2.1.6 The functions of an operating system Flashcards
1
Q
What are some purposes of the operating system?
A
- User interface
- Memory Management
- Peripheral Management
- File management
- Allows multitasking
- Provides security
2
Q
What does peripheral management do?
A
- It allows for communication between the system and peripherals through device drivers
3
Q
What is the user interface?
A
- The OS has to provide a link between the user and the computer hardware
4
Q
What types of user interfaces are there?
A
- GUIs (have menus and icons)
- Command Line Interfaces (user types in codes)
- Natural Language Interface (user speaks to interface)
- Menu Based Interface (gives the user a selection of options)
5
Q
What does memory management do?
A
- Allocated and de-allocated memory to programs
- Prevents overwriting
- When RAM is full, part of the HDD is used as virtual memory
- Optimises system performance through maximising memory usage
6
Q
What is a device driver?
A
- A software program that allows hardware devices to be used by the OS, acting as a translator
7
Q
How is multitasking achieved?
A
- Through time slicing and parallel processing, to give the illusion of simultaneous processing
8
Q
What is time-slicing?
A
- Each process is given a ‘time slice’ or turn of the CPU processing based on time and priority
9
Q
What is parallel processing?
A
- When tasks are distributed between cores
10
Q
How does the OS provide security?
A
- User access levels
- Authentication
