1.2.1 Systems software (MOCK) Flashcards
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
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
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
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
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
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
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