Computer Operating Systems
ICT 100: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology
Unit 3: Operating Systems
Objectives: Define the term software Differentiate between system software and application software Define the terms operating system and utility program Identify the types of operating systems Explain the boot process of a computer Describe the functions of an operating system Identify common utility programs
Software, also called a program, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. The two categories of software are system software and application software.
System Software
System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. It includes the following: 1. Operating Systems 2. Library Programs 3. Utility Programs
Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources. Every computer needs an operating system to act as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It allows the user to perform tasks without having to know how they are done. For example, a user can give a command to save a file on disk without having to know where the file will be stored or how it will be retrieved again. When a command is given to print a document, the user does not have to be concerned with the details of how the printer works – a program called a device driver takes care of the details.
ICT 100 – Operating Systems
Page 1 of 9
The operating system that a computer uses sometimes is called the platform. With purchased application software, the package or specifications identify the required platform (operating system). A cross-platform program is one
Unit 3: Operating Systems
Objectives: Define the term software Differentiate between system software and application software Define the terms operating system and utility program Identify the types of operating systems Explain the boot process of a computer Describe the functions of an operating system Identify common utility programs
Software, also called a program, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. The two categories of software are system software and application software.
System Software
System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. It includes the following: 1. Operating Systems 2. Library Programs 3. Utility Programs
Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources. Every computer needs an operating system to act as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It allows the user to perform tasks without having to know how they are done. For example, a user can give a command to save a file on disk without having to know where the file will be stored or how it will be retrieved again. When a command is given to print a document, the user does not have to be concerned with the details of how the printer works – a program called a device driver takes care of the details.
ICT 100 – Operating Systems
Page 1 of 9
The operating system that a computer uses sometimes is called the platform. With purchased application software, the package or specifications identify the required platform (operating system). A cross-platform program is one
References: Shelly, G.B, Vermaat, M.E. (2010). Discovering Computers 2011. Boston, MA: Course Technology Daley, B. (2008). Computers Are Your Future 2007. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Heathcote, P.M, Langfield, S. (2004). ‘A’ Level Computing, 5th edition. Oxford: Payne-Gallway Publishers Ltd ICT 100 – Operating Systems Page 9 of 9