1.5 System Software Flashcards
Operating system:
A piece of software responsible for running the computer, simplify for user. It manages: Memory/Multi-tasking, Users, Files, Peripheral Management & Device Drivers and provides a User Interface
Memory Management/Multi-Tasking:
The CPU processes one application at a time. Other processes have to wait. The OS divides CPU time between open applications.
User Management:
The OS is responsible for user account control. This allows different users to be given access to specific data or resources on a computer system. Setting up accounts, user access rights
File management:
The OS is responsible for file
management – the organisation of data into a usable hierarchical structure. It deals with naming, moving, deleting, saving data.
Device drivers:
Every piece of hardware connected to the computer system requires a device driver. Drivers act as a translator between the OS and the hardware
User Interface:
The User Interface allows the user to interact with a computer system. The most common type of UI is a Graphical User Interface
Utilities:
System software that helps to maintain or configure a computer. Many useful utilities are installed with the Operating System
Encryption:
Encryption software scrambles data. Main benefits of encryption is that if data is intercepted or stolen the data is still secure
Defragmentation:
Files are stored on a hard disk in available spaces. Over time the disk becomes fragmented. Defrag software reorganises the data to put complete files back together
Compression:
Compression software reduces the file size of files so that they take up less disk space and are quicker to download
Advantages and disadvantages of interfaces:
CLI: less resources, automation, faster to type. Enter commands, typing errors, less intuitive
GUI: Intuitive and user friendly, no previous knowledge, visual info. More resources, slower to find and execute commands, frustrating for repetitive tasks
Menu(WIMP): Simplicity, efficiency. Limited flexibility, accessibility issues
Memory management:
Allocating RAM between programs open at same time. Copying data into primary. RAM allocated based on priority and fairness and amount needed. Makes multitasking possible
Multitasking:
OS simultaneously managing system resources to make user think using multiple programs at once. Execute one instruction at a time, appearance of multiple programs at once
Peripheral management:
OS managing the way hardware interacts with software. Allocates resources to the, for operation, plug and play no manual dev driver
Peripheral:
Hardware not directly connected to CPU with new functions
Device driver:
Piece of software controls hardware, peripherals need them, OS has generic built in, basic compatibility. Max capacity separated dev driver from manufacturer. OS specific and regularly updated
Utility software:
Software maintain, enhance and troubleshoot computer system. Limited tasks, interacts with hardware, pre installed.
Defrag:
Fragmented files back together to improve access speed. As added, added in order so over time as files are deleted leaves gaps. Gaps get filled with new programs and data so data fragmented. HDD. Defrag also compression
Embedded system characteristics:
Memory and CPU on same chip, more ROM than RAM, ROM secondary storage, real-time(no delay),
