Software & Operating System: Types, Functions and Methods
Software awareness tests whether a candidate can separate the programs that run a computer from the programs that a user runs, and whether the functions and types of an operating system are clear. The questions are fact based and repeat across years, so a candidate who learns the standard definitions and a few classifications can answer the whole set with confidence.
This deep-study note covers the basic terms, the main kinds of software, the functions of an operating system, its common types, file systems, language processors, the question patterns, a solving method, the traps examiners set and a preparation plan. After reading it, a candidate should be able to classify any program and describe the work of an operating system without hesitation.
Basic Terms
- Software: a set of programs and instructions that directs the hardware of a computer.
- System software: software that runs the computer itself, such as an operating system.
- Application software: software that does a user's task, such as a word processor or a spreadsheet.
- Operating system: the master program that manages hardware, software and files and gives the user an interface.
- Kernel: the core of the operating system, which stays in memory and controls the most basic tasks.
- Utility software: a small tool that maintains the system, such as an antivirus or a disk cleaner.
- Device driver: a program that lets the operating system talk to a particular hardware device.
- Firmware: software stored permanently in hardware, such as the BIOS.
- BIOS: the basic input output system that starts a computer and hands control to the operating system.
- Booting: the process of starting a computer and loading the operating system into memory.
- File: a named collection of related data stored on a storage device.
- File system: the method by which an operating system names, stores and retrieves files, such as NTFS or FAT.
Core Concepts and Rules
- Software is divided into system software and application software, and an operating system is system software.
- An operating system is the interface between the user and the hardware.
- The main functions of an operating system are process management, memory management, file management, device management and providing a user interface.
- The kernel is loaded first and remains in memory throughout the session.
- A command line interface uses typed commands, while a graphical user interface uses windows, icons and a mouse.
- Types of operating systems include batch, multiprogramming, multitasking, multiprocessing, time sharing, real time, distributed, embedded and mobile.
- A file system decides the naming rules, folders, permissions and the way space is allotted on a disk.
- Language processors translate between human-readable code and machine code.
- Booting is of two kinds, cold booting when the computer is switched on and warm booting when it is restarted.
- Application software cannot run without an operating system, because it depends on the system services.
Functions of an Operating System
An operating system manages processes by deciding which program runs and for how long, and it manages memory by giving each program the space it needs and taking it back when the program ends. It manages files through directories and permissions, and it manages devices through drivers that carry data to and from the hardware. It also provides the user interface, whether a command line or a graphical shell, and it enforces security through user accounts and access rights. On a shared machine it schedules the processor so that each user seems to have the computer to himself.
Types of Operating Systems
A batch operating system collects jobs and runs them one after another without user interaction. A multiprogramming system keeps several jobs in memory and switches the processor among them to use idle time. A multitasking system lets one user run several tasks at once. A multiprocessing system works with two or more processors together. A time sharing system gives each user a small slice of processor time so that many users share the machine. A real time system must respond within a fixed time and is used in control and defence work. A distributed system spreads the work over several connected computers, an embedded system is built into a device, and a mobile operating system is designed for phones and tablets.
Language Processors and File Systems
A language processor converts a program written by a person into a form the machine understands. An assembler converts assembly language into machine language, and a compiler converts a high-level language into machine language all at once, while an interpreter converts and runs it line by line. A linker joins several object modules and library routines into one program, and a loader places that program into memory for execution. A file system, such as NTFS, FAT, ext or HFS, decides how files and folders are named, where they are stored on the disk and who may read or change them.
Types of Questions Asked
The most common pattern asks whether a named program is system software or application software. The second asks a function of the operating system. The third asks which type of operating system suits a given task. The fourth asks the meaning of a term such as kernel, BIOS or booting. The fifth asks about language processors or the full form of a file system or a device. Direct full forms and classifications take most of the marks.
Steps to Solve a Software Question
First, read the question and see whether it asks for a classification, a function, a type or a full form. Second, if it asks for a classification, decide whether the program runs the computer or serves the user, because that separates system from application software. Third, if it asks for a function, recall the five main jobs of an operating system. Fourth, if it asks for a type, match the description with the correct kind, such as real time for fixed-time response. Fifth, remove options that mix categories. Finally, check the full form word by word, since one wrong word hides the correct answer.
Examination Trends
In Assam recruitment papers the classification of software, the functions of an operating system, types of operating systems and terms such as kernel, BIOS, booting and file system appear most often, followed by language processors and utility software. Questions are short and single fact based, so steady revision is enough. The same terms repeat with small changes, which makes this section quick to secure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not call an application software a system software, and remember the operating system is system software.
- Do not confuse the kernel with the whole operating system.
- Do not confuse a compiler with an interpreter; a compiler translates the whole program first.
- Do not mix BIOS with an operating system; BIOS is firmware.
- Do not confuse multitasking with multiprogramming, which involves several users or jobs.
- Do not overlook utility software, which maintains rather than runs the system.
How to Prepare This Topic
Make a two-column table of system software and application software, with five examples in each. Next write the five main functions of an operating system and, against each, one example. Then make a table of the types of operating systems with the situation in which each is used. Finally, write the language processors and what each does, and revise the file systems and full forms.
Attempt twenty questions a day and keep a register of the terms you got wrong, because the same terms recur. Revise the difference between a compiler and an interpreter, and between multitasking and multiprogramming, aloud, since these are the most common traps. In the last week revise only the tables and the register, and the section will be ready.
Quick Revision Tips
- An operating system is system software and the user interface.
- Its five functions are process, memory, file, device and interface management.
- A compiler translates all at once; an interpreter goes line by line.
- BIOS is firmware; kernel is the core of the operating system.
- Match each type of operating system to its use.
Final Revision Note
On the last day, revise the two-column software table, the functions list and the types of operating systems, then attempt a timed set of twenty questions. For every wrong answer, write the exact term that was missed. Software and operating system questions reward clear classifications, and a candidate who has them answers fast and gains easy marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an operating system system software or application software?
An operating system is system software, because it runs the computer and provides services to application software.
What are the main functions of an operating system?
Its main functions are process management, memory management, file management, device management and providing a user interface.
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the whole program into machine code at once, while an interpreter translates and runs the program line by line.
What is BIOS?
BIOS, the basic input output system, is firmware that starts the computer and hands control to the operating system.
What is the difference between multitasking and multiprogramming?
Multitasking lets one user run several tasks at once, while multiprogramming keeps several jobs in memory so the processor is never idle.