2.4 Operating systems Flashcards
What is an operating system
software that manages the resources of a computer system it is loaded by the BIOS (Basic input/Output system)
Functions of operating system
Functions:
*User interface
*Memory management/multitasking
*Peripheral management and drivers
*User management
*File management
Open source
Open Source Operating Systems are operating system where the code can be accessed. It can be editing and customised. E.g Unix this has been modified to make various Linux operating systems.
Graphical User interface
It is a way of interfacing with the computer using graphics rather than just text.
They consist of Windows Icons Menus and Pointers-
WIMP
Command Line Interface
An interface where you have to write the commands in. No graphics
Single User
Mostly found on laptops, phones and tablets, where only one person will use a device at a single
Multi User
These allow more than one user to access the processor simultaneously e.g. unix server
Single processor
Operating system with a single processor (CPU) which is shared between users by dividing the CPU into time slices.
They are short and give the impression that their programs are running continuously
Multi processor
Operating system with more than one processor (CPU).
Users still have to share processors but there is better performance as there are fewer users per processor
Advantages and disadvantages of MacOS7
There is a long lasting life and efficient performance
but is expensive and has few available games/hardware
Advantages and disadvantages of Windows 3.0
It is pre-installed on many devices and has a large range of available software
but isnt open source and is expensive
Advantages and disadvantages of MS DOS
Has less latency and fast boot up system but has no inbuilt security and isnt user friendly
