SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Subject:
COMPUTER STUDIES
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Term:
First Term
Week:
Week 2
Class:
JSS 2 / BASIC 8
Previous lesson:
Pupils have previous knowledge of
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
that was taught in their previous lesson
Topic:
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Behavioural objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to
- say the meaning of the system software
- mention types of system software
- explain the uses of system
Instructional Materials:
- Wall charts
- Pictures
- Related Online Video
- Flash Cards
Methods of Teaching:
- Class Discussion
- Group Discussion
- Asking Questions
- Explanation
- Role Modelling
- Role Delegation
Reference Materials:
- Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum
- Workbooks
Content
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Meaning of System Software
System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer system and provide basic functionality. It can be divided into two main categories: operating system (OS) software and application software.
Operating system software provides the most basic level of functionality for a computer system. It manages the hardware and software resources of the system and provides a platform for other software to run on. Common features of operating system software include task scheduling, memory management, file system management and input/output (I/O) control.
Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for the user. It includes a wide range of programs, such as word processors, web browsers, email clients, media players and so on. Most application software is written for a specific operating system, such as Windows, macOS or Linux.
System software is an essential part of any computer system and plays a vital role in its operation. Without system software, a computer system would be unable to function.
System software consists of a program that controls or maintains the operations of the computer and its devices. It serves as the interface between the user, the application software and the computer’s hardware. They are programs that enhance the performance operations of computers.
Types of System Software
- Operating System
- Language Translators
- Utilities
- Device Driver
1. Operating System:
This is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. It also contains instructions that allow users to run application software. When a user starts a computer, portions of the operating system (OS) load into memory from the computer’s hard disk. It remains in memory while the computer is on. The operating system provides a means for users to communicate with other software.
Examples of Operating System
(i) Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS)
(ii) Windows OS
(iii) Linux
(iv) Unix
(v) Xenia
(vi) Ubuntu
(vii) Novell Netware
(viii) MAC OS
(ix) Symbian OS
(x) Palm OS
(x) JAVA etc
Evaluation
1. System software is a type of software that manages and controls the computer’s resources.
2. What are some common system software programs?
3. How does system software work?
4. Why do we need system software?
5. How has system software evolved over the years?
2. Language Translator:
The computer is like human beings that understand language and can also interact with the user. But the only language the computer understands is called machine language. This machine language is made up of only 0’s and 1’s. Humans do not use this kind of language but rather English language. When a computer program is written in English language form, it is said to be a High-Level Language. Because humans must instruct the computer machine on how to carry out specific tasks, there is need for them to write programs that will instruct the computer machine. But humans cannot use machine language because it is very difficult to write a program in that language. Therefore, the language translator now helps to translate the program written in English language (high Level Language) into Machine Language (0’s and 1’s) for the computer to understand and then perform the task. A program written in high-level language is called source code while the program format it is translated into is called object code (machine code). To convert the source code into object code (machine language which is made up of 0’s and 1’s), Language translators are needed.
Language Translator
Language translator is a program that converts the source code into the object code
Examples of Language Translators
(i) Compiler: Compiler is a language translator which is used to convert programs written in High-Level Language all at once to low-level language. It translates the entire program and also reports the errors in source program encountered during the translation.
(ii) Interpreter: Interpreter is a language translator which is used to convert programs in high-level language to low-level language. Interpreter translates the program line by line and reports the error once it encountered during the translation process.
(iii) Assemblers: Assembler is a language translator which is used to translate a program written in Assembly language to machine language code.
3. Utilities:
These are kinds of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility or tool. They are used for general house-keeping functions of the computer such as repairing the computer, copying, sorting files etc.
Examples of Utilities
- Norton utilities
- Antivirus,
- Scandisk
- Windows explorer, etc.
4. Device Driver:
A device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details of the hardware being used.
A driver communicates with the device through the computer bus or communications subsystem to which the hardware connects. When a calling program invokes a routine in the driver, the driver issues command to the device. Once the device sends data back to the driver, the driver may invoke routines in the original calling program. Drivers are hardware dependent and operating-system-specific.
Presentation:
The topic is presented step by step
Step 1:
The class teacher revises the previous topics
Step 2:
He introduces the new topic
Step 3:
The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise
Evaluation
1. What is the purpose of system software? Mention two
2. How does system software work? Briefly explain in not more than 50 words.
3. What are the different types of system software?
4. Why is it important to have system software?
5. Can you think of an example of a situation where system software would be used?
Conclusion
The class teacher wraps up or concludes the lesson by giving out a short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.
The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written by the pupils.
He or she makes the necessary corrections when and where the needs arise.
