Introduction to Information and

Communication Technologies
Lecture # 6

Zaheer A. Gondal
Department of Computer Science
CUI Lahore Campus
ZaheerAhmad@cuilahore.edu.pk
The slides are adapted from the publisher’s material
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow (Ch5)
Overview
This chapter covers:
 Differences between system software and
application software
 Functions of and differences among operating
systems
 Various types of operating systems
 Functions of and various types of utility programs
 A look at the possible future of operating systems

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System Software and Application Software
System software: The operating system and utility
programs that control a computer system and allow you
to use your computer
 Enables the boot process, launches applications, transfers files,
controls hardware configuration, manages hard drive, and protects
from unauthorized use
Application software: Programs that allow a user to
perform specific tasks on a computer
 Word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes, browsing the
Web, and so forth

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The Operating System
Operating system: A collection of programs that
manage and coordinate the activities taking place
within a computer system
 Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer

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Functions of an Operating System
 Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)
 Booting the computer
 Kernel is loaded into memory
 Processes are started
 msconfig used to control startup of processes
 Configuring devices
 Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if needed
 Plug and Play devices are recognized
automatically
Functions of an Operating System
 Managing resources and jobs
 Makes resources available to devices
 Monitors for problems
 Scheduling routines
 File management
 Keeps track of files stored
on computer
 Hierarchical format
 Security
 Passwords
 Biometric characteristics
 Firewalls
File Management

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency
Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to have
more than one program (task) open at one time
 CPU rotates between tasks
 Switching is done quickly
 Appears as though all programs executing at the same time
Multithreading: The ability to rotate between multiple
threads so that processing is completed faster and more
efficiently
 Thread: Sequence of instructions within a program that is
independent of other threads

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency
Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Multiple processors
(or multiple cores) are used in one computer system to
perform work more efficiently
 Simultaneous processing: Performs tasks at the same time
 Multiprocessing: Each CPU (or core) typically works on a different job
 Used with personal computers with multi-core processors
 Parallel processing: CPUs or cores typically works together to complete
one job more quickly
 Used with servers and mainframes

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency
Memory management: Optimizing the use of main
memory (RAM)
 Virtual memory: Memory-management technique that uses hard
drive space as additional RAM

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Processing Techniques for
Increased Efficiency
Buffering and spooling: Used with printers and other
peripheral devices
 Buffer: area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold input
and output on their way in or out of the system
 Spooling: placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the
appropriate device when needed

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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following processing techniques allows a
computer to work with more than one program at a
time?
a. Parallel processing
b. Virtual memory
c. Multitasking
2. True or False: Most operating systems today use a
command line interface.
3. _____________ is the task included with operating
systems that allows to you keep track of the files stored
on a PC.
Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) File management

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Differences Among Operating Systems
Command line vs. graphical user
interface (GUI)
 GUI lets a user interact with the device/system
with the help of graphical elements, like
windows, menus, icons, etc. The CLI, on the
other hand, lets a user interact with their
device/system with the help of various
commands. Some OS provide their users with
only CLI, while some offer both CLI and GUI
 Most operating systems use
GUI today

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Differences Among Operating Systems
Personal vs. server operating system
 Personal operating system: designed to be installed on a single
computer
 Server operating system: designed to be installed on a network server
 Client computers still use a personal operating system
 Server operating system controls access to network resources
 Many operating systems come in both versions
Mobile and embedded operating systems also exist

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Server Operating Systems

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Differences Among Operating Systems
Types of processors supported
 Desktop, mobile, server, etc.
 Number of processors
 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
Support for other technologies
 New types of buses
 Virtualization
 Power-saving features
 Touch and gesture input

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Operating Systems for
Personal Computers and Servers
 DOS: Disk Operating System
 PC-DOS: Created originally for IBM microcomputers
 MS-DOS: used with IBM-compatible computers
 DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
 Can enter DOS commands in Windows

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Windows
Windows: The predominate personal operating system
developed by Microsoft Corporation
 Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x: Operating environments for DOS
 Windows 95 and Windows 98: Used a similar GUI to the one used
with Windows 3.x
 Windows NT (New Technology): first 32-bit version of Windows
designed for high-end workstations and servers
 Windows Me (Millennium Edition): designed for home computers,
improved home networking and a shared Internet connection

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Windows
 Windows 2000: replaced Windows NT; was geared towards high-end
business workstations and servers, support for wireless devices
 Windows XP: Replaced both Windows 2000 and Windows Me
 Improved photo, video, and music editing and sharing
 Improved networking capabilities
 Support for handwriting and voice input
 Large user base, MS will support until 2014

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Windows
Windows Vista: Replaced Windows XP
 Features the Aero visual interface
 Transparency and animations
 Live Thumbnails
 Additional features
 Sidebar, Instant Search, etc.
 The Vista Start menu is more streamlined
 Improved networking and multimedia
 Built-in security features
 Hardware requirements for Vista have increased over earlier
versions of Windows

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Windows Vista

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Windows
Windows 7: Newest version of Windows released Oct. 2009
 32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editions
 Home Premium (primary version for home users)
 Professional (primary version for businesses)
 Starts up and responds faster than Vista
 Will run well on netbooks, unlike Vista
 Device Stage for all connected devices
 Improved home networking (HomeGroup, etc.)
 Jump lists, gadgets, etc.

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Windows 7

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Windows
Windows Server: Server version of Windows
 Windows Server 2008: Most recent version
 Includes a variety of services
 Web platform
 Support for virtualization
 New security tools
 Streamlined management tools
 Windows Home Server: New operating system based on Windows
Server
 Provides services for a home network
 Can back up all devices on the network automatically

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Windows 10
Windows 10 is the latest Microsoft Operating System.
 Is replacing Windows 7 on campus
 Much more friendly than Windows 8
 More Secure (WannaCry virus)
 Runs better (uses fewer resources)
What’s New in windows 10?

A few feature highlights Personalization and Settings

 Start menu  A new look
 Using tiles
 How to search  Personalize your lock screen
 Task view  Themes
 Virtual desktops  Desktop and Colors
 Snap enhancements
 Quick access tools
 Windows 10

Windows 10: Windows 7:

Windows 11
Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's
Windows NT operating system, released in October 2021
 User interface
user interface to follow Microsoft's new Fluent Design guidelines
 Windows Subsystem for Android (US, beta version)
 System security
Mac OS
Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for computers made
by Apple Corporation
 Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set the standard for
graphical user interfaces
 Mac OS 12 Monterey: Most recent personal version (2021)
 Includes:
 Safari Web browser
 More responsive than previous versions

Mac OS 13 Ventura: currently beta testing (available late 2022)

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Mac OS

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UNIX
UNIX: Operating system developed in the late
1960s for midrange servers
 Multiuser, multitasking operating system
 More expensive, requires a higher level of technical knowledge; tends to
be harder to install, maintain, and upgrade
 “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX operating system, now
refers to a group of similar operating systems based on UNIX
 Single UNIX Specification: A standardized UNIX environment

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Linux
Linux: Version (flavor) of UNIX available without
charge over the Internet
 Increasingly being used with personal computers, servers,
mainframes, and supercomputers
 Is open-source software: has been collaboratively modified by
volunteer programmers all over the world
 Originally used a command line interface, most recent versions use a
GUI
 Strong support from mainstream companies, such as Sun, IBM, HP,
and Novell
 Much less expensive than Windows or Mac OS

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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following is the most recent personal
version of Windows?
a. Windows 7
b. Windows 10
c. Windows XP
2. True or False: Linux is an open source operating
system available for free via the Internet.
3. The operating system most commonly used on Apple
personal computers is ______________________.
Answers:
1) b; 2) True; 3) Mac OS

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Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices

Windows Mobile: Designed for mobile phones

 Look and feel of desktop versions
 Current version 6.1, next version to be called Microsoft Phone.

Windows Embedded: Designed for consumer and

industrial devices that are not personal computers
 Cash register, GPS devices, ATMs, medical devices and robots.
 Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto for cars

Android: Linux based OS developed by Open

Handset Alliance (including Google)

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Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices
iPhone OS: Designed for Apple Mobile phones and mobile
devices.
BlackBerry Operating System: Designed for BlackBerry
devices
Palm OS and Palm webOS: Designed for Palm devices
Symbian OS: Designed for use with smart phones
Embedded Linux: Used with mobile phones, GPS devices,
and other mobile devices

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Operating Systems for
Mobile Phones and Other Devices
Operating Systems for
Larger Computers
 Larger computers sometimes use operating systems
designed solely for that type of system
 IBM’s z/OS and i/5OS operating systems are designed for
their servers and mainframes
 Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with both
mainframes and supercomputers
 Often a group of Linux computers are linked together to
form what is referred to as a Linux supercomputing
cluster

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Utility Programs
Utility program: Software that performs a specific task,
usually related to managing or maintaining the
computer system
 Many utilities are built into operating systems (for
finding files, viewing images, backing up files, etc.)
 Utilities are also available as stand-alone products
and as suites

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File Management Programs
File management programs: Enable the user to
perform file management tasks, such as:
 Looking at the contents of a storage medium
 Copying, moving, and renaming files and folders
 Deleting files and folders
 File management program in Windows is Windows Explorer

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Using Windows Explorer

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Utility Programs
Search tools: Designed to search for files on the user’s
hard drive
 Windows includes search tools
 Diagnostic programs: Evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
 Disk management programs: Diagnose and repair
problems related to your hard drive
 Uninstall utilities: Remove programs from your hard
drive without leaving bits and pieces behind
 Important to properly uninstall programs, not just delete them

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Utility Programs
Clean up utilities: Delete temporary files
File compression programs: Reduce the size of files so they
take up less storage space on a storage medium or can be
transmitted faster over the Internet
 Both zip and unzip files
 WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)

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Utility Programs
Backup and recovery utilities: Make the backup and
restoration process easier
 Backup: Duplicate copy of data or other computer content
 Good backup procedures are critical for businesses
 Individuals should back up important documents,
e-mail, photos, home video, etc.
 Store backup data on a CD or DVD, second hard drive, flash memory
drive, or upload to the Internet
 Back up your entire computer once all programs have been installed, so
your system can be restored to that configuration.

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Utility Programs
Security programs: Protect computers and users
 Antivirus programs
 Antispyware programs
 Firewalls
 Many are included in Windows and other operating systems
 Discussed in detail in Chapter 9

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The Future of Operating Systems
 Will continue to become more user-friendly
 Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface
 Likely to continue to become more stable and self-healing
 Will likely continue to include improved security features
and to support multiple processors and other
technological improvements
 May be used primarily to access software available
through the Internet or other networks

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Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following is the type of utility program used
to make a file smaller for transfer over the Internet?
a. Uninstall program
b. Antivirus program
c. File compression program
2. True or False: A file management program can be used to
see the files located on a storage medium.
3. A(n) ______________________ is a duplicate copy of
one or more files that can be used if there is a problem with
the original files.
Answers:
1) c; 2) True; 3) backup

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