Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices
Types of system software
Operating systems
Utility Programs
Operating system (OS)
A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activitiesamong computer hardware resources
Operating system functions
Start and shut down a computer
Provide a user interface
Manage programs
Manage memory
Coordinate tasks
Configure devices
Establish an Internet connection
Monitor performance
Provide utilities
Automatically update
Control a network
Administer security
Booting
The process of starting or restarting a computer
Shut down options
Various options provided by the operating system to shut down the computer
User interface
Controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen
Graphical user interface (GUI)
You interact with menus and visual images
Command-line interface
A user uses the keyboard toenter data and instructions
Memory management
Optimizes the use of RAM
Virtual memory
A portion of a storage medium functioning as additional RAM
Task processing order
The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed
Driver
A program that allows the operating system to communicate with a hardware device
Internet connection establishment
Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections
Performance monitor
A program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices
Capabilities provided by operating systems
Managing files
Searching for files
Viewing images
Cleaning up disks
Defragmenting disks
Backing up files and disks
Setting up screen savers
Securing a computer
Uninstalling programs
Diagnosing problems
Automatic update
Automatically provides updates to the program
User account
Each user has a user account with a user name (or user ID) and a password
Utility program
A type of system software that allows a user to performmaintenance-type tasks
Functions of utility programs
Managing files
Searching for files
Viewing images
Cleaning up disks
Defragmenting disks
Backing up files and disks
Setting up screen savers
Securing a computer
Uninstalling programs
Diagnosing problems
File manager
A utility that performs functions related to file management such as displaying a list of files, organizing files in folders, copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders, and creatingshortcuts
Search utility
A program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify
Image viewer
Allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file.Windows PhotoGalleryallows you to manage and editphotos.
Disc burning software
Writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a recordable or rewritable optical disc
Media player
Allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer
Disk cleanup utility
Searches for and removes unnecessary files such as downloaded program files, temporary Internet files, deleted files, and unused program files
Disk defragmenter
Reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer's hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster
File compression utility
Shrinks the size of a file(s) through lossy or lossless compression. Compressed files are sometimes called zipped files and can be uncompressed.
Backup utility
Allows users to copy files to another storage medium. A restore utility reverses the process andreturns backed up files to their original form.
Screen saver
Causes a display device's screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for a specified time
Personal firewall
Detects and protects a personalcomputer from unauthorizedintrusions
Filters
Programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed
Uninstaller
A utility that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files. When you install a program, the OS keeps record of it. The uninstaller deletes these files and folders when a program is uninstalled.
Personal computer maintenance utility
Identifies and fixesoperating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer'sperformance
Application software
Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks
Purposes of application software
To make business activities more efficient
To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
To support home, personal, and educational tasks
To facilitate communications
Forms of application software
Packaged software
Freeware
Shareware
Custom software
Web application
Open source software
Public-domain software
Packaged software
Mass-produced, copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company. Available in retail stores or on the Web.
Freeware
Computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee but usually with one or more restricted usage rights
Shareware
Copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. To use a shareware program beyond that period, you send payment to the program developer.