1.2.1 Systems software (MOCK) Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an operating system?

A
  • A program or set of programs that manages the operations of the computer for the user
  • Acts as a bridge between the user and the computer’s hardware as they cannot communicate with hardware directly
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2
Q

Why is the OS needed?

A
  • Provides an interface between the user and hardware
  • Provides a platform in which users can run programs
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3
Q

Functions of the OS: Multitasking

A
  • When you have more than one program open and running at the same time
  • The processor allocates a small amount of time to each process and cycles between them
  • As it happens do quickly, it appears as if multiple programs are executing simultaneously
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4
Q

Functions of the OS: File management

A
  • Data is stored in files
  • An extension of the filename tells the OS which application to load the file into
  • OS may present a logical structure of files in folders and allow the user to rename, delete, copy and move files
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5
Q

Functions of the OS: User management and security

A
  • Allows multiple users to log into the same computer
  • OS retains settings for each user as they may have different access rights to files and programs
  • Client server network may impose a fixed/roaming profile for a user + manage login requests to the network
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6
Q

Functions of the OS: User interfaces

A
  • WIMP: Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers
  • Visual
  • Interactive
  • Intuitive
  • Optimised for mouse and touch gesture input
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7
Q

What is paging?

A
  • Where memory is split into equal sized sections (pages) that are made to fit sections of memory
  • Physical divisions in which programs are split up to fit in a given number of pages
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