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Utility Software

                 Utility software  does housekeeping functions like  backing up disk  or scanning/cleaning  viruses or arranging
                 information etc. They ensure the smooth functioning of the computer.
                 If you switch on the computer, you are using the physical parts of the computer called hardware. The set of
                 changes you see on your screen before it displays your login screen that your operating system is getting activated
                 and ready to be with you till you are using a computer. When you work on a LibreOffice document, spreadsheet,
                 presentation, etc. then you are using application software installed in your computer. When the system backs up
                 your data or checks for malware, you are using utility software.

                         Operating System



                 Operating System (OS) is a system software which is compulsory for the computer. Without an operating system,
                 a computer is just a machine with no usage. It works as a manager of the computer and helps you to utilise
                 computer hardware in an efficient manner.

                                                  Computer Games
                                                                    Internet                                  User
                                                   Utilities        Browsers
                                                                                                           Application
                                                           Operating   Application
                                           Hardware
                                                            System       Software
                                                                                                        Operating System
                                                     System
                                                    Software
                                                              Databases
                                                                                                            Hardware

                 Some of the important functions performed by an operating system are:
                 •  It works as an interface between the user and the machine.
                 •  It works as a device manager. It keeps a track that all the devices are functioning properly and are available to
                   the user whenever needed.
                 •  It manages the software of the computer.
                 •  It manages the computer memory and keeps track of the memory in use and free so that it is available to the
                   user whenever needed.
                 •  It decides which process gets the processor time for execution, when and for how much time.
                 •  It helps in creating and managing the hierarchical structure of the files and folders. It assists the smooth process
                   of create, copy, move and delete the files.
                 •  By providing a login and password facility, it prevents unauthorised access to programs and data.
                 As we now know that it is not possible for the user to use any computer or mobile device without having an
                 operating system. So whenever you buy a new desktop or a laptop then the operating system comes installed in
                 it. You just have to activate it with some few initial steps and then it becomes available for you forever.
                 Some of the commonly used operating systems are:

                 •  Windows Operating System: Windows is developed by Microsoft. It is available in different versions, with new
                   and improved versions released every year. It supports a graphical interface, where a few mouse clicks can get
                   the job done.
                 •  Linux: It is a free and open-source operating system having Unix-like features designed for personal computers.
                 •  Ubuntu: It is a popular, open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It is developed and maintained
                   by Canonical Ltd. and the Ubuntu community. It is Known for its ease of use.
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