Chapter 1 - Intro to Operating Systems Flashcards
What is an operating system?
A collection of programs that controls all of the
interactions among the various system components, freeing application programmers from needing to include such functions in their programs.
A collection of programs that provides a computer with critical functionality, such as the user interface, management of hardware and software, and ways
of creating, managing, and using files.
What is an integrated circuit?
A small electronic component made up of transistors (tiny switches) and other miniaturized parts.
Holcombe (2014-01-28). Survey of Operating Systems 4e (Page 2). McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Kindle Edition.
What is a “CPU”?
A central processing unit(CPU) is an internal component (microprocessor) that performs the calculations, or processing for the computer. It is essentially the “brains” of the computer.
Holcombe (2014-01-28). Survey of Operating Systems 4e (Page 2). McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Kindle Edition.
What is an accelerometer?
A device that detects the physical tilt and acceleration of the device.
What is an application?
Software that allows a computer user to perform useful functions such as writing a report or calculating a budget. Commonly called an “app.”
What is a client?
A software component that accesses services of a network server.
What is Command-line interface?
A user interface that consists of a character-based command line that provides only sparse amounts of information.
What is a cursor?
In a command-line interface (CLI), the cursor is merely a marker for the current position where what you type on the keyboard will appear. In a GUI, a graphical pointer that can have a variety of shapes you can move around by manipulating a pointing device sometimes replaces the cursor.
What is a device driver?
Software that is added to an OS to control a physical component (device). Each unique hardware device connected to a computer needs a component-specific device driver.
What is driver management?
An OS function that controls hardware devices through the use of device drivers.
What is a directory?
A special file that can contain files as well as other directories. This term is most often used with non-GUI operating systems. When describing a directory in a GUI, people most use the term folder.
What is a distribution?
Bundling of the Linux kernel and software—both enhancements to the OS and applications. Applications may include word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and more.
What is an edition?
A packaging of a Windows version.
What is an embedded OS?
An operating system stored in firmware, as in a mobile device.
What is file management?
An operating system function that allows the operating system to read, write, and modify data and programs organized into files.