Systems Software

Assembler
 An assembler is a program that takes basic computer instructions and
converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can use to
perform its basic operations.
 These instructions are called Assembly Language

Compiler

 A compiler is a computer program that translates a program in a source

language into an equivalent program in a target language.
 Translate a source (human-writable) program to an executable (machine-
readable) program.
Interpreter

 Interpreter is a program that executes instructions written in a high-level

language
 Convert a source program and execute it at the same time.

File Types
 An Object file contains machine code for only one procedure or a set of
procedures
 An executable file must contain all the machine code needed for a particular
program; it must contain the address of the first instruction to be executed.
Types of Loaders
 1. Absolute Loader
 2. Bootstrap Loader
Absolute loader
 Absolute loader is a primitive type of loader which does only the loading
function.
 It does not perform linking and program relocation
Bootstrap Loader
 When the computer is turned on bootstrap loader is executed. This loader is
responsible for loading the operating system and transferring control to it.
  This loader is present in the ROM area of main memory
Linker
A program that takes as input the object files of one or more separately
compiled program modules, and links them together into a complete executable
program, resolving reference from one module to another.

Types of Linkers

1. Linking Loader
 Performs all the linking and relocation operations and load the linked program
directly into the main memory

2. Linkage Editor
 Produces a linked version of the program called as a load module or an
executable image
3. Dynamic Linker
 Scheme postpone the linking function until execution time.
 Any subroutine is loaded and linked to the rest of program when it is first
called.

Software
 A software is set of instructions that perform specific task.
 It interacts basically with the hardware to generate the desired output.
Types of Software
1. Application Software
2. System Software

Application Software
 Set of programs to perform specific task.
 For example MS-word is an application software to create text document and
VLC player is familiar application software to play audio, video files.
System Software
● System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run the
computer’s hardware and application programs.
● Example: Operating Systems
Operating Systems
● An Operating System (OS) is a system software which serves as an interface
between a user and a computer.
● This controls input, output and other peripheral devices such as disk drives,
printers and electronic gadgets.
● The functions of an Operating System include file management, memory
management, process management and device management and many more.
● Without an Operating System, a computer cannot effectively manage all the
resources.
● When a computer is switched on, the operating system is loaded in to the memory
automatically.
● Some of the popular Operating Systems used in personal computers and laptops
are Windows, UNIX and Linux.
● The mobile devices mostly use Android and ioS as OS

Uses of Operating Systems

● To ensure that a computer can be used to extract what the user wants it do.
● Easy interaction between the users and computers.
● Starting computer operation automatically when power is turned on (Booting).
● Controlling Input and Output Devices
● Manage the utilisation of main memory.
● Providing security to user programs

Types of Operating Systems

1. Single User Operating Systems
2. Multi-user Operating Systems

[Link] User Operating System

● Allows only a single user to perform a task at a time.
● It is called as a Single user and single Task operating system.
● Eg: MS-DOS
[Link] User Operating System
● Used in computers and laptops that allow same data and applications to
be accessed by multiple users at the same time.
● The users can also communicate with each other.
● Eg: Windows, Linux and UNIX

User Interface (UI)

● UI is the only way that user can make interaction with a computer.
● This is a main reason for key success of GUI (Graphical User Interface) based
Operating System.
● The GUI is a window based system with a pointing device to direct I/O, choose
from menus, make selections and a keyboard to enter text.
● Its vibrant colours attract the user very easily.

User Interface (UI)

The following points are considered when User Interface is designed for an
application.
1. The user interface should enable the user to retain this expertise for a longer time.
2. The user interface should also satisfy the customer based on their needs.
3. The user interface should save user’s precious time.
4. The ultimate aim of any product is to satisfy the customer. The User Interface is
also to satisfy the customer.
5. The user interface should reduce number of errors committed by the user

Memory Management
● Memory Management is the process of controlling and coordinating computer’s
main memory and assigning memory block (space) to various running programs to
optimize overall computer performance.
● The Memory management involves the allocation of specific memory blocks to
individual programs based on user demands.
● Improve both the utilization of the CPU and the speed of the computer’s response
to its users via main memory.
● Hence the computer must keep several programs in main memory that associates
with many different Memory Management schemes.
Memory Management
The Operating System is responsible for the following activities in connection with
memory management:
● Keeping track of which portion of memory are currently being used and who is
using them.
● Determining which processes (or parts of processes) and data to move in and out
of memory.
● Allocation and deallocation of memory blocks as needed by the program in main
memory. (Garbage Collection)
Process Management
● Process management is a function that includes creating and deleting
processes(program) and providing mechanisms for processes to communicate and
synchronize with each other.
● A system task, such as sending output to a printer or screen, can also be called as
a Process.
● A computer consists of a collection of processes, they are

Classified as two categories:

1. Operating System processes which is executed by system code
2. User Processes which is execute by user code
All these processes can potentially execute concurrently on a single CPU
Algorithms to allocate the job (process)
1. FIFO
2. SJF
3. Round Robin
4. Based on Priority

FIFO (First In First Out) Scheduling

This algorithm is based on queuing technique.
The process that enters the queue first is executed first by the CPU,followed by the
next and so on.
The processes are executed in the order of the queue (row).

SJF (Shortest Job First)Scheduling:

This algorithm works based on the size of the job being executed by the CPU.
Consider two jobs A and B. 1) A = 6 kilo bytes 2) B = 9 kilo bytes
First the job “A” will be assigned and then job “B” gets its turn.
Round Robin Scheduling
● The Round Robin (RR) scheduling algorithm is designed especially for timesharing
systems.
● Jobs (processes) are assigned and processor time in a circular method.
● For example take three jobs A, B, C. First the job A is assigned to CPU then job B
and job C and then again A, B and C and so on.
Based On Priority
● The given job (process) is assigned based on a Priority.
● The job which has higher priority is more important than other jobs.
● Take two jobs A and B. Let the priority of A be 5 and priority B be 7.
● Job B is assigned to the processor before job A Security Management
● The major challenge in computer and software industry is to protect user’s
legitimate data from hackers.

● The Operating System provides three levels of securities to the user end.
1. File access level
2. System level
3. Network level
Security Management
● In order to access the files created by other people, you should have the access
permission.
● Permissions can either be granted by the creator of the file or by the administrator
of the system.
● System level security is offered by the password in a multi-user environment.
● Both windows and Linux offer the password facility.
● Network security is an indefinable one. So people from all over the world try to
provide such a security Fault Tolerance
● The Operating Systems should be robust.
● When there is a fault, the Operating System should not crash, instead the
Operating System have fault tolerance capabilities and retain the existing state of
system. File Management
● File management is an important function of OS which handles the data storage
techniques.
● The operating System manages the files, folders and directory systems on a
computer.
● The FAT(File Allocation Table) stores general information about files like filename,
type (text or binary), size, starting address and access mode.
● The file manager of the operating system helps to create, edit, copy, allocate
memory to the files and also updates the FAT.
● There are few other file management techniques available like Next Generation
File System (NTFS) and ext2(Linux).

Multi-Processing
● It has two or more processors for a single running process (job).
● Processing takes place in parallel is known as parallel processing.
● Since the execution takes place in parallel, this feature is used for high
speed execution which increases the power of computing. Time-sharing
● It allows execution of multiple tasks or processes concurrently.
● For each task a fixed time is allocated. This division of time is called Timesharing.
● The processor switches rapidly between various processes after a time is elapsed
or the process is completed.
Time-sharing
● For example assume that there are three processes called P1, P2, P3 and time
allocated for each process 30, 40, 50 minutes respectively.
● If the process P1 completes within 20 minutes then processor takes the
next process P2 for the execution.
● If the process P2 could not complete within 40 minutes, then the current process
P2 will be paused and switch over to the next process P3.
Distributed Operating Systems
● The Distributed Operating System is used to access shared data and files that
reside in any machine around the world using internet/intranet.
● The users can access as if it is available on their own computer.

Advantages
● A user at one location can make use of all the resources available at
another location over the network.
● Many computer resources can be added easily in the network
● Improves the interaction with the customers and clients.
● Reduces the load on the host computer.
Prominent Operating Systems
● UNIX
● Microsoft Windows
● Linux
● iOS
● Android

UNIX
● A command-line operating system is an example of Open Source software
development and Free Operating System
ANDROID
● A popular Operating System for mobile phone technology which is not linked with
Apple products.
Mac OS
● Used with Apple computers and works well with cloud computing.
iOS
● Designed to be used for the Apple iPhone, iPad
Linux
● Is an Operating System that is very popular in universities, companies, big
enterprises etc
Windows
● The most popular GUI Operating System for personal computers
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
● Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface(GUI).
● A GUI lets your mouse to click icons, buttons, menus and everything, is clearly
displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text elements.
Windows Operating System
● Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular Graphical User Interface (GUI).
● Multiple applications can execute simultaneously in Windows, and this is known as
“Multitasking”.
● Windows Operating System uses both Keyboard and mouse as input devices.
● Mouse is used to interact with Windows by clicking its icons.
● Keyboard is used to enter alphabets, numerals and special characters.

Functions of Windows Operating System

● Access applications (programs) on the computer (word processing, games,
spreadsheets, calculators and so on).
● Load any new program on the computer.
● Manage hardware such as printers, scanners, mouse, digital cameras etc.,
● File management activities (For example creating, modifying, saving, deleting files
and folders).
● Change computer settings such as colour scheme, screensavers of your monitor,
etc.

Windows Versions
Version Year Specific Features
Windows 1.x 1985
● Introduction of GUI in 16 - bit. processor
● Mouse was introduced as an input device.

Windows 2.x 1987

● Supports to minimize or maximize windows.
● Control panel feature was introduced with various
system settings and customising options
Windows 3.x 1992
● Introduced the concept of multitasking.
● Supported 256 colours which brought a more
modern, colourful look to the interface.
Windows Versions
Version Year Specific Features
Windows 95 1995
● Introduced Start button, the taskbar, Windows
Explorer and Start menu.
● Introduced 32 - bit processor and focused more on
multitasking
Windows 98 1998
● Integration of the Web browser (Internet Explorer)
with the Operating System.
● DOS gaming began to disappear as Windows based
games improved.
● Plug and play feature was introduced.
Windows Versions
Version Year Specific Features
Windows NT 1993
● Designed to act as servers in network
Windows ME 2000
● It introduced automated system diagnostics and
recovery tools
Windows 2000 2000
● Served as an Operating System for business desktop
and laptop systems.
Windows Versions
Version Year Specific Features
Windows XP 2001
● Introduced 64-bit Processor.
● Improved Windows appearance with themes and
offered a stable version.
Windows Vista 2006
● Updated the look and feel of Windows

Windows 7 2009
● Booting time was improved, introduced new user interfaces like Aero Peek, pinning
programs to taskbar, handwriting recognition etc. and Internet Explorer 8.
Windows Versions
Version Year Specific Features
Windows 8 2012
● Windows 8 is faster than previous versions
● Start button was removed.
● Windows 8 takes better advantage of multi-core
processing, solid state drives (SSD), touch screens
● Common platform for mobile and computer.
Windows 10 2015 ● Start Button was added again.
● Multiple desktop.
● Central Notification Center for App notification and
quick actions.
● Cortana voice activated personal assistant.

Version Year Specific Features

Windows 11 2021 .
Mouse Actions

Action Reaction
Point to an item Move the mouse pointer over the item Click Point to the item on the
screen, press and release the left mouse button Right click Point to the item on the
screen, press and release the right mouse button. Clicking the right mouse button
displays a pop up menu with various options. Double-click Point to the item on the
screen, quickly press twice the left mouse button Drag and drop Point to an item
then hold the left mouse button as you move the pointer press and you have reached
the desired position, release the mouse button.
Windows Explorer
● The opening screen of Windows is called “Desktop”.
● The desktop contains the Start button, Taskbar, Notification Area, Wallpaper and
date and time.
Icons
 ● Icon is a graphic symbol representing the window elements like files,folders,
shortcuts etc.
● Icons play a vital role in GUI based applications.
● The icons which are available on desktop by default while installing Windows OS
are called standard icons.
● The standard icons available in all Windows OS are My Computer, Documents and
Recycle Bin.
● Shortcut icons can be created for any application or file or folder.
● By double clicking the icon, the related application or file or folder will open

Window
● Window is a typical rectangular area in an application or a document.
● It is an area on the screen that displays information for a specific program.
● Area on a computer screen with defined boundaries, and within which
information is displayed.
● Can be resized, maximised, minimised, placed side by side, overlap, and so
on.
● Contains an open application i.e. current application such as Word or
Paint.
● When two or more windows are opened, only one of them is active and the
rest are inactive.
● A document window is a section of the screen used to display the contents
of a document.
● When you open any application, such as Microsoft Word or Excel you will
find two Windows on the screen.
● The larger Window is called the Application Window.
● This Window helps the user to communicate with the Application program.
● The smaller window, which is inside the Application Window, is called the
Document window.
● Is used for typing, editing, drawing, and formatting the text and graphics.
Elements of a Window
Title Bar
● The title bar will display the name
of the application and the name
of the document opened.
● It will also contain minimize,
maximize and close button
Menu Bar
● The menu bar is seen under the title
bar.
● Menus can be accessed by pressing
Alt key and the letter that appears
underlined in the menu title.
● Pressing Alt or F10 brings the focus
on the first menu of the menu bar.
Elements of a Window
Workspace
● Area in the document window to enter or type the text of your document.

Scroll Bars
● The scroll bars are used to scroll the workspace horizontally or vertically. Elements
of a Window
Corners and Borders
● The corners and borders of the window helps to drag and resize the windows.
● The mouse pointer changes to a double headed arrow when positioned over
a border or a corner.
● A window can be resized by dragging the corners diagonally across the screen.
Start Menu
● In the lower left-hand corner of the windows screen is the Start button.
● When you click on the button, the Start menu will appear. Using the start
menu, you can start any application Taskbar
● At the bottom of the screen is a horizontal bar called the taskbar.
● This bar contains (from left to right) the Start button, shortcuts to various
programs, minimised programs and in the extreme right corner you can see
the system tray which consist of volume control, network, date and time etc.
● Next to the Start button is the quick Launch Toolbar which contains task for
frequently used applications.

Computer Icon
● By clicking this icon, the user can see the disk drivers mounted in the
system.
● In Windows XP, Vista, this icon is called "My computer" in Windows 8, 10
and 11 it is called "This PC".Starting and Closing Applications
● Click the Start button and then point to All Programs. The Program menu
will appear. Point to the application you want to start, and then click the
application name to start the application.
● You can also open an application by clicking Run on the Start menu, and the
name of the application.
● To quit an application, click the Close button in the upper right corner of the
application window.
● You can also quit an application by clicking on File → Exit and File → Close
option in Windows 7.
Managing Files and Folders
● In Windows 7, you can Organise your documents and programs in the form
of files and folders.
● You can move, copy, rename, delete and search the files and folders.

Creating Folders
● You can store your files in many locations – on the hard disk or in other
devices.
● To better organise your files, you can store them in folders.
● Open Computer Icon.
● Open any drive where you want to create a new folder.
● Click on File → New → Folder.
● A new folder is created with the default name “New folder”.
● Type in the folder name and press Enter key.
Creating Files
● Wordpad is an in-built word processor application in Windows OS to
create and manipulate text documents.
● Click Start → All Programs → Accessories → Wordpad or Run → type
Wordpad, click OK
● Type the contents in the workspace and save the file using File → Save
or Ctrl + S.
● Save As dialog box will be opened.
● In the dialog box, select the location where you want to save the file by
using look in drop down list box.
● Type the name of the file in the file name text box.
● Click save button.

Finding Files and Folders

● You can use the search box on the Start menu to quickly search a
particular folder or file in the computer or in a specific drive
Finding Files and Folders
To find a file or folder:
1. Click the Start button, the search box appears at the bottom of the start
menu.
2. Type the name of the file or the folder you want to search.
3. Even if you give the part of the file or folder name, it will display the list of
files or folders starting with the specified name.
4. The files or the folders with the specified names will appear, if you click
that file, it will directly open that file or the folder.
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No.16, 2F, Dharmaraja koil Street, Saidapet, Chennai - 15.
Finding Files and Folders
Searching Files or folders using Computer icon
1. Click Computer Icon from desktop or from Start menu.
2. The Computer disk drive screen will appear and at the top right corner of
that screen, there is a search box option.
3. Type the name of the file or the folder you want to search.
4. Even if you give the part of the file or folder name, it will display the list of
files or folders starting with the specified name
5. Just click and open that file or the folder.
Finding Files and Folders
Opening existing Files or Folders
● The most common way of opening a file or a Folder is to double click on it
Renaming Files and Folders

Method 1
● Select the File or Folder you
wish to Rename.
● Click File→ Rename.
● Type in the new name.
● To finalise the renaming
operation, press Enter

Method 2
● Select the file or folder you wish to
rename.
● Click the right mouse button over the file
or folder.
● Select Rename from the pop-up menu.
● Type in the new name.
● To finalise the renaming operation, press
Enter
Renaming Files and Folders
Method 3
● Select the file or folder you wish to rename.
● Press F2 or click over the file or folder.
● A surrounding rectangle will appear around the name.
● Type in the new name.
● To finalise the renaming operation, press Enter.
Moving Files and Folders
● First select the file or folder and then choose one of the following:
● Click on the Edit → Cut or Ctrl + X Or right click → cut from the pop-up
menu.
● To move the file(s) or folder(s) in the new location, navigate to the new
location and paste it using Click Edit → Paste from edit menu or Ctrl + V
using keyboard.
● Or Right click → Paste from the pop-up menu. The file will be pasted in
the new location
Copying Files and Folders
● Click Edit → Copy or Ctrl + C or right click→ Copy from the pop-up menu.
● To paste the file(s) or folder(s) in the new location, navigate to the target
location then do one of the following:
● Click Edit → Paste or Ctrl + V. • Or Right click → Paste from the pop-up
menu.
Copying Files and Folders to Removable Disk
Method 1
● Plug the USB flash drive directly into an available USB port.
● If the USB flash drive or external drive folder does NOT open automatically,
follow these steps:
● Click Start→Computer
● Double-click on the Removable Disk associated with the USB flash drive
● Navigate to the folders in your computer containing files you want to transfer.
● Right-click on the file you want to
copy, then select Copy
● Return to the Removable Disk
window, right-click within the
window, then select Paste
Copying Files and Folders to Removable Disk

Method 2
● Plug the USB flash drive directly into an available USB port.
● Navigate to the folders in your computer containing files you want to
transfer.
● Right-click on the file you want to transfer to your removable disk.
● Click Send To and select the Removable Disk associated with the USB
flash drive
Deleting Files and Folders
● When you delete a file or folder, it will move into the Recycle Bin.
● Select the file or folder you wish to delete.
● Right- click the file or folder, select Delete option from the popup menu or
Click File → Delete or press Delete key from the keyboard.
● The file will be deleted and moved to the Recycle bin.
● To permanently delete a file or folder (i.e. to avoid sending a file or folder
to the Recycle Bin), hold down the SHIFT key, and press delete on the
keyboard.
Recycle Bin
● Recycle bin is a special folder to keep the files or folders deleted by the
user, which means you still have an opportunity to recover them.
● The user cannot access the files or folders available in the Recycle bin
without restoring it.
● To restore file or folder from the Recycle Bin
1. Open Recycle bin.
2. Right click on a file or folder to be restored and select Restore option from
the pop-up
menu.
3. To restore multiple files or folders, select Restore all items.
4. To delete all files in the Recycle bin, select Empty the Recycle Bin.
Creating Shortcuts on the Desktop
● Shortcuts to your most often used folders and files may be created and
placed on the Desktop to help automate your work.
● Select the file or folder that you wish to have as a shortcut on the
Desktop.
● Right click on the file or folder.
● Select Send to from the shortcut menu, then select Desktop (create
shortcut) from the sub-menu.
● A shortcut for the file or folder will now appear on your desktop and you
can open it from the desktop in the same way as any other icon.
Shutting down or Logging off a Computer
● Once you have closed all open applications, you can either log off your
computer or shut down the computer.
● To Log Off/Shut down the computer
● Click start → log off (click the arrow next to Shut down) or Start →
Shutdown .
● If you have any open programs, then you will be asked to close them or
windows will Force shut down, you will lose any unsaved information if
you do this. Shutting down or Logging off a Computer
● Switch User
○ Switch to another user account on the computer without closing your open
programs and Windows processes.
● Log Off
○ Switch to another user account on the computer after closing all your open
programs and Windows processes.
● Lock
○ Lock the computer while you're away from it. Shutting down or Logging off a
Computer
● Restart
○ Reboot the computer. (This option is often required as part of installing new
software or Windows update.)
● Sleep
○ Puts the computer into a low-power mode that retains all running programs
and open Windows in computer memory for a super-quick restart
● Hibernate
○ Puts the computer into a low-power mode after saving all running programs
and open Windows on the machine's hard drive for a quick restart.