System Software and Computer Management
Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is system software that controls all activities within a computer.
Key Functions of an Operating System:
User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the computer. This can be a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) or a command-line interface.
Program Management: Manages the execution of applications, including multitasking.
Multitasking: The ability of an OS to load and process multiple tasks (programs)
simultaneously.
Hardware Management: Manages and controls the computer's hardware components.
Security: Provides basic security features to protect the system.
Booting the Computer:
This is the process of loading the operating system into memory when the computer is switched
on.
1. The computer searches for instructions to follow.
2. It checks the Read-Only Memory (ROM) for these instructions.
3. Basic hardware tests are performed.
4. The OS is located and loaded into the computer's main memory (RAM).
5. Control of the computer is handed over to the operating system.
Task Manager:
A utility accessible by right-clicking the taskbar or pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete. It provides
information about the computer's performance and running applications. It can be used to
terminate unresponsive programs.
Types of Operating Systems:
Single-user OS: Allows only one user to access the computer system at a time.
Multi-user OS: Allows multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.
System Utilities
System utilities are programs built into the operating system that perform system maintenance
and administrative tasks.
File Management:
File Naming:
[Link]
File Name: The name given to the file by the user.
File Extension: Identifies the file type or format and tells the OS which program is needed
to open it.
File Path: The sequence of folders (directories) that leads to the location of a specific file.
Example: Y:\Data\Grade 12\Grade 12 New Presentations\Term 2
File Information:
File Properties: Basic information about a file, such as its name, size, and date modified.
File Attributes: Properties that can be set for a file, such as "read-only" or "hidden."
Metadata: Additional data stored about a file, such as the owner or author.
File Explorer: A utility that allows users to search for files based on criteria like name,
extension, or type.
Compression/Decompression:
Compressing (Zipping): Reducing the size of a file to save storage space or facilitate
easier transfer. This process should not damage the file.
Decompressing (Extracting): Restoring a compressed file to its original size.
File Conversion: Saving data from one file format to another. This is often encountered when
exporting documents to formats like PDF.
Importing: Opening or reading data created in a different version of the same application or a
different application. This can involve inserting objects or files into a document.
Scheduling: Setting programs to run automatically at specific times or intervals. This is often
used for maintenance tasks or updates.
Printer Management: Managing print jobs.
Spooling: When a file is printed, the print job is sent to the disk, where it is temporarily
stored before being sent to the printer queue.
Printer Queue: Allows users to pause, restart, or cancel print jobs.
Backup and Recovery:
Backup: Creating a copy of data to store elsewhere for safekeeping.
Reasons for Backups:
Accidental overwriting or deletion of files.
Hardware failures.
Theft of devices.
Backup Tips:
Use software for automatic management.
Back up only data, not programs (programs can be reinstalled).
Back up files to external portable media.
Store backups off-site.
Consider cloud backup services.
Security Tools
Security tools help control and prevent the spread of malware (malicious software).
Access Control: Requires user permission before software can be installed, preventing
unauthorized installations.
Firewalls: Act as a barrier between a computer and the internet, monitoring and controlling
incoming and outgoing network traffic. They can be software-based (included in OS or
antivirus) or hardware-based.
Updates and Security Settings: Found in Windows settings, this section provides
recommendations for actions to take in response to warning messages, such as activating
firewalls or Windows automatic updates.
Factors Influencing Computer Performance
Several hardware and software factors can affect how well a computer runs.
RAM (Random Access Memory): More available RAM generally leads to better performance,
especially when running multiple applications.
CPU (Central Processing Unit):
Measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
Core Count: Dual-core, quad-core processors indicate multiple processing units on a
single physical chip, allowing for better parallel processing.
Cache Memory: High-speed memory that stores recently or frequently accessed data to
speed up retrieval.
Hard Drive:
Traditional Hard Drives (HDD): Mechanical drives.
Solid State Drives (SSD): Much faster than HDDs.
Fragmentation: The scattering of parts of files across a hard drive. Defragmentation can
improve the performance of HDDs by reorganizing these parts. Note: Disk
defragmentation has no effect on the speed of SSDs.
Malware: Malicious software (viruses, spyware) can significantly slow down a computer.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves using utility software to diagnose and fix computer problems.
Utility Software: Built-in programs designed for general system maintenance.
Disk Scanning: Scans the disk for bad sectors and errors, attempting to fix them. Useful for
fixing problems on flash drives.
Disk Defragmentation: Reorganizes scattered file parts on a traditional hard drive to speed up
access. It does not free up disk space.
Disk Cleanup: Removes unnecessary files (e.g., temporary files) and can help uninstall
unused programs to free up disk space.