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.
What is a file system?
The logical structure used on a storage device for the purpose of storing files, as well as the code within an operating system that allows the OS to store and manage files on a storage device.
What is firmware?
Software resident in integrated circuits.
What is a folder?
A term describing a type of file that can contain other folders as well as files—most often used with GUI operating systems. When describing a folder in a non-GUI operating system, people most often use the term directory.
What is formatting?
The process that writes the logical structure of a file system on a storage device.
What is Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
A user interface that takes advantage of a computer’s
graphics capabilities to make it easier to use. A GUI has graphical elements that one can manipulate to perform tasks, such as system and file management and the running of applications.
What is input/output (I/O)?
Anything sent into a computer (input); anything coming out of a computer (output). Every keystroke you enter, all files read in, and even voice commands are input. Output can include a printed page, what you see on the screen, and even sounds.
What is job management?
An operating system function that controls the order and time in which programs are run. For example, an operating system’s print program can manage and prioritize multiple print jobs.
What is a kernel?
The main component of an operating system, which always remains in memory while a computer is running
What is memory?
The physical chips that store programs and data. There are two basic types: random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).
