1.7 Systems Software COMPLETE Flashcards
Define OS
Complex piece of software which provides a platform for different applications to run.
What does the OS do?
1) Manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware.
2) Provide an interface between the user and the hardware.
What is the command line interface?
A text based interface where the user types commands to complete tasks.
What are the advantages of CLI?
1) Wider range of commands.
2) Needs very little computer power.
3) Directly communicates with the computer.
4) It can be quicker if user know commands.
What are the disadvantages of CLI?
1) Must remember complex commands.
2) Lots of typing needed for quite simple tasks.
3) Higher chance of errors when typing in commands.
What is a graphical user interface?
A visual, interactive and intuitive interface that uses:
Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers (WIMP).
What are the advantages of GUI?
1) Quicker to enter commands.
2) Easier to enter commands.
3) Less chance of users making errors.
What are the disadvantages of GUI?
1) Smaller range of commands can be used.
2) Requires more computer power.
3) Needs significantly more RAM.
What does the peripheral manager do?
1) Controls all the computer inputs and outputs.
2) Communicates with the hardware by using drivers.
Define driver
Software component for the hardware device.
Translates the instructions sent by the device manager into one that the device understands.
What does the memory manager do?
1) Stores data and instructions from programs (it’s in charge of the RAM).
2) Checks that all requests from programs for memory space are valid and allocates accordingly.
3) De-allocates space and swaps out data depending on the programs in use.
What does the process manager do?
1) Allows computer to “multi-task” (multiple programs run simultaneously).
2) All these programs require access to the CPU to process their data.
3) Priorities the tasks and allocates to each process.
4) OS helps the CPU carry out multiple tasks by managing the memory and CPU processing time.
What does the file manager do?
1) Controls all files and permissions such as a user’s ability to see or open a file, write to a file or delete a file.
2) Organises and controls files so that they are as easy to use as possible for the user.
What does utility software do?
Keeps the computer running smoothly:
1) Performs specific tasks related to the computer functions, resources, files and security.
2) Helps to configure the system, analyse how it is working and optimization of computing.
What are some examples of utility programs?
File Compression.
Disk Defragmentation.
Anti - virus.
What does an anti - virus do?
Scans and removes malicious files.
What does a firewall do?
Prevents unwanted access to a computer over a network, e.g. a local network.
What does encryption do?
Text –> cyphertext:
Uses an algorithm to scramble the file according to the key used which is needed to decrypt the file.
What does system clean up tools (clean disk) do?
Cleans up the files on your machine, this can be old copies windows, temporary files , recycle bin.
What does disk defragmentation do?
Moves all the files into a similar space within hard drive.
What does file compression do?
Makes the file smaller but attempts to keep the quality:
Lossy and loseless.
What does spyware detection do?
Blocks and removes programs designed to collect personal info and transmit it to others.
Define defragmentation
1) Process of moving parts of the file that are split across the hard drive together.
2) They’re located near each other: needle on a mechanical hard drive will move a smaller distance to load the file.
3) Computer can load them up at higher speeds.
4) Improves computer performance and efficiency.
What is the process of defragmentation?
1) Gaps are left when files are deleted.
2) When new files are saved, the files fill the gaps and become fragmented.
3) Defragmentation software groups fragment the files back together.
4) Takes more time.
