System software
Software that is intended to control,support or operate a computer
Operating system
Is system software that controls all activities that take place in a computer
What is booting the computer
The process of loading the operating system
Role of the Operating System
Provides a user interface – allows users to interact with the computer using a GUI (icons, menus, buttons)
Manages programs – loads programs into memory, runs them, and manages multitasking
Manages hardware – controls hardware resources like the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices
Provides basic security – manages users, passwords, and basic protection against threats
Managing Hardware (Operating System)
Disk management – controls how data is stored, saved, and accessed on storage devices
Memory management – controls the use of RAM and prevents programs from using the same memory space at the same time
Input management – controls input devices such as the keyboard and mouse
Output management – controls output devices such as the monitor and printer
Task Manager
Task Manager is a system tool provided by the operating system that:
Shows running applications and background processes
Displays CPU, memory (RAM), disk, and network usage
Allows the user to end/terminate programs that are not responding
Helps monitor the performance of the computer
Access (Windows):
Right-click the taskbar
Or press Ctrl + Alt + Del
Single-user vs Multi-user Operating Systems
Single-user OS:
Allows only one user to use the computer at a time, even though multiple user accounts may exist. Common on personal computers. Example: Windows.
Multi-user OS:
Allows multiple users to access the same system at the same time, usually on a server. Common in networks. Examples: Linux, Windows Server.
Operating System Utilities
Utilities are system programs included with the operating system that perform maintenance and management tasks. Examples include File Explorer, Disk Cleanup, and Disk Defragmenter.
File Names, Extensions and Paths
A file name consists of a name and a file extension, which shows the file type and determines which program opens it.
A file path shows the location of a file through a sequence of folders on a storage device.
File Properties and Attributes
File properties give basic information about a file, such as size and date modified.
File attributes control how a file behaves, such as read-only (cannot be edited) and hidden (not visible by default).
Metadata
Metadata is extra information stored about a file that describes its content, such as author, date created, camera details, or music artist. It helps with searching and organising files.
File Manager Functions
File managers allow users to organise files and folders, search for files, compress and decompress files, and import or export data between different file formats.
Importing and Exporting
Exporting is the process of saving data in a format that can be opened by another version of the same program or by a different application (often done using Save As).
Importing is the process of opening or reading data that was created in a different version of the same program or in a different application.
Scheduling (Schedulers)
A scheduler is a program that runs tasks or software automatically at set times.
For example, you can schedule a backup to run every night at midnight or an anti-virus scan once a week.
Schedulers are useful because they:
automatically check for software and security updates
run routine maintenance tasks like disk defragmentation
can be set to run at off-peak times, so they don’t slow down your computer while you are working
help save internet data and time, especially on networks
Printer Management
Printer management controls how printing works, especially on networks with multiple printers.
When you print a document, it becomes a print job.
Print jobs are temporarily stored on the disk in a printer queue while waiting to be printed.
This process is called spooling.
Good backup practice includes:
using backup software that runs automatically
storing backups on external drives or cloud backup services
keeping backups off-site
regularly testing backups by restoring files
Access Control
Access control is a security feature that requires user permission before software can be installed or system settings can be changed.
Purpose of Access control
prevent malware from installing without the user’s knowledge
alert the user when programs try to make important changes
limit damage if malware attempts to access secure system files
Firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between a computer and the internet.
It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
Standard user account (definition)
A standard user account is a type of user account that allows a user to run programs and use the computer, but does not allow changes to important system settings or software installation without administrator permission.
Why using a standard user account improves security
Using a standard user account improves security because:
Malware cannot easily install itself or change system settings
Any attempt to make major changes requires administrator permission
Damage caused by viruses or malicious software is limited
This reduces the risk of the entire system being compromised.
What Windows Security allows the user to do
Windows Security allows the user to:
View and manage firewall settings
Check virus and malware protection status
Control automatic security updates
See warnings and recommendations about system security
RAM
Definition: RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary memory where programs and data are loaded while being processed.
Influence on performance:
More RAM = more programs can run simultaneously without slowing down.
If RAM is full, data is stored on the slower hard disk → slows computer.
