1.5 - systems software Flashcards
Operating System (OS)
Controls the operation of all aspects of the computer and provides an interface by which a user can interact with the computer.
User Interface
A part of the operating system or other software which allows the user to interact with and control it.
Memory Management
The function of the Operating System which manages the computer’s memory, controlling how the memory is used and which applications can access it.
Multitasking
The ability for an operating system to run more than one task or application at the same time.
Peripheral Management
The ability of an operating system to control and manage hardware devices such as printers, mice or speakers which are connected to the computer.
Device Driver
Computer code which provides instructions for how the operating system should interact with a specific piece of hardware. Device drivers are specific to the operating system and piece of hardware for which they were designed.
User Management
A function of the operating system which manages user accounts. In many cases, multiple user accounts can exist with their own username, password and access rights allowing more than one person to use the same computer.
File Management
A function of the operating system which manages files and folders stored on either the computer’s internal storage, or external storage devices such as a USB Stick.
Access Rights
A function of the operating system which manages the access that different users and applications have to the system. It allows different user accounts or applications to be granted access to different parts of the system.
Encryption Software
Software which encrypts data. The encryption process turns the data into code which is only readable with the correct key. This is designed to keep the data secure and prevent it being read by those who should not have access to it.
Defragmentation
Software which reorders files stored on a hard disk so that they run in a sensible order to improve performance and efficiency.
Data Compression
Software which compresses data so that it takes up less storage space.
