1.5 System Software Flashcards
Purpose of an OS
To provide a platform for applications/programs to run
Functions of an OS
File management, user management, user interfaces, memory management, peripheral management, drivers, multitasking
What is memory management?
Data used by the program is copied into main memory. The OS keeps a record of where each program and its data are located. The operating system will make sure not to overwrite existing programs and data.
What is multi-tasking?
The processor carrying out more than one task, seemingly at the same time. Allocating a small amount of time to execute each process in turn.
What is peripheral management?
Data is transferred between external devices and the processor and this process needs to be managed by the operating system.
What are device drivers?
A device driver is a program that controls peripheral devices such as printers, mice and displays. Each device communicates with the OS via its own driver. Many device drivers come with an OS but if you buy a brand new type of device, it will be supplied with a driver which you will need to install.
What are the different types of User Interfaces?
Graphical User Interface, Command Line Interface, Natural Language Interface
What is user management?
the OS is responsible for user logins and passwords. It will store all users and their passwords in a file or database.
What is a multi-user operating system?
When more than one person owns a computer so multiple people have access to the OS. They can login using their personal usernames and passwords to access their files.
What is file management?
File management is carried out by the OS. The following features are available - naming files, allocating files to folders, moving files, saving files, copying files and deleting files.
What is utility software?
Perform extra functionality and housekeeping tasks that keep computers running efficiently. They are often packaged as part of the OS. Some utility programs such as antivirus software are bought as stand-alone programs.
Examples of utility software?
Compression, defragmentation and encryption software
What is defrag software?
In order to read the file, the drive head will need to move to more locations. This makes it far slower to access files and programs. Defragmenting the hard disk reorganises files so they are stored together. Read times are far faster and free space is also in one place so new files do not need to be fragmented.
What is encryption software?
Encryption software is used to encode text that it cannot be understood without knowing the code to decode it. When a website is encrypted, it will have https at the start of its URL.
What is compression software?
utilities such as WinZip enable users to compress and decompress files or folders. This reduces the amount of storage space needed on a hard disk. If sending the files, it reduces the amount of data that is sent. Compression may allow attachments to be sent via email that would otherwise have been larger than a file-size limit. More data can be stored on backup media.
