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Software refers to computer programs. Programs are the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want. There are two kinds of software: system software and application software.
System software is a collection of programs that enables application software to run on a computer system's hardware devices, it is background software and includes programs that help the computer manage its own internal resources.
Application software is a specialized program that enables the user to accomplish specific tasks.
In this text, we mainly discuss system software.
System software consists of four kinds of programs: bootstrap loader, diagnostic routines, basic input-output system and operating system. Among these four parts, the operating system is we most concerned with, which helps manage computer resources. Most important operating systems are Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, Macintosh and Unix.
Windows Windows gets its name because of its ability to run multiple applications at the same time, each in its own window. Windows offers graphical user interface (GUI), presents the user with graphic images of computer functions and data. It provides a standard mechanism for copying or moving information from one program to another. This mechanism, called the Clipboard, means that information created in one context is instantly reusable in another, you don't need to reenter information or work with clumsy data-transfer utilities. Windows also has DDE (dynamic data exchange) and OLE (object linking and embedding) functions. In DDE two or more applications can be linked. This way, data created in one application is automatically entered into the others. OLE, like DDE, links data between applications. Additionally, OLE allows the application receiving the data to directly access the application that created the data.
Windows NT Windows NT is an operating system designed to run on a wide range of powerful computers and microcomputers. It is a very sophisticated and powerful operation system. Developed by Microsoft, Windows NT is not considered a replacement for Windows. [1] Rather, it is an advanced alternative designed for very powerful microcomputers and networks. Windows NT has two major advantages when compared to Windows.
Multiprocessing It is similar to multitasking except that the applications are run independently at the same time. For instance, you could be printing a word processing document and using a database management program at the same time. [2] With multitasking, the speed at which the document is printed is affected by the demands of the database management program. With multiprocessing, the demands of the database management program do not affect the printing of the document.
Networking In many business environments, workers often use computer to communicate with one another and to share software using a network. This is made possible and controlled by special system software. Windows NT has network capabilities and security checks built into the operating system. This makes network installation and use relatively easy.
OS/2 OS/2 stands for Operating System/2. It was developed jointly by IBM and Microsoft Corporation. OS/2 has many similarities with Windows NT. It is designed for very powerful microcomputers and has several advanced features. Some of its advantages over Windows NT include:
Minimum system configuration Like Windows NT, OS/2 requires significant memory and hard disk space. However, OS/2 requires slightly less.
Windows application Like Windows NT, OS/2 does not have a large number of application programs written especially for it. OS/2 can also run Windows programs, but it runs these programs slightly faster than Windows NT.
Common user interface Microcomputer application programs written specifically for Windows NT, as well as for OS/2, have consistent graphics interfaces. Across applications, the user is provided with similar screen displays, menus and operations. Additionally, OS/2 offers a consistent interface with mainframes, minicomputers and microcomputers.
Macintosh Operation System The Macintosh Software, which runs only on Macintosh computers, offers a high-quality graphical user interface and is very easy to use. Apple Macintosh System 7.5 designed for Apple computers using Motorola's PowerPC microprocessor, is a significant milestone for Apple. It is a very powerful operating system like Windows NT and OS/2. System 7.5 has network capabilities and can read Windows and OS/2 files. It has several advantages.
Ease of use The graphical user interface has made the Macintosh popular with many newcomers to computing. This is because it is easy to learn.
Quality graphics Macintosh has established a high standard for graphics processing. This is a principal reason why the Macintosh is popular for desktop publishing. Users are easily able to merge pictorial and text materials to produce nearly professional-looking newsletters, advertisements, and the like.
Consistent interfaces Macintosh applications have a consistent graphics interface. Across all applications, the user is provided with similar screen displays, menus and operations.
Multitasking Like Windows, Windows NT and OS/2, the Macintosh System enables you to do multitasking. That is, several programs can run at the same time.
Communications between programs The Macintosh system allows application programs to share data and commands with other application programs.
Unix Unix was originally developed by AT & T for minicomputers and is very good for multitasking. It is also good for networking between computers. Unix initially became popular in industry because for many years AT & T licensed the system to universities for a nominal fee. It is popular among engineers and technical people. With the arrival of very powerful microcomputers, Unix is becoming a larger player in the microcomputer world. Unix can be used with different types of computer systems, that is, it is a portable operating system. It is used with microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers. The other operating systems are designed for microcomputers and are not nearly as portable. It also has the advantages of multitasking, multiprocessing, multiuser and networking.
Words
| accomplish | v. | 完成，达到，实现 |
| application | n. | 申请，应用，应用程序 |
| bootstrap | n. | 引导程序 |
| diagnostic | n. | 特征，症状，［计］诊断程序 |
| adj. | 诊断的，用于诊断的 | |
| dynamic | adj. | 动态的，动力（学） |
| embed | v. | 嵌套，装入 |
| graphical | adj. | 绘画的 |
| initially | adv. | 最初 |
| interface | n. | 界面接口，连接 |
| license | v. | 许可，准许 |
| mechanism | n. | 机械装置，机构，机制 |
| merge | v. | 归并，合并 |
| multiple | adj. | 多（倍、路、重、道、次）的 |
| newsletter | n. | 通信稿（业务通信，简讯） |
| nominal | adj. | 名义上的，有名无实的，名字的 |
| pictorial | adj. | 图示的，图像的 |
| refer | v. | 提交，谈及，归诸于 |
| security | n. | 安全（性），保密（性），安全措施 |
| specialized | adj. | 专业的，专门的 |
Phrases
| bootstrap loader | 引导装入程序 |
| diagnostic routines | 诊断例程 |
Abbreviations
| DDE（Dynamic Data Exchange） | 动态数据交换 |
| OLE（Object Linking and Embedding） | 对象链接和嵌入 |
| OS（Operating System） | 操作系统 |
Notes
[1] 例句：Rather, it is an advanced alternative designed for very powerful microcomputers and networks.
分析：句中rather（常与or连用），意思是“更确切地说”。alternative在这里是名词，意为“另一个可供选择的（东西或办法等）”，designed for very powerful microcomputers and networks是过去分词短语作定语，修饰alternative。
译文：确切地说，它是为功能非常强大的微型计算机和网络设计的一个高级的可供选择的操作系统。
[2] 例句：With multitasking, the speed at which the document is printed is affected by the demands of the database management program.
分析：at which the document is printed是定语从句，修饰speed。
译文：在多任务情况下，文件打印的速度会受到数据库管理程序要求的影响。
Exercises
Ⅰ. Put "true" or "false" in the brackets for the following statements according to the passage.
1. ( ) System software is background software, that is, without it, computers can't work.
2. ( ) System software has four kinds of programs: bootstrap loader, diagnostic routines, basic input-output system, and operating system.
3. ( ) One computer can only run one kind of system software.
4. ( ) Windows provides a standard mechanism called Clipboard, and it can copy or move data easily.
5. ( ) DDE allows the application receiving the data to directly access the application that created the data.
6. ( ) Windows NT is designed for replacement of Windows.
7. ( ) OS/2 requires the same memory and hard disk space as Windows does.
8. ( ) Macintosh operating system can run on all kinds of computers.
9. ( ) Unix is a portable operating system, that is, it can be used in different kinds of computer systems.
10. ( ) Macintosh computers are designed to use Intel's microprocessor.
Ⅱ. Fill in the blanks according to the passage.
1.are the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want.
2.is background software and includes programs that help the computer manage its ownresources.
3. System software consists of four kinds of programs:, , , .
4. Windows also has DDE () and OLE () functions.
5.is similar to multitasking except that the applications are run independently and at the same time.
6. OS/2 was developed jointly byandCorporation.
7. The Macintosh Software, which runs only oncomputers, offers a high-qualityand is very easy to use.
8. Unix can be used with different types of computer systems, that is, it is aoperating system.
9.is a standard mechanism for copying or moving information from one program to another.
10. Unix can be used with different types of computer systems. It also has the advantages of , , and.
Ⅲ. Translate the following words and expressions into Chinese.
1. background software
2. internal resources
3. standard mechanism
4. significant milestone
5. network capabilities
6. security checks
7. bootstrap loader
8. diagnostic routines
9. data-transfer utilities
10. advanced alternative
Windows Vista is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, and media center PCs. Prior to its announcement on July 22, 2005, Windows Vista was known by its codename "Longhorn". Development was completed on November 8, 2006, over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On January 30, 2007, it was released worldwide, and was made available for purchase and download from Microsoft's website. The release of Windows Vista came more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, the longest time span between successive releases of Microsoft Windows desktop operating systems.
Windows Vista contains many changes and new features, including an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network, using peer-to-peer technology to simplify sharing files and digital media between computers and devices. Windows Vista includes version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which aims to make it easier for software developers to write applications than with the traditional Windows API.
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system. One common criticism of Windows XP and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide "Trustworthy Computing initiative" which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion.
While these new features and security improvements have garnered positive reviews, Vista has also been the target of much criticism and negative press. Criticism of Windows Vista has targeted its high system requirements, its more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new digital rights management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, lack of compatibility with some pre-Vista hardware and software, and the number of authorization prompts for User Account Control.
As a result of these and other issues, Windows Vista had seen initial adoption and satisfaction rates lower than Windows XP. However, as of January 2009, it has been announced that Vista usage had surpassed Microsoft's pre-launch two-year-out expectations of achieving 200 million users by an estimated 150 million. As of the end of March 2009, Windows Vista is the second most widely used operating system in the world with a 23.42% market share; the most widely used is Windows XP with a 62.85% market share.
Words
| dub | v. | ［电影］配音 |
| exploit | v. | 开拓，开发，使用 |
| framework | n． | 构架，框架，结构 |
| garner | v. | 储藏，存放收集 |
| incorporate | adj. | 合并的，结社的，一体化的 |
| v. | 合并，组成公司 | |
| malware | n. | 恶意软件 |
| predecessor | n. | 前辈，前任 |
| prioritize | v. | 对……区分优先次序 |
| span | n. | 跨度，跨距，范围 |
| stage | n. | 舞台，发展的进程，阶段或时期 |
| susceptibility | n. | 易感性 |
| tablet | n. | 写字板，书写板 |
| vulnerability | n. | 弱点，攻击 |
Abbreviations
API (Application Programming Interface) ［计］应用编程接口
软件指的是计算机程序。程序是告诉计算机如何将数据处理成人们想要的形式的指令。软件分为两种：系统软件和应用软件。
系统软件指能让应用软件在计算机系统硬件设备上运行的程序的集合，它是后台软件并且包括帮助计算机管理自己内部资源的程序。
应用软件是让用户能够完成特定任务的专门程序。
在这一节中，我们主要讨论系统软件。
系统软件由四种程序组成：引导装入程序、诊断例程、基本输入输出系统和操作系统。在这四种程序中，操作系统是人们最为关心的，它帮助管理计算机资源。最重要的操作系统有Windows、Windows NT、OS/2、Macintosh和Unix。
Windows 之所以被称为窗口，是因为它具有能同时运行多个应用程序的能力，并且每一个程序都有自己的窗口。Windows提供图形用户界面，为用户呈现计算机的功能和数据的图像。它提供用于将信息从一个程序拷贝或移动到另一个程序的标准机制。这个机制被称为剪贴板，也就是说在一个环境中产生的信息可以被另外一个环境立即使用，而用户不需要重新输入信息或使用繁琐的数据传送实用程序。Windows还具有DDE（动态数据交换）和OLE（对象链接和嵌入）功能。在DDE中两个或更多的应用程序可以被链接。使用这种方法，在一个应用程序中产生的数据可以自动地进入其他的程序。OLE类似于DDE，用以在应用程序之间链接数据。另外，OLE允许接收数据的应用程序直接访问建立这个数据的应用程序。
Windows NT 它是被设计运行于各种功能强大的计算机和微型计算机上的操作系统。它非常复杂且功能强大。Windows NT由微软公司开发，并不是为了替代Windows，确切地说，它是为功能非常强大的微型计算机和网络而设计的高级的可供选择的操作系统。和Windows相比，Windows NT具有两个主要的优点：
多重处理 除了应用程序是同时独立运行之外，它类似于多任务。比如，我们可以在打印字处理文档的同时使用数据库管理程序。在多任务情况下，文件打印的速度会受到数据库管理程序的要求的影响。使用多重处理技术，就可以避免这个问题。
网络 在许多商业环境中，工作人员经常使用计算机相互进行交流，并且通过网络共享软件。这些都可以通过专门的系统软件实现和控制。Windows NT具有网络功能和嵌入到操作系统内的安全检测功能，这使得通过网络安装和使用相对容易。
OS/2 OS/2即操作系统／2。它是由IBM和微软公司联合开发的。OS/2和Windows NT有许多相似之处。它也是设计给功能强大的微型计算机的，具有几个高级特点。相对于Windows NT, OS/2的优点包括：
最小的系统配置 像Windows NT一样，OS/2需要大的内存和硬盘空间。然而，OS/2需要的比Windows NT少。
窗口应用 OS/2和Windows NT一样，专门为它编写的应用程序很少。OS/2同样可以运行Windows程序，但它运行这些程序的速度比Windows NT快。
共同的用户界面 专门为Windows NT以及OS/2编写的微型计算机应用程序具有一致的图形界面。各种应用程序为用户提供类似的屏幕显示、菜单和操作。此外，OS/2为大型机、小型机和微型机提供统一的界面。
Macintosh操作系统 它是仅运行在Macintosh计算机上的Macintosh软件，提供高质量的图形用户界面并且易于使用。Apple Matintosh System 7.5是为使用Motorola公司的PowerPC微处理器的Apple计算机设计的，对于Apple机来说是一个重要的里程碑。它像Windows NT和OS/2一样是功能强大的操作系统。System 7.5具有网络功能并能读出Windows和OS/2文件。它具有以下几个优点。
容易使用 图形用户界面使得Macintosh在许多计算机新手中广受欢迎，这是因为它容易学习。
高质量的图像 Macintosh已经建立了高标准的图像处理，这就是Macintosh在桌面印刷系统流行的主要原因。使用它，用户可以很容易地将图片和文字材料组织成比较专业的通信稿、广告等。
一致的界面 Macintosh应用程序具有一致的图形界面。在所有的应用程序中，提供给用户相似的屏幕显示、菜单和操作。
多任务 像Windows、Windows NT和OS/2一样，Macintosh系统能使用户实现多任务，即几个程序可同时运行。
程序之间的通信 Macintosh系统允许应用程序之间共享数据和命令。
Unix 它起初是由AT&T为小型机开发的，非常适于执行多任务处理，它也适合于计算机之间的网络链接。由于多年来AT&T一直将系统以很少的费用提供给大学学生使用，因此Unix起初就在工业领域很普及。它在工程师和技术人员中也很普及。随着功能强大的微型计算机的到来，Unix正成为微机世界的大玩家。Unix可被用于不同类型的计算机系统，也就是说，它是可移植的操作系统。它可用于微型机、小型机、大型机和巨型机上，而其他的操作系统被设计用于微型机上且几乎不可移植。Unix也具有多任务、多道处理、多用户和网络功能的优点。
Windows Vista是微软开发的系列操作系统之一，用于个人计算机，包括家用和商用桌面机、便携机、平板电脑、媒体中心电脑。在2005年7月22日发布前，Windows Vista被称为“Longhorn.”，2006年11月8日完成开发，在接下来的三个月里对计算机硬件软件生产商、商业客户、零售渠道发布。2007年1月30日，Windows Vista在世界范围发布，大众可以购买，也可以从微软的网站下载。Windows Vista距离上一版本Windows XP已有五年多的时间，这是历史上微软Windows桌面操作系统版本发行间隔时间最久的一次。
Windows Vista有很多变化，增加了一些新功能，包含新版的图形用户界面和被称为“Windows Aero”的全新视觉风格、加强后的搜索功能、新的多媒体创作工具（如Windows DVD Maker），以及重新设计的网络、音频、输出和显示子系统。Vista也使用点对点技术（peer-to-peer）提升电脑系统在家庭网络中的通讯能力，使得在不同电脑或装置之间共享文件与数字媒体内容变得更简单。Vista包含.NET Framework 3.0，比起传统的Windows API，Vista致力于让软件开发者更容易写出应用程序。
微软Windows Vista的最初目标是改进Windows操作系统的安全状态。Windows XP以及之前的版本受到批评的一大原因是系统经常出现安全漏洞，并且容易受到恶意软件、病毒或缓冲区溢出等问题的影响。据此，微软总裁比尔·盖茨在2002上半年宣布在全公司实行“可信赖的电脑行动”，这个活动的目的是让全公司各方面的软件开发部门一起合作，共同解决安全性的问题。微软宣称由于非常希望增进Windows XP和Windows Server 2003的安全性，因此延误了Vista的开发完成。
在这些新功能和安全性改善得到正面评价的同时，Windows Vista也成为了许多批评和负面评价的目标。对Windows Vista的批评集中在它的高性能需求、更严格的授权条款、包含一些限制对受保护数字媒体进行复制的新数字版权管理技术、缺乏与之前硬件和软件的兼容、以及用户账户控制的授权提示次数等。
因为这样和那样的问题，Windows Vista最初的采用率和满意率都低于Windows XP。无论如何，据公布，2009年1月Vista的用量已经超过发布前微软预计的2年达到2亿用户的目标，用量大约3.5亿。截至2009年3月底，Windows Vista是世界第二个被广泛使用的操作系统，占市场份额的23.42％。使用最多的是Windows XP，占市场份额的62.85％。