System Software
A group of programs designed to perform and keep the basic functions of the computer system fit for work is called system software. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer. Without system software, the computer remains a lifeless machine. System software is connected to computer hardware on the one hand and Application Software on the other. The system software prepares the background for the app software. Any app is designed keeping in mind the software system software.
key functions of system software -
1. to ensure control, coordination and optimum utilization of various hardware resources.
2. creating background slots for app software.
3. Coordinating and controlling Peripheral Devices.
4. reducing intermediary between user, app software and hardware.
system software is mainly divided into two parts:
1. Operating System
2. Language Translator
1. Operating System - Operating system is a group of programs that control the functions of the computer system and its various resources and establish a relationship between hardware, app software and the user. It cannot implement various Application Program. Most Operating System are already made with some Application software such as Video Player, Web Browser, Calculator etc.
The main functions of Operating System are:
1. when the computer is turned on, put the software from secondary memory to primary memory and perform some basic actions automatically.
2. establishing a relationship between hardware and user.
3. to ensure control and better utilization of hardware resources.
4. creating background for the implementation of app software.
5. memory and file management and exchange of data between memory and storage disks.
6. pointing out various defects in the computer related to hardware and software.
7. to protect and warn computer software and data from illegal use.
examples of some major operating systems -
1. Windows
2. Mac OS
3. Linux. Unix
4. Android OS/ iOS
Types of Operating system -
A) Batch processing operating system - It organizes works of the same nature as a batch and implements them in a group. Batch Monitor Software is used for this purpose. The advantage of this system is that all the resources of the computer remain for implementation. Therefore, time management is not required.
but it does not have any correlation between the user and the program during implementation and it takes more time to produce results. the user has no control over intermediate quantities.
Use - This system is used for such tasks. Which does not require human intervention. Such as statistical analysis, bill printing, making Payroll, etc.
B) Multi programming OS - Tasks can be edited simultaneously in such OS. For example, when a single program is being printed after its implementation, the processor starts implementing another program instead of sitting empty, which does not require a printer. This reduces the total time taken for implementation and enables better utilization of resources. In Multi Programming OS, the processor does not implement many programs simultaneously but edites the same instruction at a time. The instruction for another task located in main memory is edited only after one instruction is edited. It requires special hardware and software. It should have a larger size of the main memory of the computer so that part of the main memory can be allocated to each program. It should also provide for the order and preference of programme implementation.
C) Time Sharing OS - This OS together work on interactive mode by many users also known as Terminal which immediately reflect the results achieved after the implementation of the program. Each user is given some time for shared use of resources called Time slice or Quantum. The time between giving Input and getting results is called Turn around Time. This time is used by the computer to implement other user's programs.
This OS requires proper management of memory. Because many programs are brought to the main memory only the part required for program implementation, not in the main memory at the same time. This process is called swapping.
D) Real time OS - This OS gives importance to giving results within the stipulated time frame. The result of one program can be used as input data in another program. Delay in implementation of the first programme may prevent the implementation and results of the second program. Therefore, the implementation time (Response Time) of the programme is kept fast in this arrangement.
THIS OS IS USED IN THE OPERATION OF SATELLITES, CONTROL OF AIRPLANES, NUCLEAR FURNACES, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, DEFENCE, MEDICINE, RAILWAY RESERVATION ETC.
Linux OS Real time OS is an example.
E) Single OS - With the development of PC, the need was felt for single OS, emphasizing the simplicity of the program and providing maximum convenience to the user by not preferring the time frame for program implementation or better utilization of resources. MS is an example of DOS single OS.
a) Single user multitasking OS - In this type of system, many tasks are edited simultaneously by the processor. In this, the processor devotes some of its time to all the current programs and all the programs are edited simultaneously. It also shows the progress of different tasks on the screen. It is a kind of Time sharing OS. Ms Windows Single user multitasking OS example.
b) Multi processing OS - It is used by combining two or more processors simultaneously. This increases the speed of editing of work. It can implement part of two different programs simultaneously. It is also known as Parallel processing.
F) Multiuser OS - This OS is used in computer systems connected to networks. Many users can use and process the same data on the computer at the same time. Unix, Linux, Windows-7 etc. are examples of Multiuser OS.
G) Embeded OS - OS Embeded OS made for using a processor located within a device. This software is stored within the processor ROM. It is used in Microwave, Washing Machine, DVD Player, Electronic Watch etc.
H) Open / Closed source OS - The or source code of the software is available to all in the Open source OS and one can reflect and use it as per their requirement. No one has the right to this OS nor does the user have to pay any fee. His source code is kept secret in Closed source OS and the user can use this software only by paying the prescribed fee. Linux is a Open source OS while windows is the Closed source OS of Microsoft. The android OS of Google used in smartphone is a Open Source OS while the iPhone OS of Apple company is a closed source OS.
2. Language Translator - Computer is an electronic machine that can understand only binary digits. The instructions or software programs written in binary digits are called machine language. The computer can understand and run the program spelt out in the Machine Language. But it is difficult to prepare programs or software in machine language, as well as each computer processor has its own machine language which depends on the processor manufacturing company. To avoid this, the software program is developed in High level Language and converted into Machine Language by Language translator. Language translator is also known as language processor software.
High level language is close to common colloquial language. Therefore, it is easier to prepare a program in this language as well as depend on the company of the High level language processor and its model. The program prepared in High level language can be converted into machine language by Language translator and run on any computer. The program prepared in High level language is called source code. Whereas a program converted by Translator software into machine language is called Object program or Machine code. OS software is generally written in Low level language. Whereas Application or Utility software High level language.
there are three types of Language translator software:
a) Assembler
b) Compiler
c) Interpreter
A) Assembler - It is a software program that converts a program written in assembly or Low level language into Machine language. Assembler software computer manufacturing is made available by companies and depends on the type of hardware or processor. Therefore, the Assembler program of each processor may vary. Assembler software converts the source code of the program written in the Assembly language into a machine or object code. This machine collects the code in one place and prepares it to run by installing it in computer memory.
B) Compiler - It's a language translator software. Which converts a program designed in high-level language into machine language. compiler informs all the mistakes of the entire program in order to line them. When all mistakes are cleared, the program is edited and there is high level language no need compiler software for source program in memory. compiler compiles every instruction of high level language in machine language instructions. compiler converts the entire source program or source code into object program/code and stores it in memory, but does not run. The program is then implemented by the object code. Thus, once compile, there is no need for compiler software to implement the program.
C) Interpreter - Like Compiler, interpreter is also a language translator software. interpreter software converts to High level language and implements it. The interpreter converts each line of the program created in the High level language into machine language one by one. It also run a line of the program after it is translated into machine language. If there is any mistake in the implementation of this line, it indicates at the same time and converts the next line into machine language only after modification. Clearly, the output of the interpreter is not object program but the result of software execution. So, every time software has to go through interpreter during execution. Because of this, it is necessary for interpreter software to remain in memory. It is easier to prepare software using an interpreter than compiler. Because the interpreter points to the program's mistakes by doing one line each. Therefore, it is necessary for the interpreter to improve the program.
