Tech Unit 3

benchmark

a measurement for assessing, rating, and ranking performance

batch processing

a series of computer programs that run without manual intervention

compiler

a software program that translates programming language source code into another computer language

open source

a type of software that can be freely used (modified, adapted) by other users without the limitations of a proprietary brand

assistive technology

technology that aids physically challenged users to interact with computers

buffering

temporary memory that stores input and output data

link-loading

the amount of data that a link carries in an operating system

operating system kernel

the central core of a computer system

Spike testing.

This is good for discovering whether the system can tolerate an unexpected increase in load.

Microsoft

- 1975 -Bill Gates and Paul Allen -IBM hired them to invent a new operating system called MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) - MS-DOS is an operating system that will command-line instructions, revolutionized the way users interact with computers. - when buying this brand (IBM) users were locked in -IBM eventually focused on the business sector while Microsoft, in the mid-1980s, was positioning itself for home computing - 1985, Microsoft shipped its first version of Windows, Windows 1.0, a nod to the growing consumer interest in GUIs allowed computer users to interact with their computers via such visual interfaces as scroll bars, drop-down menus, and icons

What operating systems (OS) do:

- manages hardware and software resources - "traffic cops," making sure no programs restrict other programs and inputs from communicating with the central processing unit (CPU) - these systems act as mediators, regulating and balancing demands on memory and storage while trying to keep all resources optimized for the welfare of the entire computer system - regulates the programs and ensures that all programs and inputs can communicate equally - But all are different

System Development Stages

-Preliminary analysis: Every information system is created as a response to a particular problem. - Systems analysis, requirements definition - Systems design: It is at this stage that an information system -Development: Here's where programmers weighed in, creating the code for the application - Integration and testing: In this "where the rubber meets the road" phase. Test the system's application in order to find all bugs that could degrade performance - Acceptance, installation, deployment: These are all separate events that culminate in the finale - Maintenance: Resources (people, hardware, software) are still dedicated in this phase, but may involve different people than the project team

Apple

-Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak -used character cell-based color graphics and an open architecture, which separated it from its rivals - Software Arts, chose Apple II as its platform, giving Apple its first big break in the business market - failed without Jobs, when he returned market was a ripe target for his inspired line of new products, with the iMac garnering the most attention -Apple the largest smartphone provider in the world.

utilities

-backing up disk data. This is very useful for restoring files that are accidentally deleted. -compressing data. Disk space can be freed up by making files smaller. Disk compression utilities also maximize disk capacity. -scanning for viruses. This utility checks for virus activity and logs results. -managing files. Like having a private secretary, this utility performs such tasks as cataloging, deleting, renaming, merging, and copying files. -managing the network. Computer strength is often directly related to the health of its network. This utility verifies data transfer and network connectivity and can also configure network settings. -encrypting data. This is an important security function that not only encrypts but decrypts file information.

What do operating systems do?

-executes and manages routines, drivers, and user-level programs. Acting like a traffic cop, it also directs the traffic between input and output and peripheral devices. Also, it mediates memory usage.

Linux

-linked to one of the most revolutionary and forward-looking concepts in collaborative software: free and open source software -refers only to its operating system kernel.... source can be used, modified, and distributed, which is the reason you will find it as part of such popular embedded operating systems as Android -has the distinction of being ported to more computer hardware platforms than any other operating system. It's the preferred system for servers and other enterprise-located mainframe and supercomputers. -

Multiuser

-makes it possible for simultaneous access to a computer's resources by multiple users -different requests of these users need to be acknowledged and processed -example: UNIX

files

-pieces of information stored in the computer in permanent form -files are accessed by computer programs on a "create, modify, or delete" basis -maintained in a hierarchy, an organizing structure composed of folders, directories, or catalogs -computer systems use extensions in file names to denote the type of file

What does computer software engineer do?

-research, design, and test system software, compilers, and network distribution software -create operational specifications and software requirements -be fluent in computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis -possible fields of work: aerospace, health care, enterprise, and manufacturing -least 80 percent of software engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, or software engineering

tasks

-series of instructions retrieved from memory when specific functions are needed -modern computers can run multiple tasks at a time

Single tasking/multitasking

-single tasking: they executed only one program at a time - multitask: allowing users to do such varied tasks as word process, download files, and play audio tracks all at the same time (Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, and Linux)

Embedded

-specialized, compact, and highly efficient operating systems are found in small computing devices that use a limited number of resources (PDAs) -Windows CE and Android (used in smart phones and portable devices)

Distributed

-spreads the functions of a single computer among a group of computers that are linked on a network -no single point of failure with multiple computers and that cost efficiencies can be gained from distributing tasks among computers on the network - Examples: telecommunication networks; the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW); massive multiplayer online games; and industrial control systems.

file extentions

.doc Microsoft Word document .rtf Rich Text Format file .txt Plain Text file .ppt PowerPoint presentation .mp3 MP3 audio file .wmv Windows Media video file .jpg JPEG image .sys Windows system file .cfg Configuration file

Most popular operating systems:

1: Microsoft's Windows Operating System 2: MacOS 3: Linux (the preferred operating system for servers, mainframes, and supercomputers)

What to do if your booting option do not work:

A "boot disk," accessible by reading from a device such as a flash drive or a CD/DVD/ROM player, can resurrect a computer. The disk contains a skeletal operating system, which holds just enough information to get the computer back up and running.

How to grade your functional requierments?

Cohesive: Scope is confined to what your system can actually deliver. Complete: Functionality of your system is explained as fully as possible. Consistent: You document your system in a consistent manner with no contradictory statements. Traceable: You document your system completely so that all key stakeholders understand the scope. Feasible: You can implement your system within the project's scope and related limitations. Verifiable: Your system must be able to withstand testing and validation methods.

How are computer software engineers and IT workers different?

Compared with programmers who often toil alone creating code, computer software engineers work more in team settings where they collaborate together to meet project and release deadlines. Overall, a computer software engineer's tasks are considered to have more potential for creative approaches. Engineers are encouraged to think outside the box.

Benefits of Windows

Compatibility: Windows works well with almost all applications and drivers. Universality: As a mature product, Windows has a large technical support base. Functionality: Along the way, Microsoft has incorporated many concepts from other competitors.

Stress testing

This is used for assessing the upper limit of work a system can do. Consider it "extreme testing."

device drivers

Every device connected to your computer, such as a printer or fax machine, needs this piece of system software. Very specific in nature, the necessary type of device driver is unique to the operating system and the hardware

Configuration testing

This is used for determining whether the system works better with one configuration over another

Isolation testing

This is used to pinpoint a system issue

when naming operating systems, name them after household things so that your consumers will remember

LINUX: This operating system, which is found on mainframe and server systems, is a mash up of the words "Linus" and "Minix." This is the name the LINUX kernel creator, Linus Torvalds, was originally going to name his system. Microsoft Windows: Earliest computers were accessed by command lines. While it wasn't the first brand to use a graphical user interface (GUI), Microsoft "Windows," with its hyperlinked icons, has become the most popular operating system to date. UNIX: This operating system, the brainchild of Dennis Ritchie's work for Bell Labs, owes its name to a variation of the word "MULTICS" (Multiplexed Information and Computing Service). It is installed in mobile devices, servers, and workstations. Macintosh: Macintosh is a type of apple. So, how did Apple get its name? Steve Jobs told his biographer, Walter Isaacson, that in the early days of his company, he was a "fruitarian" and had recently visited an apple farm in Oregon. When conferring with his business partner, Steve Wozniak, he thought the name was "fun, spirited, and not intimidating." Judging from the legions of avid Apple fans, Jobs's assessment was right on target!

Web operating systems

Often called webtops, these systems are thought of as traditional operating systems that support web-based applications

visualizing the mess

People: These people include Reyes, her boss, the team members who report to Reyes (software developers, system support managers, and hardware engineers), as well as all the other employees in Auroralle's IT division. All of them will access, from time to time, a number of information systems. Procedures: These are the instructions that information systems in Auroralle's IT division use to coordinate and regulate all these components in order to process information. Hardware: the hardware (network and peripheral devices, printers, scanners, servers) that supports all of Auroralle's information systems Software: the software that supports all of Auroralle's information systems at the system, application and utility levels Data: all the information that is input, manipulated, and output by Auroralle's information systems Networks: the networks that share and transmit data related to Auroralle's information systems

Cons of Apple:

Price: A Mac typically costs more than a Windows-based computer system. Compatibility: Fewer applications run on a Mac than on a Windows-based computer system. Convenience: Should you want to switch operating systems, you can't run Windows or another operating system on your Mac unless it is fitted with dual boot capabilities that would allow the system to run two operating systems.

Benefits of Linux

Price: It is free. Compatibility: Linux's kernel is compatible with many other software brands. Security: Linux is considered to be much more virus-resistant than Windows.

Benefits of Apple

Safety: Macs are considered less vulnerable to virus attacks than Windows. Looks: Steve Jobs was considered a connoisseur of design. He was meticulous about details, which many believe contributes to the passionate loyalty Apple users have for the brand. Reliability: Unlike Windows, when you buy a Mac, you commit yourself to one entire hardware and software product line. No wiggle room for options because Mac's OS works only with Mac hardware. Mac hardware and software have been designed to work together.

Rear Admiral Grace Hopper

She was instrumental in developing an early computer and is credited with inventing the compiler, a landmark concept that paved the way for the creation of more sophisticated and powerful computer languages

Load testing

This is good for assessing how the system operates when a specific number of concurrent users do specific work within a defined period of time.

What can computer software engineers specialize in?

System Management Companies rely on engineers in these positions to understand operating systems and application software. They also depend on these workers to recommend upgrades. System Support Engineers in this niche are expected to offer monitoring and remedial expertise for ongoing system maintenance. System Development Engineers in this specialty develop user programming.

Endurance testing (soak testing)

This is good for determining whether the system can tolerate a specific load for a specific amount of time.

Network operating systems

These systems are most often found in a local area network (LAN) or a virtual private network (VPN) in which users share files and printer access.

Cons of Linux

Versatility: Since Linux needs other bundled products, it is less versatile than MacOS or Windows. Support: Linux's support system is not as robust as Apple's or Microsoft's.

Cons about Windows

Vulnerability: Windows is more susceptible to viruses than other brands of operating systems. Energy use: Windows functions require many system resources. Price: Windows is costly when compared with other brands.

Types of Booting option

When you initialize a computer that is powered off, you are "cold-booting" it A "warm boot," done when a computer is already up and running, typically takes a shorter period of time become it has already gone through the initialization instructions; a warm boot solely restarts the operating system.

skills that are needed in this vital part of the information technology sector

active listening: This is a "soft skill" that can make the difference between on-the-job success and failure. When your fellow workers bring you complaints about the operating systems they use, you must be able to listen carefully to their issues without rushing to judgment or making hasty assumptions that may later prove to be false. extended learning: You will be expected to understand the foundations of operating system technology, computer operations, and supporting hardware/network architecture and configurations. Additionally, you will be expected to understand and install the continual stream of system patches and system versions that will be needed to keep your operating systems current. system analyzing and evaluating: You will need the knowledge and ability to evaluate existing and proposed operating systems and recommend upgrades and/or modifications. troubleshooting: Effectively executing this skill often separates the "real pros" from "wannabe" analysts. You will need to diagnose and resolve operating system failures. You may also be asked to develop and execute test schemes and diagnostic procedures. teaming: You may spend many hours alone supporting your systems. But typically, you will also be a part of a team or several teams working on a common project together. Additionally, you may interact with maintenance vendors and other support personnel. technical writing: You will be expected to establish and document operations procedures. It is also very likely that you will need to submit frequent status reports and other communications to your immediate boss and teammates. Since many of your colleagues may not be expected to maintain the same level of technical knowledge as you, your challenge will be to communicate issues and updates in a clear and concise style that they can understand.

batch processing

batch processing belongs to the category called transaction-processing systems

prototyping

building a model or sample that replicates the characteristics of the product being developed

remedial

computer function whose purpose is to correct or alleviate an issue

Functional requirements

describe the set of tasks that the system will execute; for example, a GIS system features modeling techniques that work with captured data. You will sometimes see these requirements referred to as "capabilities."

Most popular operating systems are determined by:

determined by studying the market share of computer sales worldwide (used as benchmark)

bootstrapping

executing computer code that checks out the system hardware, initializing a set of variables that includes date, time, and device progression

Canada Geographic Information System

first computerized geographic information system (GIS) in the world

transaction-processing systems

focuses on work that is characterized by individual operations or transactions

System software

group of programs that manage computer resources and operations of a computer system during the execution of tasks such as processing data and information and controlling hardware components and user access to application software

Nonfunctional requirements

include system attributes that are less transparent to users. They can include aspects of "look and feel," performance as controlled by CPU and memory; safety, and reliability (such as hardware failure rates).

pseudocode

informal high-level description of a computer principle

Real time operating system (RTOS)

manages computer resources for predictable and repeatable tasks so that a particular operation executes in precisely the same amount of time, every time it occurs (used for controlling machinery, scientific instruments, and industrial systems)

multitasking

operating systems that "multitask" manage several tasks executing at the same time

When were operating systems introduced?

operating systems were introduced in the early 1950s

Architectural requirements

paint a picture of the required system architecture.

Constraint requirements

represent the limits on the system's operations. For example, a system's network throughput may put limits on the system's operations.

central processing unit

the hardware in a computer system that performs arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations; CPU

transaction

unit of work

Boot code

you execute a comparatively small program that does very big and important things. The code checks out the system hardware, initializing a set of variables that include date, time, and device progression; in a sense, the code "wakes up" the computer's internal peripheral devices (such as its hard drives). During this booting process, communication ports and the operating system are also put on alert that it's time to do work