Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

Serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware.

System Software

Operating SystemsUtility Programs

Two Types of System Software

Operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

Operating System

Kinds of Operating Systems

is a complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device.

Some are called client operating systems because they also work in conjunction with a server operating system.

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

Windows 7 Mac OS X Linux

Examples of Stand-Alone Operating Systems

is an operating system that is designed specifically to support a network.

The client computers on the network rely on the server(s) for resources.

Server Operating Systems

Windows Server 2008 UNIX Linux Solaris NetWare

Examples of Server Operating Systems

The operating system on mobile devices and many consumer electronics are called embedded operating system,

Embedded Operating Systems

Windows Mobile iPhone OS BlackBerry Google Android Symbian OS.

Examples of Embedded Operating Systems

Is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.

Utility Programs

Examples of Utility Programs

A file compression utility shrinks the size of

a file(s). A compressed file takes up less storage

space than the original file.

File Compression

Examples: WinZipWinRARALZip

Writes text, graphics, audio, video files on a recordable or rewritable CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc.

Disc Burning

A disk defragmenter is a utility that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly

Disk Defragmenter

A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary files.

Disk Cleanup

A backup utility allows users to copy, or back up, selected files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium

Backup and Restore Utilities

A media player is a program that allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer

Media Player

A personal firewall is a utility that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions. Personal firewalls constantly monitor all transmissions to and from a computer.

Personal Firewall

An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files.

Antivirus Program

COMPUTER PERFORMAN

CE

WHAT IS COMPUTER PERFORMANCE? Computer performance is characterized by the amount of useful work accomplished by a computer system compared to the time and resources used.

A GOOD COMPUTER PERFORMANCE CAN BE CLASSIFIED WITH THE FOLLOWING:

Short response time for a given piece of work.

High throughput (rate of processing work).

Low utilization of computing resource(s)

High availability of the computing system or application.

Fast (or highly compact) data compression and decompression.

High bandwidth / short data transmission time.

System Software and Utilities

WindowsMac

Linux

Well-Known Operating Systems

Specifications to Look at when Buying O.S

DesignCost

Speed Applications

Security FeaturesMaintenanceEase of Use

Windows 7 Mac OS X Lion

Cost 119$ - 219$ 29$ - 69$

Speed Speed improved a lot with windows 7 compared to other version of windows but mac OS X Lion is still faster.

Boot Time is faster, web browsing experience is also faster. Mac Pro and MacBook Pros compare well with high-end PCs.

Applications Applications can be downloaded on Microsoft but only few are given. Mostly only 3rd party apps are downloaded.

Mac App Store – offers users the chance to download a wide range of applications straight from the platform.

Program Compatibility

The largest library of programs and applications. Almost all hardware has drivers which are compatible with Windows. 

Limited to Apple-manufactured hardware. Some hardware does not have Mac-compatible drivers.

Security Features

Prone to viruses, spyware, and adware if proper steps not taken.

Not a Target for virus or malware attacks, Supports strict separation of user and system files for maximum security against malware.

Maintenance Requires regular maintenance to avoid system errors and reduced performance

Very reliable OS, Less system Crash, High Performance.

Common users:

Businessmen/womenArtist ProgrammerNoobStudents

Artists Businesses

Students Noobs

MAC Windows Windows Windows

Developers originally created all the major illustration and graphic design software packages for Mac systems.

- Greater assurance that third-party hardware will work, Easy Use, Cheaper Hardware Machines,

Easier to use, Microsoft Office, Cheaper Hardware, Schools often use Windows.

Easier to use, can ask help from anyone regarding on how to use programs

Programmers Advanced Users

Any OS will do Linux

 Good languages/frameworks will run in any OS.

-Reliable with good performance and low requirements. -Large selection of Linux distributions to choose from. -Advanced use and installation of some software may require more advanced knowledge.-Can run many Windows programs with the use of a compatibility layer.

Well-Known Mobile Operating Systems

Windows (HTC Arrive)Iphone OS (Iphone 4)

Google Android (Dell Streak)Blackberry (Torch)Symbian OS (N8)

 

Mobile O.S we recommend is either Apple, or Google Android.

Android knows better than any other OS how to manage Google maps, Gmail, Geolocators, browsers, and a lot of other Google applications. 

Many people might disagree and will consider Blackberry or Android as better, but once you use its full capacity then you realize what's the Magic of Apple.

Specifi cations for File Compression Utility

WinZip WinRAR ALZipPrice $29.95 $29.00 $29.95

Supported Compression files

ZIP ZIP ZIP

RAR 7z

ALZ

Bzip/BZ2

CAB

TAR

Supported Extraction FilesZIP ZIP ZIPRAR RAR RAR7Z 7z 7zBzip2 ACE ACECAB ARJ ALZLHA/LZH Bzip2 ARCTAR CAB ARJISO LHA/LZH Bzip2IMG ISO CAB

LHA/LZHISOIMG

Technical Help/Support

Email Support

Email Support

Online Help

Online Help

User Manual/ User Guide

User Manual/ User Guide

User Manual/ User Guide

FAQ User Forums

FAQ

Supported Configuration

Windows Vista

Windows Vista

Windows Vista

Windows XP

Windows XP

Windows XP

Windows 2000

Windows 2000

Windows 2000

Mac

Linux

Specifi cations for Media Player UtilityMediaMonkey Winamp JetAudio

Price $19.95 $19.95 $29.00

Music ManagementAutomatic Library Organization

Automatic Library Organization

Automatic Library Organization

File Info Editing File Info Editing File Info Editing

Tagging Tagging Tagging

Album Art Support

Album Art Support

Searches for file info

Searches for file info

Searches for file info

Music PlayerPlaylists Playlists Playlists

DJ/ Party Mode

Visualizers

Visualizers

Visualizers

Equalizer Equalizer

Equalizer

Additional Features

CD Burning/ Ripping

CD Burning/ Ripping

CD Burning/ Ripping

Conversions Multiple Languages

Conversions

Portable Media Device Support

Conversions Portable Media Device Support

Addons (Plugins)

Portable Media Device Support

Addons (Plugins)

Addons (Plugins)

Recording Technology

Help & SupportEmail Email Online Chat

Forums Forums Email

Forums

Specifications for Antivirus Software

Protection TechnologyScanning CapabilitiesCostAdditional FeaturesThreat DetectionUpdates

Bitdefender Antivirus

Avira Antivirus

Cost $29.95 $23.49

Threat Detection Virus, Worm, Trojan, Spyware, Malware

Virus, Worm, Trojan, Spyware, Malware

Additional Features Password Protect, User Profile, Self-Defense, Game Mode, Battery Saving Mode, Report Logging

Report Logging,Rescue CD, Scheduling

Updates Automatic and Manual Definition Updates, Push Updates

Automatic and Manual Definition Updates. Scheduled Updates

Scanning Capabilites On-access scanning, Manual, Quarantine, Auto-clean, Scan USB, Quick and Deep Scan

On-access scanning, Manual, Quarantine, Auto-clean, Scan USB

Protection Technology

Blacklisting, Virus Signatures, Security Network, Real-Time

Virus Signatures, Security Network, Real-Time

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Elements-of-an-Operating-System&id=2575762

http://www.pcworld.com/article/129284/the_right_operating_system_for_you.html

http://www.businessinsQider.com/android-iphone-market-share-2011-4

http://newstonight.net/content/google-android-most-dominant-globally

http://technology.inquirer.net/1793/smart-sees-google%E2%80%99s-android-os-dominating-ph-market/

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Feature/92605,32-reasons-why-pcs-are-better-than-macs.aspx

http://apcmag.com/15_reasons_macs_are_still_better_than_windows.htm

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/google-android-vs-apple-ios-handicapping-the-2011-death-match/7411