OPERATING SYSTEM AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Computers operating system and application software

Operating System (OS)

Operating System is the basic software that controls a computer. It acts as an intermediary between the user of a computer and the computer hardware. The operating system has three major functions: It coordinates and manipulates computer hardware, such as computer memory, printers, disks, keyboard, mouse, and monitor; it organizes files on a variety of storage media, such as floppy disk, hard drive, compact disc, digital video disc, and tape; and it manages hardware errors and the loss of data.

Operating systems control different computer processes, such as running application programs or accessing information from the computer's memory. One important process is interpreting commands, enabling the user to communicate with the computer. Some command interpreters are text oriented, requiring commands to be typed in or to be selected via function keys on a keyboard. Other command interpreters use graphics and let the user communicate by pointing and clicking on an icon, an on-screen picture that represents a specific command.

Examples of Operating system

Operating systems are either single-tasking or multitasking:

1. The single-tasking (CLI – Command Line Interface) operating systems can run only one process at a time. For instance, when the computer is printing a document, it cannot start another process or respond to new commands until the printing is completed. Examples are DOS – Disk Operating System, MS – DOS (Microsoft DOS), IBM – DOS (International Business Machine DOS), PC – DOS (Personal Computer DOS) etc.
2. All modern operating systems are multitasking (GUI – Graphic User Interface) and can run several processes simultaneously. Examples are Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Ubuntu etc.

Functions of operating system

1. Operating system allocates computer resources such as sharing of RAM memory, disk management etc. in an efficient manner.
2. It monitors the computer system into performing many different activities.
3. It comprises of utility programs which allows the user to perform maintenance and care to the computer system.
4. It makes a computer more convenient to use and user friendly.
5. It provides a platform for third party applications to run on the computer system.
6. It is constructed in such a way that it permits the effective development, testing and introduction of new system functions without interfering with service.

Application Software

Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks. They are written to solve a particular problem.

Types of application software

There are two types of application software, namely:

1. User application software
2. Application Packages

User Application Software – This is designed to meet the need of specific users. The software may be written for the users within an organization such as banking software or contracted to external programmers.

Application Packages – These are commercialized software designed to perform various categories of user functions. They are also collection of related application software that performs the same task or function.

Categories of application packages

1. Word Processing – It is the writing, editing, formatting and printing of words in a document. Examples of the application packages are MS Word, PC Writer, Loco Script, WordPad, Notepad, Word Star etc.
2. Spreadsheets – They are used for mathematical calculations. They allow users to electronically create and manipulate tables of numbers to be put together for calculations. Examples of the packages are MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro, Visual Calculator, Stat View, Spread32 etc.
3. Database –A database is a collection of related information that can be manipulated and used to sort information, conduct statistical analyses or generate reports. Database Management Applications are computer programs that let people create and manipulate data in a database. Examples are MS Access, Oracle, Paradox, My SQL, SQ Lite, Dbase IV etc.
4. Graphics –These are computer programs that enable users to create professional designs and reports through the use of texts, symbols and images. Examples are CorelDraw, Photoshop, Print Artist, MS Paint, PageMaker etc.
5. Presentations – They enable users to create highly stylized images for slide presentation and reports. A presentation is a collection of slides in one file. Examples of the application packages are MS PowerPoint, Astound, Digital Chisel, Core Presentation, Macromedia Flash etc.
6. Games – They are used for entertainment purposes. Examples are Test Drive, Chicken Invaders, Mortal Kombat, Angry Birds, Aerial Fire, Chess, Scrabble, GTA etc.

Packages for specialized areas

1. Accounting Software such as Peach Tree, My AB Accounting etc.
2. Payroll Programs
3. Banking software
4. Educational management software such as Encarta Kids, Encyclopedia, CAL, CAI etc.
5. Statistical Packages
6. Hospital management software etc.

How does the OS help Software Applications run on the computer?

Software applications feed the CPU with the instructions it needs to process data. These instructions take the form of computer code. Every software applications, no matter what its type or manufacturer, needs to interact with the CPU. For programs to work with the CPU, they must contain code that the CPU recognizes. Rather than having the same blocks of code for similar procedures in each software application, the OS itself includes the blocks of code that software applications need in order to interact with it. These are called APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACES (APIs). For example, Microsoft Direct X is a group of multimedia APIs built into windows that improve graphics and sounds when you are playing games or watching video on your PC.

So, software developers need only refer to the API code blocks in developing their software instead of including the entire code in the application itself. This helps to avoid redundancies in software code and also makes it easier for software developers to respond to changes in the OS.

Large software developers such as Microsoft, Corel, Adobe and others use the same APIs in all or most of their software applications since the APIs coordinate with the OS. The APIs makes them have the same look, features and share the same format enabling the applications to share documents such as you designed a graphic in MS Paint and you use it in CorelDraw or MS Paint or PageMaker.

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Compiled by AdeDanCompTech

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