what are system software
software that governs the computer system.
what are the 2 system systems
OS (operating systems)
Utility software
OS (operation system)
a system software that manages the computer’s hardware. It also allows users to run apps.
UI (User Interface)
A way of humans interacting with computer systems.
GUI (graphical User Interface)
interaction with a computer using graphical elements.
WIMP acronym: (Windows, Icons Menus, Pointers)
CLI (command Line Interface)
interaction with a computer by typing text commands using a keyboard.
Peripheral management
when the OS controls and manages peripheral devices (external hardware) connected to a computer
what are examples of Peripherals
mice, keyboard, printers, displays, digital cameras and graphics tablets. (input devices)
What do devices need to install for Peripherals to work?
Device drivers
What is the purpose of device drivers?
Software that allows the OS to communicate with the peripherals by translating commands
Memory Management
when OS allocates RAM to different programs.
manages the transfer of data in memory
Multi-tasking
when OS allows a computer to run more than one program at the same time
Listening to music, while writing homework, and having a browser open. at the same time.
How does Multitasking actually works?
It switches between tasks very quickly. giving each program a small slice of CPU. It’s very quick,
making it look like everything is happening at once
how does memory management allows for multitasking
When you open multiple programs, the OS allocates different areas of RAM to each program.
what does user management allow?
- creating/deleting user accounts (usernames and passwords)
- ## access levels to users
file management
controlling how data is stored, organised and retrieved on the computer
examples of file management
creating files, giving them names, saving them to storage, placing them into folders
what is the purpose of Utility software
to maintain, manage, and optimise a computer system so it runs efficiently and securely.
Encryption software
encryption software uses complex algorithms to encrypt data, so that only authorised users can have access to it.
what are examples of Utility software
Encryption software → protects data
Defragmentation software → improves hard drive performance
Data compression software → reduces file size
what can encryption software encrypt?
selected files or the whole hard disk itself
Defragment software
reorganise files stored on a hard disk so they take up fewer spaces, or fragments.
fragmentation
pieces of a file are stored in non-continuous blocks (different locations) on a disk rather than together.
why when files are fragmented, slows down performance
the computer has to look in serval different places on the disk to read the whole file which slows down performance.
