Operating System Basics - Computing Fundamentals - page 83

There are many types of utilities that protect the computer from
attack by malware (harmful or maliciously created software). Antivirus
programs find and remove viruses , for example; anti-spyware software
finds and removes spyware and adware ; firewall software blocks
hackers from invading your system; and anti-spam software detects
and segregates junk email. Some all-in-one protection suites such as
Norton Security Suite protect against many types of threats at once.
You will learn more about the different types of malware and their
detection and removal in Chapter 11, “Network and Internet Privacy
and Security.”

malware Malicious software that consists
of programs designed to disrupt the normal
operation of computer systems.

virus A type of malware that attaches itself to an
executable file and spreads to other files when the
program is run.

spyware A type of malware that spies on the
user's activities and reports them back to the
spyware's developer.

adware A type of malware that pops up
unwanted ads on the screen.

firewall software Software that blocks hackers
from accessing a computer by closing unneces-
sary services and ports.

Other utilities detect problems with the computer's operation. For
example, a disk checking program can find and fix errors in the file
system on a volume, and a registry cleanup program can find and fix
inconsistent or unneeded entries in the registry , which is the system
configuration database that Microsoft Windows uses. An uninstaller
utility removes installed software along with any associated files and
registry entries.

anti-spam software Software that rejects junk
email messages.

disk checking program Software that finds
and fixes errors in the disk storage system.

registry cleanup program Software that ana-
lyzes the Windows registry and deletes unneeded
entries.

Backup software makes backup copies of your important files on a sepa-
rate drive, for safekeeping. You can automate and schedule the backup
process so it occurs without your intervention at whatever interval you
specify.

registry The main system configuration database
for Microsoft Windows.

uninstaller utility Software that removes
installed software along with its associated files
and registry entries.

Quick Review
1 Name two types of system software other than the operating system.

2 Name five types of utility programs.

Comparing the.Major
Operating.Systems
When you think about operating systems, you probably think first
of Microsoft Windows, which is the operating system used on more
than 90 percent of all desktop and notebook PCs. You will learn a lot
about Microsoft Windows in upcoming chapters. However, there are
many other operating systems, designed for a variety of computers and
computer-related devices.

Desktop and Notebook
Operating Systems
There are two main hardware platforms for desktop and notebook com-
puters: Apple and Intel (IBM-compatible). The Apple Macintosh plat-
form supports only the Apple operating system: Mac OS X (pronounced
Mac O-S-X, although the X technically is the Roman numeral 10). This
operating system has an attractive GUI and is easy to understand and
use. Apple assigns the versions of Mac OS X code names as well as ver-
sion numbers. The most recent version at this writing is called Mavericks
(version 10.9). Figure 4.4 shows the Mavericks version of Mac OS X.

platform A type of computer hardware that is
compatible with certain operating systems.

Mac OS X The graphical operating system
designed for Apple's desktop and notebook
computers. Newer versions now run on the Intel
platform.

Mavericks The code name for Mac OS X 10.9.