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Operating Systems
Operating systems, both proprietary and open-source, include those produced by Microsoft, Linux, and Apple Mac
4,423 Questions
What is the difference between system software and application software?
A system software is any computer software which manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can perform a task. Operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, are prominent examples of system software. System software contrasts with application software, which are programs that enable the end-user to perform specific, productive tasks, such as word processing or image manipulation.
System software performs tasks like transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display device. Specific kinds of system software include loading programs, operating systems, device drivers, programming tools, compilers, assemblers, linkers, and utility software.
Software libraries that perform generic functions also tend to be regarded as system software, although the dividing line is fuzzy; while a C runtime library is generally agreed to be part of the system, an OpenGL or database library is less obviously so.
If system software is stored on non-volatile memory such as integrated circuits, it is usually termed firmware while an application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly and thoroughly to a task that the user wishes to perform. This should be contrasted with system software which is involved in integrating a computer's various capabilities, but typically does not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. In this context the term application refers to both the application software and its implementation.
A simple, if imperfect analogy in the world of hardware would be the relationship of an electric light bulb (an application) to an electric power generation plant (a system). The power plant merely generates electricity, not itself of any real use until harnessed to an application like the electric light that performs a service that benefits the user.
Typical examples of software applications are word processors, spreadsheets, and media players.
Multiple applications bundled together as a package are sometimes referred to as an application suite. Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org, which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet, and several other discrete applications, are typical examples. The separate applications in a suite usually have a user interface that has some commonality making it easier for the user to learn and use each application. And often they may have some capability to interact with each other in ways beneficial to the user. For example, a spreadsheet might be able to be embedded in a word processor document even though it had been created in the separate spreadsheet application.
User-written software tailors systems to meet the user's specific needs. User-written software include spreadsheet templates, word processor macros, scientific simulations, graphics and animation scripts. Even email filters are a kind of user software. Users create this software themselves and often overlook how important it is.
In some types of embedded systems, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable to the user, as in the case of software used to control a VCR, DVD player or Microwave Oven.
System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related specific tasks.
Answer
System software is the code that define what the computer is and how it controls and uses the hardware connected to it. The computer that controls your VCR needs software to tell it how to use the display screen and what to do when the buttons are pressed etc.. The software that handles this is known as system software.
Application software, is written to perform a specific task (or a group of related tasks). "Microsoft Word" for example is Application software. The application being a word processor.
Answer
System software is an essential part of computer operations. The function of the systems software is to manage the resources of the computer, automate its operation and facilitate program development. It is generally provided by the computer manufacturer or a specialized programming firm (for example: Microsoft is a company that specializes in system software). While, the Application software are designed to perform specific data processing or computational tasks for the user. These programs are specifically designed to meet end-user requirements. (e.g: spreadsheets, word processors, media players and database applications).
Do you have to reformat when installing an operating system?
No, there is no requirement of reformatting when installing an operating system as you can install more than one operating system on a samePC. So there is no requirement of formatting the older one, even if you are installing a single new operating system only. Then also there is no requirement of reformatting again, formatting decreases the life of PC. ANSWER: Formatting does not decrease the life of your PC. The statement above is correct in that it is not necessary to format before installing an operating system. However, if you are doing a fresh install, formatting gives you a "clean slate" to install the new operating system. Attain the older one, even if you are installing a single new operating system only , then also there is no requirement of reformatting again, formatting decreases the life of PC. GOOD ANSWER: You do not reformat a PC you reformat a Hard Drive Disk. Whether or not you need to reformat your HDD depends on the operating system you wish to install. Some operating systems require different formats like NTFS or FAT32 so sometimes you need to reformat. You can also have more then one operating system on your HDD but to do this you must create a partition. A partition is a reserved area on the HDD which you can dedicate to different things depending on your needs. Generally, when you are installing an operating system you will have to reformat your HDD or create a partition for the operating system to run on. It does not decrease the life of your PC but sometimes during the reformatting process a few megabites will be lost... nothing serious. Most OSes require one partition to be formatted, but that is why you can create multiple partitions.
A reentrant kernel enables processes to give away the CPU while in kernel mode ,not hindering other processes from also entering kernel mode.
A typical use is IO wait. The processes wants to read a file..It calls a kernel function for this. Inside the kernel function,the disk controller is asked for the data . Getting the data will take some time & the function is blocked during that time. With an reentrant kernel,the scheduler will assign CPU to another process until an interrupt from disk controller indicates that the data is available and our thread can be resumed . This process can still access IO,like user input
What are the application programs and the operating system programs?
Application programs - they are designed to perform specific tasks. Widely used application programs include:- *Word processing
*Spread sheet programs
*Data base progrms
*Graphics programs
*Accounting programs
*Utility Programs Norton Utility
Operating System- they are a set of instructions that enables the computer hardware and software to interact.
What are the different methods to install an Operating System?
Usb, cd/dvd, network/download/, by Removing HDD (put HDD in secondary Slot in Another PC with its own HDD and Formet it).
What is the advanced features of all general operating systems?
Firewall
Sleep and Resume functionality
Automatic screen dimming
Intelligent and automated
Removal of power to unnecessary accessory ports
What is the main advantage for a operating system designer for usinng vertual macine architectuer?
rmally operating syste designer can develop various operatins systems and as well as they can run those systems in a same plate form.
What mean the operating automatically configures new devices as you install them?
Plug and Play - for those studying in a college level introductory to computers.
I know this question is arguable (as most of them are) but the people that provide who created this "college level material," are probably more concerned about profit rather than educational ethics.
A Multitasking Operating System
What are the stipulations of C2 level security?
C2 level security provides for:
- Discretionary Access Control
- Identification and Authentication
- Auditing
- Resource reuse
How do you calculate the wait time for round robin scheduling?
waiting time =turn around time-burst time
What is a stand -alone computer system?
Unlike most computers that need desks or stands to be useful a "Stand alone" computer is a system built into desk or kiosk. These are not widely used anymore because they are difficult to upgrade and have issues accepting non proprietary hardware without extensive modification.
What is the definition of an open source distribution?
Distribution is a word usually used to refer to a certain version or "flavor" of UNIX or Linux, and open source is code that is free to modify and recompile, distributed in source code form (and usually precompiled binaries, as well). Most open source software is available free of charge, but not all of it. So an "open source distribution" would be a certain version of UNIX or Linux that is free to modify and recompile, distributed in source code form. All Linux distributions are required to be open source, as they are all under the GNU General Public License, which you may read at the following address: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html
What is the most popular operating systems for mainframe computers?
I think it should be Linux. Linux is famous for running effectively on powerful computers. It is very customizable and does not crash easily on constant use.
Did DreamWorks company uses unix operating system?
I know that at one point Dreamworks had a lot of SGI machines, which were running Irix, the SGI flavor of Unix.
I'm not certain what they use now.
How can you kill a hang program when using a windows operating system?
To kill a hanged/unresponsive program:
- Go to Task Manager. (Press CTRL+ALT+DEL.)
- Find out the unresponsive program from Applications tab.
- Right click on it and select Go to process.
- Now right click again and select End Process.
What Computer is capable of running more than one operating system?
Any computer with the ability to understand "partitions" can run multiple operating systems, albeit one at a time. Any computer with the ability to run virtual hardware (such as with a Hypervisor) can run more than one operating system simultaneously. The operating system must also support partitions or it will be unable to run on a hard drive with more than one partition.
What is the Limitations of implementing non-preemptive SJF algorithm?
i like moldy chess. cheese....shests
What are the four types of operating systems and give examples of each?
Within the broad family of operating systems, there are generally four types, categorized based on the types of computers they control and the sort of applications they support. The categories are:
- Real-time operating system (RTOS) - Real-time operating systems are used to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems. An RTOS typically has very little user-interface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the system will be a "sealed box" when delivered for use. A very important part of an RTOS is managing the resources of the computer so that a particular operation executes in precisely the same amount of time, every time it occurs. In a complex machine, having a part move more quickly just because system resources are available may be just as catastrophic as having it not move at all because the system is busy.
- Single-user, single task - As the name implies, this operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system.
- Single-user, multi-tasking - This is the type of operating system most people use on their desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft's Windows and Apple's MacOS platforms are both examples of operating systems that will let a single user have several programs in operation at the same time. For example, it's entirely possible for a Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while downloading a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail message.
- Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take advantage of the computer's resources simultaneously. The operating system must make sure that the requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of the programs they are using has sufficient and separate resources so that a problem with one user doesn't affect the entire community of users. Unix, VMS and mainframe operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of multi-user operating systems.
Definition of scheduling in operating system?
the objective of multiprograming is to have some processs running at aal time,so as to maximizing cpu utillization .this process is called scheduling.
Why do you need a device driver on your computer?
A device driver is a set of rules and instructions that your operating system uses to know how to communicate with a specific piece of hardware like a scanner, printer and even the video and sound cards on your computer. As you get different types of printers, video cards, sound cards, etc your operating system needs this driver information to know how to send instructions to these devices in order for it to use them correctly.
