2.4 - Operating System

Question 1

What is an operating system?

Answer 1

Links hardware and other software together that manages the computer system.

Examples include iOS and Windows 11.

Question 2

What are the functions of an operating system?

Answer 2

Manages the hardware, manages applications, creates user interface, provides a layer of security, and manages interrupts.

Question 3

What is a single user operating system?

Answer 3

OS allows one user at a time.

You can have multiple accounts but cannot use them at the same time.

Question 4

What are the advantages of a single user OS?

Answer 4

Supports one user at a time, easy to maintain and debug.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of a single user OS?

Answer 5

Tasks take longer to finish and idle time is higher.

Question 6

What is a multi-user operating system?

Answer 6

Allows multiple users at a time.

Question 7

How does a multi-user OS function?

Answer 7

Through a network terminal that connects users to another computer, allocating processor time to each user.

Question 8

What are the advantages of a multi-user OS?

Answer 8

If one computer has an issue, the others are not affected, and users can use the same or different documents on one computer at the same time.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of a multi-user OS?

Answer 9

If a computer attached to the network is attacked by a virus, it can spread to other computers on the same network; high security is needed to prevent unauthorized access.

Question 10

What is a single processor OS?

Answer 10

OS only supports 1 CPU.

Question 11

What are the advantages of a single processor OS?

Answer 11

Draws less power than multiprocessor, has short time slices giving the impression of continuous program running.

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of a single processor OS?

Answer 12

If one processor fails, the entire system fails, making it less reliable and slower than multi-processor systems.

Question 13

What is a multiprocessor OS?

Answer 13

Supports multiple CPUs that share full access to RAM.

Question 14

What are the advantages of a multiprocessor OS?

Answer 14

More work done in less time; if one processor fails, it does not affect how the system functions.

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of a multiprocessor OS?

Answer 15

Requires a complex OS, large main memory, and the system can crash if the processor doing a specific task fails.

Question 16

What is an off-the-shelf OS?

Answer 16

It is already made and available for public use.

Example includes Microsoft Windows.

Question 17

What are the advantages of an off-the-shelf OS?

Answer 17

Available with updates, compatible with hardware, and requires less training.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of an off-the-shelf OS?

Answer 18

May not meet the end user’s needs and might require an annual fee.

Question 19

What is open source software?

Answer 19

Source code can be modified by users and developers.

Question 20

What are the advantages of open source software?

Answer 20

Free or cheap, improved constantly, and high security due to white hat hackers.

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of open source software?

Answer 21

No free support, and it can be difficult to find application packages to support individual needs.

Question 22

What is bespoke software?

Answer 22

Made to meet a specific organization’s needs.

Question 23

What are the advantages of bespoke software?

Answer 23

Updated based on the requirements of the business.

Question 24

What are the disadvantages of bespoke software?

Answer 24

Expensive to build and dependent on developers.