In this module, you will learn about the system software that allows computers to operate effectively and provides the environment in which applications can run. You will begin by exploring the purpose and main functions of an operating system, including providing a user interface, managing memory and multitasking, controlling peripheral devices, managing users and access rights, and organising files and folders.
You will examine different ways users can interact with an operating system through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line interfaces (CLIs). You will also learn how operating systems allocate memory, share processor time between running processes, communicate with hardware using device drivers, and manage user accounts, permissions, files, and folders.
Next, you will explore utility software and the specific maintenance, security, and housekeeping tasks it performs. You will learn how encryption software protects data from unauthorised access, how defragmentation reorganises fragmented data on magnetic hard disk drives to improve access times, and how compression reduces file sizes and can combine files into compressed archives.
By understanding operating systems and utility software, you will see how system software manages computer resources, supports users and applications, protects data, and helps maintain the efficient operation of a computer system.
Lessons
2
Completed
0/2
Proficiency