Chapter 2 - Software

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview on software and discusses the system and applications software supplied with a minicomputer by the manufacturer and the generalized software, which is supplied from other sources, such as software houses. Systems software can be defined as software, which assists in optimizing the functions of the computer and in assisting the writing, testing and development of programs. This is in contrast to applications software, which is concerned with specific applications areas, such as process control and invoicing. An operating system is a collection of programs, usually provided by the computer manufacturer, which makes for smooth and efficient utilization of computer power and minimises operator intervention. The growing use of minicomputers for the support of terminal systems and for multiprogramming, both in a terminal environment and for processing more than a single batch application at any one time, lead to development of time-sharing and real-time operating systems. Minicomputer operating systems for a multiprogramming environment make use of the facility of spooling, whereby input and output is written to a magnetic file so that it can be transferred to the processor or to the output unit in batches at a time when most suitable to efficient utilization of the system.