5) Operating Systems Flashcards
What is OS?
software that manages a computer system.
Suite of tools and is loaded by the bootstrap loader.
HARDWARE WILL NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT IT
1) Manages peripherals
Communicates with and sends data output to printer/monitor/other valid output device
Communicates with and receives data input to a keyboard/mouse/other valid input device
2) Manages printing using spooling
Data is stored on hard disc/in memory/stored in a queue
Document is printed when printer is free
Benefit of spooling - user can carry on working/log off whilst waiting for print
3) Manages memory (RAM)
Ensures that programs/data do not corrupt each other
Ensures that all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations
4) Manages processes
Ensures that different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash
5) Manages backing store
Ensures that data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
Creates and maintains filing systems e.g. FAT or NTFS
Organise files in a hierarchical directory structure
6) Manages security
Allows creation and deletion of user accounts
Allows users to logon and change passwords
7) Provides a user interface
Allows access to system settings Allows users to have more than one window open Provides command line interface Provides users with errors Allows customisation
What is FAT?
File Allocation Table
What is NTFS?
New Technology Files System
What is HCI?
Human computer interaction
Describes the communication between people and computer system
Interface is required
What is a GUI?
Type of interface that allows users to interact with a computer system through icons W indows I cons M enus P ointers
Benefits of a GUI?
Intuitive Easy to navigate Uses WIMP Data between different software applications is easily exchanged No complicated commands
Negatives of a GUI?
Requires a large amount of memory
Is relatively processor intensive
Computing experts find a GUI slower than a CLI
Guis take up a large amount of hard disk space
What is a Menu Driven Interface?
Type of interface that allows people to interact with the computer by presenting the user and allowing them to work through menus.
Benefits of a Menu Driven Interface?
Intuitive Easy to navigate Ideal for beginners Little processing power needed No need to learn commands
Negatives of a Menu Driven Interface?
Irritation if there are too many menus
Navigation can be a long process
What is a Voice Driven Interface?
Used to issue commands to a computer system and enter data into it with your voice
Benefits of a Voice Driven Interface?
Speech input is much faster No need to learn to type More natural Reduces typing mistakes Multi-tasking
Negatives of a Voice Driven Interface?
Speech impediment
Homophones
Background noise
Privacy
What is a Command Line Interface?
Entirely text based interface that allows a user to communicate with a computer system by typing in commands.
Benefits of a Command Line Interface?
Quicker to type commands
Little memory needed
Experts who have memorised commands find it quick to use
Negatives of a Command Line Interface?
Very confusing for someone who has never used it
No error messages
No guessing instructions
Commands must be type precisely
What is a Touch sensitive Interface?
Commands are issued or data is inputted by touching the screen with your finger or stylus.
Benefits of a Touch sensitive Interface?
Very intuitive
Easier to use
No keyboard or mouse required
Easier hand-eye coordination than a mouse and keyboard
Negatives of a Touch sensitive Interface?
Screen can easily be damaged
Dirty screens can be difficult to read
Must be within arms reach
Small icons
