shrinks the size of a file Compressed files Take up less storage space than the original files Sometimes called zipped files Usually have a .zip extension You must uncompress a compressed file to use it Two popular utilities are PKZIP and WinZip

compressed file

p.8.28 Fig. 8-29

Utility Programs
What is a diagnostic utility?

Compiles technical information about your computer's hardware and certain system software programs Prepares a report outlining any identified problems Windows includes the utility Dr. Watson

Next p.8.28 Fig. 8-30

Utility Programs
What is an uninstaller?

Next

Removes an application, as well as any associated entries in the system files When an application is installed, the operating system records information it uses to run the software in the system files The uninstaller removes this information

p.8.29 Fig. 8-31

Utility Programs
What is a disk scanner?

Next

Detects and corrects both physical and logical problems on a hard disk or floppy disk A physical problem is one with the media A logical problem is one with the data Searches for and removes unnecessary files Windows includes two disk scanners

p.8.29 Fig. 8-32

Utility Programs
What is a disk defragmenter?
fragmented file A utility that reorganizes the files and unused space on a The contents are scattered across two or more computer's hard disk noncontiguous Allows the operating system to sectors of a disk access data more file 1 before quickly and defragmenting programs to run file 1 after faster defragmenting Defragmenting the disk reorganizes it so the files are fragmented disk stored in Next disk after contiguous sectors p.8.30 Fig. 8-33
defragmentation process

Utility Programs
What is a backup utility?

Allows you to copy, or backup, selected files on your entire hard disk onto another disk or tape Backup utility monitors progress of the backup process Many will compress files during the process A restore program reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original forms

Next p.8.30 Fig. 8-34

Utility Programs
What is a screen saver?

Click to view video Next

Causes a monitor's screen to display a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time period Developed to prevent ghosting, in which images could be permanently etched on a monitors screen; no longer a problem for modern monitors

p.8.31 Fig. 8-35

Popular for security, business, or entertainment purposes

Technology Trailblazer
Phillip Katz

Developed PKZIP, a data compression utility His innovative PKZIP shareware cornered the data compression market PKWARE has steady annual sales of $5 million

Click to view Web Link then click Phillip Katz Next p.8.29

Summary of Operating Systems and Utility Programs

System software Operating systems Operating system functions Types of operating systems Stand-alone operating systems Network operating systems Embedded operating systems Utility programs

Chapter 8 Complete