Computer System Software Resources
Device drivers The device drivers are installed to make external hardware, such as the printer and mouse, to perform their tasks. What a device driver does is to change the general instructions of the already installed operating system software to more specific ones that will be understood by the external devices. Operating systems usually come with device drivers for external computer hardware but if the hardware to be added is not recognized on the operating system, then a new device driver must be installed before it can be used. Device drivers are downloadable and easy to install. The operating system The operating system is the most important program of the computer. It helps both the hardware and software components of the computer to perform their functions. The functions of the operating system include file management, provision of indicators for information management, controlling the computer memory, interpreting input from the external devices and executing output operations. The types of operating systems are the multiuser, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading and real-time operating system.
Servers A server is the computer software installed on a dedicated computer to connect other computers or electronic devices so that their performance can be easily controlled. They are used in large organizations to reduce the stress of carrying files about and sharing information. They are also used to provide information to computer users outside the organization through the internet. Some of the types of servers are web servers, print servers, database servers and enterprise servers. Utilities Utilities are computer software used to get the best of the computer. Utilities are operated by trained professionals because of the high level of skills required. Some examples of utilities are the disk storage utilities, disk defragmenters, disk checkers, disk cleaners, hex editors, anti-virus, data compression, system profiler and screensavers. The disk defragmenters are used to identify files that are stored in the computer hard disk and increase the efficiency of the computer files by sorting and separating the correct ones from the incorrect/broken files. The system profiler is used to find details about any installed software or attached hardware on the computer. Hex editors are tools used to modify files while the anti-virus is used to scan computers to detect the presence of virus in order to eliminate them. Window systems The window system is software that makes it possible for computer users to make use of symbols and pointing devices. Thus, it supports the installation of graphics hardware. With the Windows System, it is also possible for the computer operator to work with more than one program at the same time. Examples of window systems include: Sun View, Xfast, Xynth, Qtopia, MicroXwin, Wayland, GM, OPIE, X window system, Y window system and MicroWindows. |
