Chapter 05: System Software: Operating Systems and Utility Programs Flashcards
Android
A Linux-based operating system designed for mobile devices and developed by the Open Handset Alliance, which is a group of companies led by Google.
Application software
Programs that enable users to perform specific tasks on a computer, such as writing a letter or playing a game.
backup
A duplicate copy of data or other computer content in case the original version is destroyed.
BlackBerry OS
The operating system designed for BlackBerry devices.
buffer
An area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is used by different hardware devices or programs that may operate at different speeds.
buffering
The process of placing items in a buffer so the appropriate device can retrieve them when needed; also called spooling, particularly when used in conjunction with a printer.
command line interface
A user interface that requires the user to communicate instructions to the computer via typed commands.
desktop operating system
A type of operating system designed to be installed on a single personal computer; also called a personal operating system.
device drivers
A program that enables an operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device; often referred to simply as a driver.
Disk Operating System
The operating system designed for and widely used on early IBM and IBM-compatible PCs.
DOS
The operating system designed for and widely used on early IBM and IBM-compatible PCs.
embedded operating systems
A type of operating system embedded into devices, such as cars and consumer devices.
File compression programs
A program that reduces the size of files, typically to be stored or transmitted more efficiently.
File Explorer
The file management program built into the Windows operating systems; older versions of Windows use Windows Explorer.
File management programs
A utility program that enables the user to perform file management tasks, such as copying and deleting files.
graphical user interface
A graphically based interface that allows a user to communicate instructions to the computer easily.
GUI
A graphically based interface that allows a user to communicate instructions to the computer easily.
iOS
The operating system designed for Apple mobile phones and mobile devices.
kernel
The essential portion, or core, of an operating system.
Linux
An open source operating system that is available without charge over the Internet and is increasingly being used with mobile devices, personal computers, servers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
Mac OS
The operating system used on Apple computers; the most recent version is Mac OS X Mavericks.
Mac OS X
The family of current versions of Mac OS.
Mac OS X Server
The version of Mac OS X designed for server use.
mobile operating systems
A type of operating system used with mobile phones and other mobile devices.
Multitasking
The capability of an operating system to run more than one program at one time.
network operating system
A type of operating system designed to be installed on a network server; also called a server operating system.
operating system
The main component of system software that enables a computer to operate, manage its activities and the resources under its control, run application programs, and interface with the user.
personal operating systems
A type of operating system designed to be installed on a single personal computer; also called a desktop operating system.
search tools
A utility program designed to search for files on the user’s hard drive.
server operating systems
A type of operating system designed to be installed on a network server; also called a network operating system.
spooling
The process of placing items in a buffer while waiting for printer availability.
System software
Programs, such as the operating system, that control the operation of a computer and its devices, as well as enable application software to run on the computer.
tiles
Components of the Windows 8 Start screen interface; tiles represent apps and are clicked to launch that app.
UNIX
An operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange servers and mainframes; many variations of this operating system are in use today.
utility program
A type of software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing or maintaining a computer system.
virtual memory
A memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM.
Windows
The primary personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation; the most recent version is Windows 8.
Windows 8
The current version of Windows.
Windows Embedded
A family of operating systems based on Windows that is designed for nonpersonal computer devices, such as cash registers and consumer electronic devices.
Windows Phone
The version of Windows designed for mobile phones; the current version is Windows Phone 8.
Windows RT
The version of Windows 8 designed for media tablets.
Windows Server
The version of Windows designed for server use.
