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
