Introduction to computer science dessalegn Mequanint Yehuala Foreword

Multi user operating system
It supports a number of workstations connected to a central system.
A number of users can use the resources of one high capacity computer by the help of
terminals.
Real Time Operating System
I.
A real time operating system is a system that manages the resources of a
computer system based on deadlines.
II.
Its primary characteristics is that it responds to an event within a well defined
time. in other words meeting deadline for a particular event is a must.

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Introduction To Computer Science
44
Language Software
Language software is a generic name consisting of various programs that serve as editors and
translators to develop programs using programming languages.
Programming languages are broadly classified into:
a. High-level
b. Low-level
Examples of high-level programming languages include C, C++ Java, FORTRAN, etc
Tools such as compilers and interpreters are used to convert programs written in high level
languages into machine or low-level language or object code.
Low-level languages are expressed in binary digits, which is the only language the computer
can understand.
Application Software
A software designed for a specific purpose is known as application software. Examples of
application software include:
I.
Word-processing software such as Microsoft Word,
II.
Spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel,
III.
Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint,
IV.
etc.
Activity Conclusion
A software or program is defined as a set of instructions that directs the computer hardware to
accomplish a given task. In this activity you have been introduced to the broader classification
software, that is software divided into two types, system software and application software.
System software usually performs generic tasks such as managing the hardware resources of a
computer system. Whereas applications software are designed for a specific purpose.

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Computer System
45
Assessment: Reflective Activities:
1.
In a computer system which component is more important, the hardware
or the software?
2.
Define what an operating system means? And give two examples of
operating systems commonly used for personal or office use.
3.
Explain the difference between single user operating system versus
multiuser operating system.
4.
Define the term application software and give an example of applications
software commonly used for creating and editing documents, as well as
creating presentation slides.
Answers:
• Both the hardware and software are equally important, one without the other is
unthinkable.
• An operating system is a software which enables a user to interact with a
computer. Examples: Microsoft Windows Operating system, Linux, Unix, etc.
• A single user operating system only serves one user at a time whereas a multiuser
operating system serves two or more users parallaly.
• Application software is a software designed or developed for a specific purpose.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint.