Answers 6

1. Define system software and identify the two types of system software.

• System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.

The types of system software are: The computer BIOS and device firmware, which provide basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer.

2. Briefly describe various server operating systems: Windows Server, UNIX,Linux, Solaris, and NetWare.

• Windows Server is a brand name for a group of server operating systems released by Microsoft Corporation.
• UNIX operating systems are widely used in servers, workstations, and mobile devices.
• Linux refers to the family of Unix-like computer operating systems using the Linux kernel. Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers, routers and video game consoles, to desktop computers, mainframes and supercomputers.
• Solaris is a UNIX operating system originally developed by Sun Microsystems. Solaris supports SPARC-based and x86-based workstations and servers from Sun and other vendors.
• NetWare is a network operating system developed by Novell, Inc. It initially used cooperative multitasking to run various services on a personal computer, with network protocols based on the archetypal Xerox Network Systems stack.

3. Summarize the features of several embedded operating systems: Windows Embedded CE, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, iPhone OS, BlackBerry, Google Android, Embedded Linux, and Symbian OS.

1. Windows CE (now officially known as Windows Embedded Compact and previously also known as Windows Embedded CE) is a distinct operating system rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows. Windows CE is optimized for devices that have minimal storage—a Windows CE kernel may run in under a megabyte of memory.

2.      Windows Mobile for Pocket PC has these standard features:

• Today screen shows the current date, owner information, upcoming appointments, e-mail messages, and tasks.

·        The taskbar shows the current time and the audio volume.

·        Office mobile, a suite of Mobile versions of Microsoft office application, including outlook mobile.

3. Palm OS is designed for ease of use with a touchscreen-based graphical user interface.

·        Simple, single-tasking environment to allow launching of full screen applications  with a basic, common GUI set

·        Monochrome or color screens with resolutions up to 480x320 pixel

4. iOS (known as iPhone OS before June 2010) is apple's mobile operating system.

4. Explain the purpose of several utility programs: file manager, search utility, image viewer, uninstaller, disk cleanup, disk defragmenter, backup and
restore utilities, screen saver, personal firewall, antivirus programs, spyware and adware removers, Internet filters, file compression, media player, disc burning, and personal computer maintenance.