UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LOUIS

Tuguegarao City

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE AND

NFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
First Semester
S.Y. 2020-2021

CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE

Computer Fundamentals and Programming

Prepared by:

Ceferino Llamelo
Bryan Urita
Instructor/s

Reviewed by:

Jay Ventura, MIT

Program Chair/Department Head

Recommended by:

Engr. Ronald Villaverde, ME-ECE, PECE

Academic Dean

Approved by:

Dr. Emmanuel James Pattaguan

VP for Academics
 Prelims Duration: Week 1-August 17-21, 2020

I. Introduction

Computers are ubiquitous in our lives and we expect them to “be there when we
need them”. We give little thought to the processes and programs running behind the
scenes to keep them functioning effectively. If we effectively learn these things then well
be able to identify common problems and ways to prevent them. Such programs (i.e.
operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers) are the system software you learn
about here.

USL expects you to do the following:

1. Let your parents pick up your module on the first day of the week.
2. Send back your accomplished lessons/learning tasks as your parent will pick up the next.
3. Contact me at my messenger [Link] or email me at
rinsllams@[Link]. (Note subject of email must contain your code and you name ---- surname
first. e.g. 527 Llamelo Ceferino)
4. Comply with all requirements (written outputs, projects/performance tasks examinations and the
like.)

Attached to this first week module are the following:

1. Weekly Study and Assessment Guide: Evaluation and Application

Date Topic Activities or Tasks

August 17 Definition of System software Read the lessons on System
Operating system, Its functions Software and Operating System
and Features
August 18
August 19 Categories of operating system Read the lessons on Categories of
including desktop and mobile Operating System
operating system
August 20
August 21 Utilities, utility suites, windows Read the lessons on Utilities and
utilities and device drives Device Drivers and Comply with the
learning task in the Evaluation and
Application

For this week, August 17-21, 2020 of this grading period, the following shall be your guide for the
different lessons and tasks that you need to accomplish. Be patient, read it carefully before proceeding
to the tasks expected of [Link] LUCK!

Content
System Software Define
Operating system
 Functions of Operating System
 Features of Operating System
 Categories of Operating System
a. Embedded operating systems
b. Network operating systems
 c. Stand-alone operating systems
 Windows
 Mac OS
 UNIX
 LINUX
d. Mobile Operating System
 Utilities
a. Windows utilities
 Backup and Restore
 Disk Cleanup
 Disk Defragmenter
b. Utility Suits
 Device Drivers

Learning Outcomes
 Describe the differences between system software and application software.
 Discuss the types of system software.
 Discuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems.
 Describe Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux,
and virtualization.
 Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
 Discuss mobile operating systems including Symbian, Blackberry OS, iOS, Android, Windows
Phone 7, and WebOS.
 Identify the five most essential utilities.
 Discuss Windows utility programs.
 Describe device drivers, including Windows’
Add a Device Wizard and Update.

II. LEARNING CONTENT

System Software

System software is a platform for other software(e.g application software). It is also designed to
become an intermediate between hardware and application prorams. It is a program that handles the
technical details in our computer. It includes the operating system, utilities, device drivers, and language
translators
Take note that system software is not a single program but is a collection of programs that handles
hundreds of technical details and end-users focus on application programs more than the system
software, but it is important to understand how system software works

Operating System

A collection of programs that handle technical tasks specifically managing computer resources
such as memory, it provides user interface and runs application software. Also it is sometimes referred
to as software environement or platform. Examples are Windows and Mac OS.

Functions of Operating System

 Manages computer resources

o Coordinate memory, processing, storage, printers and monitors
o Monitor system performance
o Schedule tasks
o Provide security
o Start-up the computer
 Provides user interface
o Graphical user interface (GUI)
 Runs applications
o Multitasking the ability to switch between applications
 Foreground – the program you are currently working on
 Background – the other program that is running but not the active window

Features of Operating System

Booting is the process of starting a computer. Below are the two types of boot;
o Warm boot – computer is already on and you restart it without turning off the power
o Cold boot – starting a computer that has been turned off

Features of operating system which is common with application software

Features Description
Icons A pictogram or ideogram displayed on a computer screen in order to help the user
navigate a computer system. It is an image that represents an application, a capability, or
some other concept or specific entity with meaning for the user. An icon is usually
selectable but can also be a nonselectable image such as a company's logo.
Pointer It is a graphical image that is used to activate or control certain elements in a graphical
user interface. More plainly, it indicates where your mouse should perform its next action,
such as opening a program, or dragging a file to another location. The mouse pointer
follows the path of the user's hand as they move their mouse.
Windows The rectangular-shaped viewing area on screen that you are working in. In a graphical
user interface (GUI), the boundaries of the window can be easily expanded or contracted.
Menus The Application Menu is composed of a drop-down button control that displays a menu
containing Commands that expose functionality related to a complete project, such as an
 entire document, picture, or movie. Examples include the New, Open, Save,
and Exit Commands.
Tabs A tab is a part of a computer window that protrudes from the normal screen shape,
allowing you to go to different parts of a program or to different open websites.
An example of a tab is the part of a browser windows that shows other websites which you
are currently using.
Dialog A dialog box (also spelled dialogue box, also called a dialog) is a common type
boxes of window in the GUI of an operating system. It displays information, and asks a user
for input. For example, when you are using a program and you want to open a file, you
interact with the "File Open" dialog box. In Microsoft Windows, when you right-click a file
and choose Properties, you are presented with the Properties dialog box.
Help It is an available option or menu in most software programs that allow users to search and
find answers to questions they may have about that program. Most Microsoft Windows
programs can access help by using the F1 function key on the keyboard.

Categories of Operating System

Three basic categories of operating system.

 Embedded operating systems (handheld)
An embedded operating system is a type of operating system that is embedded and
specifically configured for a certain hardware configuration. Hardware that uses embedded
operating systems is designed to be lightweight and compact, forsaking many other functions
found in non-embedded computer systems in exchange for efficiency at resource usage. This
means that they are made to do specific tasks and do them efficiently. Embedded operating
systems are usually used for hardware that have very little computing power, little RAM/ROM and
a slow CPU, so they tend to be very specific in their applications and scope. Examples includes..
o Cable TV tuner boxes
o Video game systems
 Network operating systems (linked computers)
A network operating system provides services for computers connected to a network.
Examples include communication, shared file access, shared applications, and printing
capabilities. A NOS ( pronounced as "N-O-S.")may either be a peer-to-peer (P2P) OS, which is
installed on each computer, or a client-server model, where one machine is the server and others
have client software installed. Examples includes
o Windows Server
o Unix
 Used by powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web and is commonly use
on mainframe computers and microcomputers

 Stand-alone operating systems (desktop)

Also called client operating system. The Client Operating System is the system that works
within computer desktops and various portable devices. This system is different from centralized
servers because it only supports a single user. Examples include.
o Windows
 The most popular microcomputer operating system and occupies over 90 percent of
the market. Also more application programs are designed to run under Windows
than any other operating system

o Mac Os
 Mac OS runs on Apple computers and popular with graphic designers and desktop
publishers. Some of the features include
 Spotlight – advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files, folders, email
messages, addresses, etc.
 Dashboard widgets – collection of specialized programs that update and
display information
Some versions of Mac OS include Boot Camp - allows Mac to run both Mac OS and the Windows
operating system

o LINUX
LINUX is a version of UNIX and considered as an alternative to windows because it
is an open source and non proprietary

Note that most are proprietary operating systems which is owned and licensed by a corporation and
others are Non-proprietary - source code is available to the public so it is called open source

Virtualization
It is the ability of computer to support multiple operating systems on a single physical machine
 Virtualization software
o Physical machine can be logically separated into separate and independent virtual
computers called virtual machines
 Host operating system - OS of the physical machine
 Guest operating system - OS of virtual machine

Mobile Operating System

Mobile OS is an embedded operating system in every smartphone

 Some of the best known
 o Symbian – it was used by nokia and [Link] is also primarily used outside North America.
o BlackBerry OS or RIM OS
o Ios – use by iphone devices
o Android – owned by google
o Windows Phone 7
o WebOS – used in HP smartphonbes and tablets

Utilities

Utility programs, commonly referred to as just "utilities," are software programs that add functionality
to your computer or help your computer perform better. These include antivirus, backup, disk repair, file
management, security, and networking programs. Utilities can also be applications such as
screensavers, font and icon tools, and desktop enhancements. Some utility programs help keep your
computer free from unwanted software such as viruses or spyware, while others add functionality that
allows you to customize your desktop and user interface. In general, programs that help make your
computer better are considered utilities. And unlike water and electric bills, computer utilities don't send
you a bill every month!
 Specialized programs to make computing easier
 Most essential utilities
o Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
o Antivirus programs
o Uninstall programs
o Backup programs
o File compression programs

Windows Utilities

 Backup and Restore

Makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved on a disk. Helps prevent
against loss of data in the event of a disk failure
 Disk Cleanup
Identifies and eliminates nonessential files it frees up valuable space and improves system
performance

When you search the Web, a variety of programs and files are saved to your hard drive, to get rid
of these unnecessary files use disk cleanup
Files are stored and organized on a disk according to tracks and sectors
o Tracks – concentric ring
o Sectors – wedge-shaped sections of a track
o OS tries to save a file on a single track across contiguous sectors. Often the file has to
broken into small parts and stored wherever space is available and the disk over time
becomes fragmented

 Disk Defragmenter
Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments, It rearranges files and unused disk space
to optimize operations to speed up file access
Fragmented files - result of a file having to be broken apart into smaller parts so it can be
stored wherever space is available. Disk Defragmenter should be run on your computer often
….Some end-users run this utility program daily, while some run it once a week
Utility Suites

Combine several programs into one package, less expensive and more economical
 Popular suites
o Norton 360
o McAfee Office
o V Communications
SystemSuite

Device Drivers

 Allow communication between a device and the computer

 Loaded into memory each time a computer is started
 When a new device is added, new device drivers must be installed
 Windows already has many drivers within
the system software
 Device drivers - programs that work with the operating system to allow communication between
device(s) and the rest of the physical system
 Device drivers are also referred to simply as “drivers”
 Step-by-step guidance is offered by Windows in the form of wizards that assist with installing
drivers e.g. “Add Printer Wizard”
 Drivers can also be easily updated in Windows by utilizing the Windows Update functionality
III. EVALUATION
Multiple choice: Write your answer on the space provided. Select the best answer that suits the
question or statement
1. A Linux-based operating system designed for mobile phones and developed by a group of
companies that includes Google.
a. BlackBerry OS c. Android
b. Search tool d. Palm OS
2. A graphically based interface that allows a user to communicate instructions to the computer
easily.
a. Graphical user interface (GUI) c. Application software
b. Command line interface d. File compression program
3. A version of Linux designed for mobile devices.
a. Windows Server c. Windows Mobile
b. Embedded Linux d. Search tool
4. The capability of an operating system to run more than one program at one time.
a. iPhone OS c. Virtualization
b. Boot d. Multitasking
5. Multi-user, multitasking OS used as a network OS
a. Menu-driven Interface c. Kernal
b. Authentication d. UNIX
6. The set of programs that helps run the computer and coordinates instructions between application
software and the computer's hardware devices
a. System Software c. Multiuser Operating System
b. System Files d. Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
7. Current family of versions of Apple operating systems.
a. Windows c. MAC
b. Personal OS d. Mac OS X
8. High-end programs designed to provide network control and include special functions for
connecting computers and other devices into a network.
a. File compression system c. Search tool
b. System software d. Server operating system
9. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and SmartPhones are personal computers with limited
capabilities. Thus, like PCs, these devices require an operating system developed for the
specific functionality of computer devices that are not personal computers or servers.
a. Mac OS c. Mobile OS
b. Embedded OS d. Windows 10
10. A type of software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing or maintaining a
computer system
a. Virtual memory c. Utility program
b. Device driver d. Windows Mobile
Matching Type: Match column A with column B. Select the term from column B that corresponds to the
description in column A. Write your answer on the space provided.

ANSWER COLUMN A COLUMN

B
1. The operating system used on Apple computers; the most recent Mac OS
version is Mac OS X Snow Leopard.
2. An open source operating system that is available without charge over Symbian
the Internet and is increasingly being used with mobile devices, OS
personal computers, servers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
3. The primary personal computer operating system developed by Windows
 Microsoft Corporation; the most recent version is Windows 7.
4. An operating system widely used with mobile phones; primarily used Windows 7
outside North America.
5. Microsoft operating system that builds upon the security and user iOS
interface upgrades that the Windows Vista release provided, and gives
users with touch-screen monitors the ability to use touch commands to
scroll, resize windows, pan, and zoom.
6. The mobile operating system designed for Apple mobile phones and Utility
mobile devices1 Program
7. The capability of an operating system to run more than one program at Linux
one time
8. An open source operating system that is available without charge over Multitasking
the Internet and is increasingly being used with mobile devices,
personal computers, servers, mainframes, and supercomputers
9. Small programs that performs many of the general housekeeping Disk Clean-
tasks for your computer up
10. Utility that removes unnecessary files from your hard drive

IV. APPLICATION

Objective Essay

1. Describe system software. Discuss each of the four types of system programs.
2. Define operating systems. Describe the basic features and the three categories of operating
systems.
3. What are desktop operating systems? Compare Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Chrome OS.
Discuss virtualization.
4. What are mobile operating systems? Describe six leading mobile operating systems.
5. Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite?
6. Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add a Device Wizard and Windows Update.

References Textbook:
O’Leary, T. J. & O’Leary, L. I., (2018). Computing Essentials 2008. : McGraw-Hill
International Edition
Other References:
Williams, B. K & Sawyer S. C. (2010). Using Information Technology. A Practical
Introduction to computers and Communication (8th Ed.). : Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Internet Sites
Information Technology, The Internet. Retrieved August 2020 from
[Link]
Computing Essentials. Retrieved August 2020 from
[Link]