1.5 New Flashcards
operating system
-provides an interface between the user and hardware in a computer system
-hides complexities of the hardware from the user
main functions of operating systems
-provides user interface
-memory management and multitasking
-peripheral management and device drivers
-user management
-file management
user interface
how the user interacts with the operating system
command line interface features
-requires users to interact with operating system using text based commands
-for advanced users
graphical interface features
requires users to interact with the operating system using visual elements (WIMP)
-optimised for mouse and touch gesture input
menu interface features
-successive menus presented to a user with a single option at each stage
-often performed with buttons or a keypad
natural language interface
-uses spoken word to respond to spoken or textual inputs from the user
advantages of command line
Uses less system resources
Useful for automation of tasks
Commands are often faster to type than navigating menus
disadvantages of command line
Requires users to remember commands
Typing errors are common
Less intuitive than GUI
advantages of graphical user interface
Intuitive and user-friendly
Requires no previous knowledge to use
Information is visual, making it easier to understand
disadvantages of graphical user interface
Uses more system resources
Can be slower to find and execute commands
Can be frustrating when doing repetitive tasks
advantages of menu interface
Simplicity
Efficiency
disadvantages of menu interface
Limited flexibility
Accessibility issues
advantages of natural language
Can be used by people with disabilities
Intuitive
disadvantages of natural language
Not always reliable
Privacy concerns
how does the operating system manage memory
-allocates RAM between different programs open at the same time
-copies programs and data from secondary to primary storage as needed
-programs and data require different amounts of RAM to operate efficiently, OS manages this
-RAM allocated on priority and fairness(e.g. OS has more priority)
-dynamically manages memory, adjusting allocation as needed to maintain system performance
-makes multitasking possible
-virtual memory
multitasking
process made possible by the OS simultaneously managing system resources to give the user the perception of being able to use multiple programs at the same time
how does OS carry out multitasking
splits tasks and allocates system resources based on a priority
-CPU only executes one instruction at a time, executes billions of them in one second
-makes it appear that multiple programs are running at the same time
What is peripheral management
process carried out by the operating system managing the way peripherals interact with software
how does OS manage peripherals
-OS allocates system resources to peripherals to ensure efficient operating
-makes plug-and-play possible, automatically detecting and configuring new peripherals without the need for manually installing device drivers
device driver
piece of software used to control a piece of hardware
relevance of device drivers with peripheral management
-peripherals require device drivers in order to be used by the OS
-OS has generic drivers built in, allows basic compatibility and PnP
-separate device driver must be downloaded from manufacturer for hardware to be used to fully
-device drivers are OS specific and regularly updated
User management
-process carried out by the operating system enabling different users to log onto a computer
-OS maintains settings for individual users
-system administrator allocates different access rights for different users on a network
file management
-process carried out by the OS creating, organising, manipulating and accessing files and folders on a computer system
-OS manages where data is stored in both primary and secondary storage
-OS allows users to control who can access, modify and delete files
-provides search facility to find specific files based on various criteria
