Unit 3: Operating systems and productivity software
Information Technology notes · PTU syllabus (BSIT104/BSBC104)
On this page
Unit summary
The operating system manages the computer, and productivity software helps people work. This unit covers batch, multiprogramming, time-sharing, network, real-time and distributed operating systems, graphical OS fundamentals, and features of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation graphics software.
After this unit you can
- Explain types of operating systems
- Explain fundamentals of graphical operating systems
- Explain features of word processing software
- Explain features of spreadsheet and presentation software
PTU syllabus topics
- Batch/multi-programming/time-sharing/network/real-time/distributed operating systems
- graphical OS fundamentals
- word processing
- spreadsheet and presentation graphics software features
Batch
Jobs grouped and run without interaction
Payroll processing
Time-sharing
CPU time shared among users
Multi-user servers
Real-time
Guaranteed response time
Air traffic, medical devices
Distributed
Many computers act as one
Cloud systems
Network
Shares resources over a network
File and print servers
Topic 1
Types of operating systems
| Type | Key idea | Drawback or feature |
|---|---|---|
| Batch | Similar jobs grouped and run one after another without user interaction | CPU idle during I/O; no interaction |
| Multiprogramming | Several programs in memory; CPU switches when one waits for I/O | Better CPU use |
| Time-sharing (multitasking) | CPU time shared in small slices among many users | Quick response; interactive |
| Parallel (multiprocessor) | Several CPUs share memory and work together | Higher throughput, reliability |
| Distributed | Many independent computers connected by a network act as one system | Resource sharing, fault tolerance |
| Real-time | Results must arrive within strict time limits | Hard (missile control) vs soft (video streaming) |
Generations: 1st (1945–55) vacuum tubes, no OS; 2nd (1955–65) transistors and batch systems; 3rd (1965–80) ICs, multiprogramming and time-sharing; 4th (1980–present) personal computers, GUIs, networked and mobile OS.
Topic 2
Graphical OS fundamentals
- GUI: windows, icons, menus and pointer (WIMP); desktop, taskbar or dock, file explorer, settings.
- Examples: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux desktops (Ubuntu GNOME), Android and iOS on mobiles.
- Basic operations: opening and closing applications, managing windows, creating folders, copying and moving files, searching, recycle bin, shortcuts, control panel and settings.
Topic 3
Word processing software
- Create, save and print: File → New; Ctrl + S to save (.docx); Ctrl + P to print with print preview.
- Character formatting: font, size, bold (Ctrl + B), italic (Ctrl + I), underline (Ctrl + U), colour.
- Paragraph formatting: alignment (left, centre, right, justify), indents (left, right, first-line, hanging), line spacing.
- Lists: bullets and numbering.
- Headers and footers: text shown on every page — company name, page numbers, date.
- Page setup: margins, orientation (portrait/landscape) and paper size.
Topic 4
Spreadsheet software
A workbook contains worksheets; each cell has an address (column letter + row number), e.g. C5.
- Enter text, numbers, dates and formulas (starting with =).
- Format numbers (currency ₹, percentage, decimals), fonts, borders, fill colours and column widths.
- AutoFill copies formulas or continues series (Jan, Feb, …).
- Relative references (A1) change when copied; absolute references ($A$1) stay fixed.
Topic 5
Presentation graphics software
- Start with a layout (title slide, title and content) and a design theme.
- Add text, pictures, charts, tables and SmartArt.
- Slide sorter view shows thumbnails of all slides to rearrange them.
- Slide show (F5) presents slides full-screen.
- Animations move objects on a slide; transitions are effects between slides.
Purpose
Documents: letters, reports
Visual presentations
Unit
Pages
Slides
Key views
Print layout, read mode
Normal, slide sorter, slide show
Exam tip
Good slides follow the 6 × 6 rule: about six bullets per slide and six words per bullet.
Key terms
- Multiprogramming
- Several programs in memory sharing the CPU
- Time-sharing
- CPU time divided among users
- Real-time OS
- OS guaranteeing responses within deadlines
- GUI
- Graphical user interface
- Spreadsheet
- Grid of cells for calculations
Quick revision
- Batch, multiprogramming, time-sharing, network, real-time, distributed OS.
- GUI elements and operations.
- Word: formatting, tables, mail merge.
- Excel: formulas, functions, charts.
- PowerPoint: slides, transitions, animations.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Distinguish multiprogramming and time-sharing.
- Q2.What is a real-time operating system?
- Q3.What is a distributed operating system?
- Q4.What does WIMP stand for?
- Q5.Name four features of word processors.
- Q6.Name four features of spreadsheets.
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain the types of operating systems.
- Q2.Explain the fundamentals of graphical operating systems.
- Q3.Explain the features of word processing software.
- Q4.Explain the features of spreadsheet and presentation graphics software.
Stuck on this unit?
Message SBS on WhatsApp for help with Information Technology, or to ask about studying B.Sc IT at Synetic.