Processing, Software & Interface

Types of processing modes

The CPU is the brain of the computer and is responsible for processing in computer systems. But processing can be done in different modes. These modes are:

• Batch Processing
• Real-time Processing
• On-line processing
• Time sharing processing

Batch Processing

Data and information is collected/ gathered in groups called batches and processing in groups at a certain point of time. Example Payroll, bills information would be gather together then processed at the end of the month. Batch processing is also known as offline processing.

Real-time processing

There is continual input, processing and output of data. Data has to to be processed and outputted in real-time. For example flight simulator data was to be processed and outputted in what we call real-time.

On-line processing

Data is collected and processed right away and updated immediately. For example ATM and online games. This allow one to interact with the system and the status is then updated.

Time sharing processing

A processing mode where the computer's time is allocated to multiple task of users. Each task is allocated a set amount of milliseconds and tasks are rotated/switch on the CPU. This is done so fast that it seems to be doing everything at once.

Types of Software

There are two types of software. These are:

1. Application Software
2. System Software

Application software

These are software that are design to solve or carry out a specific/particular task. They are various types of application software:

1. General purpose software - Software design or create to help user perform general tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet and database.
2. Special Purpose software - Software designed to perform specific or special tasks such as accounting, engineering, design, games, etc.
3. Custom Written software - Software that is written particular to a specific owners/company specifications or needs.

System Software

These are software that control/governs computer's hardware and facilitate the running and operating of application software. Three software that makes up the system software are:

1. Operating Systems - a set of instructions that monitor and co-ordinate software and hardware with in a computer system.
2. Utilities - a set of instructions that focuses on how the computer infrastructure (including the computer hardware, operating system, application software and data storage) operates.
3. Translators - Translates high level language and assembly language to machine language to be executed by the CPU.

Functions of the Operating System

The OS is responsible for a wide variety of tasks. These tasks are:

1. Process Management
2. File management
3. Memory management
4. Input/Output devices management
5. Provide security
6. Provide a friendly user interface

Multitasking vs Multiprogramming vs Multiprocessing

• Multitasking - Several tasks being perform at the same time.
• Multiprogramming - When two or more programs are being executed at the same time but using a single processor.
• Multiprocessing - When two or more programs using multiple processors.

Type of user interfaces

They are variuos types of user interfaces. These types are:

1. Command Driven Interface - instruction are inputted using words and follow a particular syntax.
2. Menu-Driven Interface - instructions are inputted by selecting from a list of possible instructions.
3. Graphical User Interface (GUI) - Uses icons that when selected executes a particular set instruction.