8. Operating System Flashcards
What is the read only file attribute?
Files that can only be open and read, no changes can be made.
What is the archive file attribute?
Files that are not regularly used are archived, in case they are needed in the future.
What is the system file attribute?
Files that are only used by the OS and not the user.
What is the hidden file attribute?
Files that are not visible to the user, often being important system files.
What are some examples of utility software?
- compression
- defrag
- backup
- file conversion
- file indexing
- task management
- anti virus
- disk scan and repair
What is compression software?
Reduces file sizes so that they take up less space
What is defragmentation software?
Physically rearranges data on a hard drive so that parts of files are all stored together
What is anti-virus software?
Scans for viruses and deals with them appropriately if found
What is backup software?
Allows users to keep a copy of their data in case the original data is somehow lost
What is file conversion software?
Converts one type of file to another, for example a sound file can be converted from WAV to MP3
What is file indexing software?
Assigns an index to files to allow easy random access to any record given its file key
What is disk scan and repair software?
Fixes problems on the disk
What is task management software?
Allows user to view how much % of memory is being used and allows user to shut down any programs
What is batch processing?
- processes are carried out with no user interaction
- avoids peak times
- errors are stored in a file for later use and not dealt with as they occur
example: generating utility bills
What is real-time processing?
- inputs are processed very quickly
- processing needs to be quick enough to deliver output on time
- outputs need to be adjusted accordingly so accidents can be avoided
example: reactor temperature control in a nuclear power station
What is real-time transaction processing?
- a user submits an input and the record is updated very quickly
- the record is locked during the update
example: booking seats at a theatre
What are the advantages of a GUI?
- intuitive
- easy to navigate for non-specialised users
- uses windows, icons and menus
- no need to learn text commands
- no need to be a proficient typist
What are the disadvantages of a GUI?
- requires a lot of memory
- is processor intensive
- take up a large amount of disk space
- could be inefficient for experienced users
What are the advantages of a CLI?
- efficient for experienced users as it is quicker to type commands
- shortcut keys can be used to input commands
- little memory and processing power required
What are the disadvantages of a CLI?
- confusing for inexperienced users
- commands have to be typed precisely
- a large number of commands need to be learned
What are the advantages of having a hierarchal structure of a directory?
- more convenient to find and access files
- stores related files in a logical way in the same order
- can use the same file name in different directories
- shows the path to a file
How does the processor multitask?
It allocates a small amount of time to each process and cycles between them. As this happens so quickly, it appears as though they are happening simultaneously.
How does the operating system manage resources?
- communicates with and sends data to output devices
- communicates with and receives data from input devices
- manages network communication
- manages backing store by ensuring that data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
- creates and maintains a filing system
- organises files in a hierarchical structure
- manages RAM by ensuring there is enough memory for all programs and that each program has enough memory allocated
- offers compression whish saves space
How does the operating system provide an interface?
- provides a user interface with meaningful icons, dropdown menus and avoids text input
- can provide CLI
- allows customisation of the interface
- allows access to system settings
- allows copying, deleting and moving of files
- allows creation of shortcuts
- controls security using passwords and access permissions
- provides users with warning and help messages
- allows user to have more than one window open
