1.5 System software Flashcards
User Interface
The user interface is the way in which we interact with computer hardware.
Common user interfaces include WIMP and GUI.
Memory Management
Used for moving data from Virtual Memory to RAM
When a program is running, it mut be in the computer’s main memory and the operating system must manage where n memory each program and the data it needs will go.
Most computers can hold several programs in memory at the same time, so that a user can switch from one application to another.
Multi-tasking
A computer that can switch rapidly between several tasks is known as a multi-tasking computer.
User Management
Used for changing passwords required to log on to computers
Enables a network administrator to allocate accounts and set different access rights for different users.
Peripheral Management and Drivers
Used for reading data from a scanner/peripheral device
Peripherals are any computer hardware components that are not part of the CPU
A function of the operating system is to manage these devices. When a user gives an instruction, the peripheral management function takes over and controls the sending of data rom memory to the peripheral device.
File Management
Used to create a new folder to store documents in
Used to rename files
Used to allow a user to search or a particular file
Used to keep track of location of files o a disk or other storage device
Used to keep track of the free space on a disk where files can be stored
Used to enable users to restore deleted files
Used to prevent conflicts when two users on a network attempt to modify the same file
Used to maintain access rights to files
Purpose of Utility Software
Utility software performs tasks and provides housekeeping functionality for the computer.
Utility software can provide services such as:
o Security utilities that keep your data safe e.g. Encryption software
o Disk organisation utilities that organise your files into folders and tidy up the disk
o Data compression utilities
Encryption Software
Can help to keep sensitive data safe from cyber-criminals or unauthorised access
Can protect backup copies of data kept on offline storage
Encrypting data makes sure it cannot be interpreted by those without the encryption key
The encryption process uses an algorithm and a key to transform plaintext into ciphertext. To decode the original information, it would be necessary to know both the algorithm and the key
Defragmentation Software
Files are rearranged into contiguous blocks
Takes less time to read/access files as fewer read movements are needed to find the memory location
Takes less time to save new files because there is larger space together so it does not need to split the data and can store the files in contiguous spaces
Data Compression
Reduces the size of a file
Compression can be either lossy or lossless
Compressed files can be transmitted much more quickly over the internet
Several files can be compressed into a single zip file meaning they can be transmitted, moved, or stored as a single compressed file rather than as several separate files.
