A comprehensive summary of IT Theory on a Grade 10 Level. It contains all the necessary information in a colourful, table format.
All information has been typed for improved legibility. These notes have been used by hundreds of learners throughout my school (including myself) and is guaranteed to...
LU4 - System Software
1. Parts of System Software - Operating Systems
Operating Systems II Every computer has an OS. They provide several tools and utilities that
allow the user to configure the computer to run as efficiently as possible - to
the user’s needs.
Every operating system has three main functions:
1. Provide a User Interface
2. Load and Run programs
3. Manage the computer’s resources
The User Interface (UI)
Command Line Interface - Used in Graphical User Interface (GUI) - An
early OS, such as MS DOS. easier to use OS that makes use of:
It uses a text based interface, with
commands being typed at the ● (W) Windows
command prompt. ● (I) Icons
There is no use for a mouse. ● (M) Menus
● (P) Pointers
● Does not Use WIMPs
● Over 270 commands A mouse is used to direct the
○ Spelling Errors pointer
○ Difficult to
Remember
Load and Run Programs The OS loads, runs and controls application programs
Resource Management The OS controls all the activities taking place in the computer:
Input and Output Helping the user to interact with the computer
through the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
File Management Allowing the user to create, save, delete, move and
copy files onto secondary storage.
Memory Making sure that each program loaded by the user
Management has enough memory allocated to it and that no two
programs use the same memory space
Process A program in memory can be referred to as a
Management process. The OS must make sure that each process
has enough CPU time in order to run successfully
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, Zeyn Mahomed Grade 10 2020
Parts of System Software - Drivers
Drivers The OS uses the device drivers to link a hardware device to the software in
such a way that the computer can perform its tasks when applications need
to send instructions to a particular hardware device.
Process for A Printing
1. User using Word
2. Word sends a printable
document to OS.
3. OS sends file to driver.
4. Driver translates for Printer
(specific format)
Parts of System Software - Programming Tools and Related Applications
Programming Tools A computer program that can be used to create programs that:
● Work on their own
● Support applications
● Interact with resources on the device
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) Tool that consists of:
● Source Code Editor
● Compiler / Interpreter
● Multiple Languages and Addons
Source Code vs
Executable Code Source Code Executable Code
Original code written by The source code is compiled into a
programmer (.java or .pas) separate file called object code
which is the executable code (.class
or.exe)
Parts of System Software - Utilities
Utilities System software provides many tools to help the user manage, analyse,
maintain, optimise and control their computer:
● Defragmentation Scheduling tasks
● Updating File Compression and Extraction
● Archive Backup
● Install and Uninstall Software Security - firewall and anti-malware
Defragmentation A disk defragmenter rearranges fragmented data on a mechanical hard
disk, so it can work more efficiently.
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