A computer cannot perform any task with the hardware
only. A set of instructions is required to direct the computer on what needs to
be done. The set of instruction is called a program and a set of interlinked
programs is software.
Software can be broadly classified as system software
and application software. Software that provides basic functions of the the
computer is called system software. Software, which is employed by users,scuh
as teachers and students, to accomplish specific tasks, is called application
software. Paint is an of application software. You use an application or progam
to create, modiy, or delete data stored on youtr computer.
OS- an operating system is the software that manages
and controls the working of computer. The moment you turn on the computer, it
checks that all of the computer’s
internal devices, such as RAM, ROM and peripheral devices, such as printer and
montor, are functioning properly. After these checks are successful, the
operating system loads. Some examples of operating system are UNIX, which is
used in corporate and university setting, Mac and Windows. Operating system
undergo improvement and have different versions. There are different versions of the Windows
Operating System ----Windown 95, Windown 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and
Windown xp.
You interact or communicate with a computer through
the user interace provided by the operating system. The user interface can be
text-based or graphical. Text-based operating system, such as the old MS DOS
,are less intuitive, because they depend on text commands made up ofvarious
words and symbols, which the user has to memorise. Windiws xp, on the other
hand, is a good of a graphical operating system. It provides graphical user
interface that user visual components rather then text to help you interact
with an application. It provides menus and toolbar contain commands to perform
specific tasks. These commsnds are presented in everyday language or as
pictures. All you need to do is click a command from the menu toolbar, and
Windows will do the rest. This user-friendly interface allows even users with
limited skills access to the many benefits of computers.
An operating system performs the following functions :
1.The operating system receives inputs in the form of
commands and clicks, and translates it into a form that the computer can
understand and process. Similarly, the processed results are conerted into a
form that the user can understand. Thus, theoperating system acts as an
intermediary between the user and the
computer hardware.
2. handling data transfer to and from devices, such as
hard disks and printer.
3. Managing the storage space.
4. ensuring that the system resources are utilized by
authorized users only.
