ICT (BSC-205) Week6 BS/ADP (3rd Semester) PU

System Software
System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides
the basic functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly. Or in
other words, system software basically controls a computer’s internal functioning and also
controls hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc. It is like an
interface between hardware and user applications, it helps them to communicate with each
other because hardware understands machine language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user applications
are work in human-readable languages like English, Hindi, German, etc. so system software
converts the human-readable language into machine language and vice versa.
Features of system software:
1. System Software is closer to the computer system.
2. System Software is written in a low-level language in general.
3. System software is difficult to design and understand.
4. System software is fast in speed (working speed).
5. System software is less interactive for the users in comparison to application software.
Operating System
An Operating System is a System software that manages all the resources of the computing
device. It acts as an interface between the software and different parts of the computer or the
computer hardware. It manages the overall resources and operations of the computer. It controls
and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the computer, which also includes
application programs and other system software of the computer.
Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.

Operating System Functions

Regardless of the type of the computer or device, operating systems provide many similar
functions. These functions include starting and shutting down computers and mobile devices,
providing a user interface, managing programs, managing memory, coordinating tasks,
configuring devices, monitoring performance, establishing an Internet connection, updating
operating system software, providing file and disk management tools, controlling a network, and
administering security.
Providing a User Interface
You interact with an operating system through its user interface. That is, a user interface
(UI) controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen.
Two types of operating system user interfaces are graphical and command line.
Operating system user interfaces often use a combination of these techniques to define how a
user interacts with a computer or mobile device.
Graphical User Interface Most users today work with a graphical user interface. With a
Graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with menus and visual images by touching, pointing,
tapping, or clicking buttons and other objects to issue commands. When working with a
command-line interface, the set of commands is given through keyboard to control actions is
called the command language.
Managing Programs
An operating system can be single tasking or multitasking: A single tasking operating system
allows only one program or app to run at a time. For example, if you are using a browser and
want to check email messages, you must exit the browser before you can run the email program.
Operating systems on embedded computers and some mobile devices use a single tasking
operating system. Most operating systems today are multitasking. A multitasking operating
system allows two or more programs or apps to reside in memory at the same time. If you are
working with a multitasking operating system, you do not have to exit the browser to run the
email program. Both programs can run concurrently. Some operating systems support a single
user; others support thousands of users running multiple programs. A multiuser operating system
enables two or more users to run programs simultaneously. Networks, servers, and
supercomputers allow hundreds to thousands of users to connect at the same time and, thus, use
multiuser operating systems.

Managing Memory
The purpose of memory management is to optimize the use of a computer or device’s internal
memory, i.e., RAM. The operating system allocates, or assigns, data and instructions to an area

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 ICT (BSC-205) Week6 BS/ADP (3rd Semester) PU

of memory while they are being processed. Then, it carefully monitors the contents of memory.
Finally, the operating system releases these items from being monitored in memory when the
processor no longer requires them. If several programs or apps are running simultaneously, your
computer or mobile device may use up its available RAM.
Coordinating Tasks
The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed. A task, or job, is an
operation the processor manages. Tasks include receiving data from an input device, processing
instructions, sending information to an output device, and transferring items from storage to
memory and from memory to storage. Sometimes, a device already may be busy processing one
task when it receives a request to perform a second task. For example, if a printer is printing a
document when the operating system sends it a request to print another document, the printer
must store the second document in memory until the first document has completed printing.
While waiting for devices to become idle, the operating system places items in buffers.
Configuring Devices
A driver, short for device driver, is a small program that tells the operating system how to
communicate with a specific device. Each device connected to a computer, such as a mouse,
keyboard, monitor, printer, card reader/writer, digital camera, webcam, portable media player, or
Smartphone, has its own specialized set of commands and, thus, requires its own specific driver.
When you start a computer or connect a device via a USB port, the operating system loads the
device’s driver. Drivers must be installed for each connected device in order for the device to
function properly.
Monitoring Performance
Operating systems typically include a performance monitor. A performance monitor is a
program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices. For
example, users can monitor the processor, drives, network, and memory usage.
Establishing an Internet Connection
Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections. You can establish
wired connections, such as cable and DSL, or wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, mobile
broadband, and satellite. Some connections are configured automatically as soon as you connect
to the Internet. With others, you may need to set up a connection manually.
Updating Operating System Software
Many programs, including operating systems, include an automatic update feature that regularly
provides new features or corrections to the program. That is, the operating system automatically
checks to see if new updates are available and if so, downloads them from the Internet and
installs them on your computer.
Controlling a Network
Some operating systems are designed to work with a server on a network. These multiuser
operating systems allow multiple users to share a printer, Internet access, files, and programs.
Some operating systems have network features built into them. In other cases, the operating
system for the network is a set of programs that are separate from the operating system on the
client computers or mobile devices that access the network.
Administering Security
Network administrators, as well as owners of computers, typically have an administrator account
that enables them to access all files and programs, install programs, and specify settings that
affect all users on a computer, mobile device, or network. Settings include creating user accounts
and establishing permissions. These permissions define who can access certain resources and
when they can access those resources.
Types of Operating System
There are different types of operatig system based on their functionality
Stand alone Operating System
A standalone operating system (OS) is a complete, general-purpose OS that can function
independently on a single computer, such as a desktop or laptop, without requiring a network
connection to operate. It provides a full user interface and manages all the hardware and software
resources on that device.
Key characteristics
 Self-contained: A standalone OS can manage all functions locally. The computer, or "client,"
using the OS is fully functional on its own and does not depend on a connection to a network
server.

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 ICT (BSC-205) Week6 BS/ADP (3rd Semester) PU

 Handles multiple tasks: Modern standalone operating systems are multitasking, meaning they
can run several applications at once for a single user.
 Manages hardware and software: The OS controls and manages all the computer's resources,
including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, files, and peripheral devices like printers
and keyboards.
 May be part of a network: While it can operate offline, a standalone OS can also work in
conjunction with a network operating system. For example, a client computer running a
standalone OS can connect to a server OS to share files and resources.
Examples of standalone operating systems are Microsoft Windows Mac OS, Linux, UNIX
Server operating system
A server operating system (OS) is software that manages a server's resources to provide
services to other computers, known as clients, on a network. It is a more robust version of a
desktop OS, designed for 24/7 operation, handling multiple users, managing vast amounts of data,
and providing security. Common examples include Windows Server, Linux distributions (like
Debian or Ubuntu), and Mac OS Server.
Key functions of a server OS
 Resource management:
Manages and coordinates network resources to handle simultaneous requests from multiple clients.
 Service provision:
Enables servers to perform various roles, such as web, file, mail, and database servers
 Security:
Provides advanced security features, user permissions, and data protection to prevent
unauthorized access
 Stability and reliability:
Engineered for high availability and continuous operation with minimal downtime
 Hardware and software support:
Designed to handle powerful hardware and to allow for some hardware and software updates
without a restart
Examples of server operating systems
 Windows Server:
A commercial OS from Microsoft, often used in networks with many Windows clients.
 Linux Server:
A popular family of open-source OSs, known for stability, security, and flexibility. Examples
include Debian, Ubuntu, and CentOS.
 MacOS Server:
For organizations invested in the Apple ecosystem.
 UNIX/BSD:
Powerful and stable operating systems, often used in enterprise environments. FreeBSD is a
well-known example
Embedded operating system
An embedded operating system (OS) is a specialized OS for embedded systems, which
are devices with dedicated functions like smart appliances or medical equipment. Unlike general-
purpose operating systems, embedded OSes are optimized for specific tasks with limited
resources, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and often real-time performance. Examples include the
OS in a car's infotainment system, a digital camera, or an industrial machine.
Key features and purpose
 Dedicated function:
It runs the code that allows a specific device to perform its designated job.
 Resource optimization:
It is built to work within the constraints of limited processing power, memory, and energy.
 Hardware and software mediation:
It acts as an intermediary, managing the device's hardware and making it accessible to software.
 Reliability:
It is designed for high reliability and stability, as it is not meant to have the same features as a
desktop OS.
 Real-time operation:
Many embedded OSes, known as real-time operating systems (RTOS), are designed to execute
tasks within strict deadlines.

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 ICT (BSC-205) Week6 BS/ADP (3rd Semester) PU

Examples of embedded devices

 Consumer electronics like digital cameras and smart appliances
 Automotive systems, including infotainment and engine controls
 Medical devices like infusion pumps
 Industrial machinery and control systems
 Networking equipment, such as a home router
Examples of embedded operating systems
Embedded Linux, Android (in its embedded form), FreeRTOS, QNX, and VxWorks.
Utility program
A utility program is a type of software that performs specific maintenance, management,
and optimization tasks for a computer system. These programs are often bundled with the
perating system and are essential for its smooth and efficient functioning. Examples nclude
antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, and file managers.
You can watch this video to learn about utility software and its functions:
Functions of utility programs
 Analysis and maintenance: Utility programs help analyze and maintain the computer, ensuring
smooth performance.
 Optimization: They are used to optimize system performance, such as by defragmenting a hard
drive to place file fragments in contiguous locations.
 System management: They assist in managing the operating system by performing tasks like
disk checking, cleaning unnecessary files, and scheduling tasks.
 Data management: They are used for tasks such as backing up and restoring data and managing
files.
 Security: They provide security by detecting and removing viruses and managing firewalls.
Examples of utility programs
 Antivirus and firewall: Protect the computer from malware and unauthorized access.
 Disk cleanup and defragmentation: Free up space and improve the speed of storage drives.
 File manager: Allow users to manage files and folders.
 Backup and restore tools: Create copies of data and allow for restoration if needed.
 Task scheduler: Automate tasks to run at specific time

4 Prepared By: Prof. Naeem Akhtar GGCC, Burewala