What it is and/or what it means
System software is “any computer software that provides the infrastructure over which programs can operate.” A well known example of system software is Microsoft Windows. There are two categories of system software and they are operating systems and utility programs. System software can be classified as an operating system. Some tasks that the operating system completes is “recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.”
Why is it important?
System software is important because it helps run the computer’s hardware and systems. Since the operating system is the most important part of all software activity, it is needed to run all other programs. Without an operating system one cannot communicate with their computer.
To whom is it important?
System software is important to everyone using a computer because that is how the computer functions.
Who should know about it?
Every computer user should know about system software. Everyone should know what it does and that it is the core of all computer programming. The system software is important to computer owners because it is important to keep it updated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_software
http://depts.alverno.edu/cil/mod1/software/system.html
An operating system (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and applications; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the limited resources of the computer. An operating system performs basic tasks such as recognizing input from a keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on disk and controlling peripheral devices; for example, disk drives and printers. A large system makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other and is also responsible for security (ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system. The operating system acts as a host for applications that are run on the machine. As a host, one of the purposes of an operating system is to handle the details of the operation of the hardware. This relieves application programs from having to manage these details and makes it easier to write applications. Almost all computers, including handheld computers, desktop computers, supercomputers, and even video game consoles, use an operating system of some type. The people who should know this are the ones that make the computers and game consoles.
Users may also interact with the operating system with some kind of software user interface (UI) like typing commands by using command line interface (CLI) or using a graphical user interface (GUI, commonly pronounced “gooey”). For hand-held and desktop computers, the user interface is generally considered part of the operating system.
Common contemporary operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, BSD and Solaris. Microsoft Windows has a significant majority of market share in the desktop and notebook computer markets, while servers generally run on Unix or Unix-like systems. Embedded device markets are split amongst several operating systems
The OS is important to anyone who uses a computer. Without an operating system you would only have barebones technology that would be extremely difficult to work with. Everyone should be aware of this technology and most people know the basics of working with it.
Source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/429897/operating-system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system
Sources: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/O/operating_system.html, http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CPU.htm, http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DOS.htm
What it is and/or what it means
Microsoft Windows 7, is the newest version of Microsoft Windows. Windows 7 is very similar to Windows Vista but there are some new features added to Windows 7.
Why is it important?
Microsoft Windows 7 is very important because it is a new updated version of Windows Vista. Bill Gates admitted that Vista has some flaws that need to be fixed. Since our world is constantly changing, so is our technology. New software needs to be created every couple of years because of how often changes take place. It is always important to have technology updated today because our world now revolves around technology so it is important it works to the best of its ability.
To whom is it important?
Windows 7 is important to every Windows user because that will be the new software on their computer. If created correctly, this new version will be very helpful to the windows user. It will be more hands on and accommodating to everyone who uses it.
Who should know about it?
Every Windows user should learn about Windows 7. You do not just want to put any random system on your computer, so it will be helpful to learn about it. Windows is an excellent and successful system, but it is still good to know what you are putting on your computer.
http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/ff.asp
· Stands for Basic input/output system. It is found in all computers and “makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and CPU function together. The BIOS is found in between the hardware and operating system in the motherboard and tells the hardware how to make the operating system run. They are able to be tweaked by the user and hardware can be turned on or off and overall system performance can be adjusted. These are just a few of the functions that are contained within the BIOS. It is a piece of software that is stored in flash memory.
· BIOS are important to advanced computer users and developers. Many computer repair professionals can use BIOS to fix computers by reinstalling certain programs if they were damaged.
· It is very important that a person has proper education of the BIOS before they attempt to alter it because it is very easy to fry a computer by adjusting the BIOS. Only computer science professionals with proper training need to know about BIOS. All home computer users can easily utilize computers without knowing about BIOS.
· http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bios.htm
· A firewall is a device that is implemented to protect the user’s computer from harmful viruses and internet hackers. Firewalls complete their tasks by implementing a set of security standards and controlling the traffic within the computer. Also, it protects the users of internet by monitoring the messages made in and out of the computer at all times.
· It is important because it protects the computer from infiltration and assists the user in deciding what things are safe or dangerous. It also can help contain infiltrations and keep the computer running longer. Firewalls are only successful if they are regularly updated and they implement standard security practices.
· Firewalls are important to all computer users because all computers need to be protected from outside access, especially with the increased activity on the internet and web viruses.
· Although it is important for all computer users to know about firewalls, large computer administrators should know about firewalls because a security threat could be detrimental to an entire network, such as an office building. Computer networks that are important, like government networks, should have strong firewalls to prevent infiltration of important information.