1.5) Operating Systems Flashcards
What is an operating system?
Software that manages a computer system.
What is the operating system loaded by?
The bootstrap loader.
How does the operating system manage peripherals such as input and output devices?
Communicates with + sends data to printer/monitor/other valid output device.
Communicates with + receives data input to keyboard/mouse/other valid input devices.
How does the operating systems manage printing using spooling?
Data stored on hard disc/in memory/stored in queue.
Document printed when printer free/in correct order.
What is the benefit of the operating systems managing printing using spooling?
User can carry on working/log off when waiting for job to print.
How does the operating systems manage backing store?
Ensures data stored + can be accessed correctly from any disk drive.
Creates + maintains filing system such as FAT or NTFS (accepted but not expected).
Organises files in hierarchical directory structure.
How does the operating systems manage memory (RAM)?
Ensures programs/data don’t corrupt each other.
Ensures all programs + data including itself stored in correct memory locations.
How does the operating systems manage processes?
Ensure different processes can utilise CPU + do not interfere with each other or crash.
On multi-tasking O/S ensure that all tasks appear to run simultaneously.
How does the operating systems manage security?
Allows creation + deletion of user accounts.
Allows users to logon + change passwords.
What are some examples of how the operating system provides a user interface?
Allows copying/deleting/moving/sorting/searching of file or folders.
Allows access to system settings such as hardware.
Provides command lines interface.
Allows users to have more than 1 window open.
Provides graphical user interface (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers).
Provides user with errors/help messages.
Allows customisation of interface, e.g. change desktop background/layout.
Allows user to switch between tasks (programs/windows).
What is the HCI used to describe?
HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) term used to describe communication between people + computer systems.
What are some examples of different features of a graphical user interface?
windows. icons. menus. pointers. assistants/help files/tutorials. favourite setting/change environment/customisation. shortcuts/hot keys. task bar/ribbon bar/tabs/customised tool bar.
