1.2.1 System Software p2 Flashcards
Distributed Operating System
Can coordinate the processing of a single job across multiple computers but looks like one OS to the user
Multi-Tasking Operating System
A single processor can appear to be doing more than one job at once by scheduling processor time
e.g. desktop computers/ mobile phones
Multi-User Operating System
A very powerful CPU called a mainframe giving many users with their own terminals a time slice to access the mainframe’s CPU
Embedded Operating System
System software that is used to manage the device that is built into the device and stored in ROM. It is specific to the hardware
Catered towards specific tasks for a specific device
Real Time Operating System
Must respond extremely quickly to inputs, may need to cope with many simultaneous inputs
e.g. car brakes (safety critical environments)
Real Time OS hardware
Must have a failsafe to determine if a hardware component fails
Hardware redundancy - crucial components are duplicated in case one fails
BIOS
Basic Input Output System
Stored in CMOS in ROM (ROM makes it non-volatile, CMOS makes it writable)
Boots the computer at start up (initialises and tests hardware, loads OS onto RAM)
Also loads the boot loader that starts the initialisation of the OS
POST
Power On Self Test
Checks everything is working as you boot up, info on screen
OS Kernel
The central component of the OS, bridge between applications and data processing. Manages system’s resources
Device Drivers
A program that provides an interface for the OS to interact with a device, communicates a request from a device to the OS
Hardware dependent and OS specific
Needed to allow the OS to control hardware devices
Links through the system
User -> applications -> OS -> device drivers -> hardware
Virtual machine
A system that runs software allowing other software to behave as if it was on a hardware system
