A3 - 1 - Operating systems in IT Flashcards
What is an operating system
- Co-ordinates all the operations of your computer
- Manages all resources such as CPU and RAM (memory) usage
- Controls software and hardware
- Without an operating system you would not be able to use your computer easily
Security (Role 1)
Features built into an OS to improve security:
- User Authentication
- Antiβvirus and firewall software
- Back-up facilities
Networking (Role 2)
Manages communication (protocols) within the network and externally (1)
To govern and control data transmission (1)
As well as managing and maintaining the network using utility programmes (1)
Memory Management (Role 3)
- Allocates space to files that are running
- Decides how much each process will get memory and at what time
- Monitors each memory locations status
Multi Tasking (Role 4)
- Allocates each task slice of processor time
- Keeps a track of where the users is in each task
- Goes from one to other without losing information
Device Drivers (Role 5)
- Drivers recive signals from hardware
- Translates signals so software can understand
- When a signal is received from hardware OS it is held by instruction put into a queue until resources are available
Unsupported systems
- Make the system vulnerable to unauthorised/malicious attacks
- no longer receive product support, bug fixes, and patch releases
- Result in loss of data
- Impact on storage of customer data/DPA infringement.
Factors affecting the performance of operating systems
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* Limited size of Memory (RAM)
* Limited CPU Speed
* Fragmented Hard Drive
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* Of the OS
* The installation of the OS
* Cost of training staff on how to use the OS
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* Application Software
* communication software
* Security Software
* Hardware
Real-time OS (RTOS)
Inputs are procced instantly
- provides fast response
- best used where inputs are required immediate response such as traffic lights or Air Control
Single task OS
User can use systems at a time, and one application can run at given time
- Require fewer resources which improves productivity and efficiency
- Employees would not need extra training because they are likely to be familiar with this OS
- No additional costs (1) because it is the standard OS that comes with each PC / laptop (1)
Multi- User Operating System
Many users can use the system at the same time and run different applications
Most operating systems have built in accessibility features which are
Screen resolution (1) to improve the clarity of the on screen text/ images (1)
Display settings / brightness / calibrate colour / contrast (1) adjust to suit individual problems/ improve clarity (1)
Font/text size / icon size / use magnifier (1) to increase the clarity of on screen elements / provide more/improve detail (1)
Use narrator / audio description / text to speech (1) to provide audio instructions for navigation/access to components / identify components/menus / read out onscreen text (1)
Speech recognition (1) to reduce the need for the user to use βstandardβ input devices and menus (1)
On-screen keyboard (enlarged) (1) to facilitate easier data entry (1)
Adapted user interface (1)
Peripherals devices that supports disability
Microphone (1) to enable verbal input (1)
Braille/concept/large-key keyboard (1) to enable text input (1)
Braille printer/embosser (1) for text output (1)
Braille screen (display) (1) to convert text to Braille (1)
Speakers/headphones (1) audio output (1)
Large monitor (1) display larger text without reducing the content / window(s) visible (1)
Advantages of using an open source OS
Will be able to work with other like-minded users to βpinpointβ customisation (1) which is not likely with a large manufacturer (where changes are dictated by βmassβ requirements) (1)
Bugs in the code are often spotted and corrected more quickly / more expedient than in proprietary software (1) as the users are not restricted by large organisationβs procedures
Ongoing support will be free of charge (1) as it is provided by users/community, not the manufacturer (1)
Disadvantage of using Open Source OS
Must ensure OS is compatible with existing application software (1) or it will incur additional cost of replacing it / may have to spend time making the software work with the OS (1)
Some (specialised) application software may not run under open source OS (1) which may make it difficult to carry out tasks for this course (1)
There may not be as many features included (1) which may make it difficult to carry out specific tasks / cost of additional features (1)
