1.8 The Operating System Flashcards
State 4 things an Operating System does.
- Manage Resources
- Utility Software
- Modes of operation
- Provide Interface
State 5 examples of an operating system.
- MacOS
- Android
- Windows
- IOS
- Linux
State 4 main resources managed by an OS.
- Processor
- Memory
- Backing Store
- Peripherals
What does an OS do with processes?
Allocates processor time to simultaneous processes.
What does an OS do with memory? (2)
- Loads instructions and data into RAM when
needed by a program. - Ensures processes only use memory allocated to them.
Define backing store (2).
- A device for secondary storage of data.
- Usually slower to access but greater capacity than the primary store.
What does an OS do with backing store? (2)
- Allocates physical disk space as files are added, edited or deleted.
- Provides hierarchical, searchable structure users can interact with.
What does an OS do with peripherals? (2)
- Maintains device drivers
- Allows communication between device and computer.
What does an OS do with spooling?
Data is stored on hard disc/ in memory/ stored in a queue.
What does an OS do with file compression? (2)
- Makes files smaller
- Saves disk space
How does an OS manage security? (2)
- Allows the creation and deletion of user accounts.
- Allows users to log on and change passwords.
What are file attributes?
Settings that are associated with computer files that grant or deny certain rights to how a user or the operating system can access that file.
Give an example of what OS does with peripherals.
E.g. Receives or sends data from a keyboard/ mouse/ printer.
Give an example of what OS does with spooling.
E.g. Document is printed when printer is free/ in correct order.
State 4 different file attributes.
- Archive
- Read-only
- System
- Hidden
What are archive files?
Files that are often not used.
What are read-only files?
Files that a user cannot alter.
What are system files?
Files only used by the operating system.
What are hidden files?
Files that do not appear by default if not asked for.
State 3 modes of operation of an OS.
- Batch processing
- Real- time transaction
- Real- time control
What is batch processing?
When a system performs a series of similar tasks with minimal human involvement.
Give an example of batch processing.
E.g. Calculating, printing pay slips
State 3 advantages of batch processing.
1.
Repeated jobs are done quickly without user interaction
2.
Jobs can wait in a queue until they are processed.
3.
Can work at night when computer is lightly loaded
What is real-time transaction?
As data is collected it is processed, stored and immediately available to access.
Give an example of real-time transaction.
Eg. Airline ticket booking systems prevent the same seat being sold twice.
What is real-time control?
A system that collects and processes data quickly and acts on the data within a defined time period.
Give 2 examples of real-time control.
- Ex. An autopilot would monitor sensors and fly the plane.
- Ex industrial control systems in manufacturing plants.
State 6 types of utility software.
- Antivirus
- Compression
- Debuggers
- Screensavers
- System monitors
- Defragmentation
What is an antivirus?
Checks computer for malware and provides removal.
What is a compression?
Reduces file size for efficient storage/ quick transmission.
What is a debugger?
Identify and help to resolve problems in software.
What is a screensaver?
Prevent screen burn and save power.
What are system monitors?
See memory and processor usage & network speeds.
What is defragmentation?
Joins split files on a disk to improve access speed.
What is a user interface?
Interface between the user and a computer
State 2 types of user interface.
- Graphical user interface (GUI)
- Command line
Define GUI (2).
- High Level, little training required, less experienced knowledge.
- Comprises of WIMP
What does WIMP stand for?
Windows/ Icons/ Menus/ Pointers
Windows
Runs separate, independent programs.
Icons
Pictures that represent files or programs.
Menus
Pop- up and drop down ways of displaying data.
Pointer
Controlled by a mouse, used to click and drag.
State 3 advantages of a GUI.
- Intuitive to use, especially for novice users.
- No need to memorize complex commands, due to icons.
- Promotes multitasking, as many windows can be opened at once.
State 2 disadvantages of a GUI.
- High hardware requirements Eg. disk, memory & graphics.
- Experienced users can find it frustrating and slow
What is command line?
Instructions are typed in via keyboard
State 3 advantages of a command line.
- Low level, Direct control, Experienced knowledge.
- Minimal hardware required
- Commands can be entered by experienced users very quickly.
State a disadvantage of a command line.
Less experienced users may not know the commands.
State 3 facilities of an interface for people with a disability.
- Zoom facilities for people with bad eyesight
- Auditory cues for blind people
- Alternative means of input for those unable to type.
List 4 features of the user interface provided by the operating system (1).
- Provides user interface with meaningful icons/ avoid text input.
- Provide a command line interface.
- Allow access to system settings such as hardware.
- Allow copying, deleting, moving, sorting, searching of files or folders.
List 4 features of the user interface provided by the operating system (2).
- Allow creation of short- cuts.
- Controls security using passwords or access permissions.
- Allows users to have multiple windows.
- Provides user with error/warning/help messages
State 3 uses for touch screen on a mobile phone (1).
- Provide one method for data input and output.
- Intuitive and easy to use.
- Whole screen is used for output.
State 3 uses for touch screen on a mobile phone (2).
- Ability to zoom in by clicking or pinch and stretch.
- Can play interactive games.
- Less moving parts so less chance of mechanical error
What are the problems of voice
recognition? (4)
- Time consuming to train system to recognize the users voice
- Confusion if two words with the same sound but different meanings.
- Confusion with local dialects
- Confusion with with background noise
