C2 2.4 Operating Systems Flashcards
What is an operating system?
An operating system is software that manages the resources of a computer system
How does an operating system manage input / output devices?
It receives data from a input device and sends data to output device.
How does an operating system manage printing?
It checks if the printer is free and then uses spooling ( storing data in a queue )
How does an operating system manage backing (secondary) storage?
It ensures data is stored correctly and can he retrieved from secondary storage devices
How does an operating system manage memory (RAM) ?
Ensures that data does not corrupt eachother and are stored in correct memory locations.
How does an operating system manage processes?
Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other
How does an operating system manage security?
It allows users to create, manage and delete user accounts.
EG: log in and change passwords
What is user interface?
This is one of the roles of an operating system where the user and computer system interact.
This may involve app icons, customisation, system settings, etc
What are the types of operating systems?
Single user os, multi user os, singer processor os, multi processor os
What is a single user os?
An os where only one person will use the device
What is a multi user os?
An os that allows more than one user to access the processor simultaneously
What is a single processor os?
An os that has only a single processor thats shared between users
What is a multi processor os?
An os that has more than one processor. Its more complicated but performance is improved as there are fewer users per processor.
