Chapter 1 - Intro to Operating Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is an operating system?

A

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.

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2
Q

What is an integrated circuit?

A

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.

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3
Q

What is a “CPU”?

A

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.

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4
Q

What is an accelerometer?

A

A device that detects the physical tilt and acceleration of the device.

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5
Q

What is an application?

A

Software that allows a computer user to perform useful functions such as writing a report or calculating a budget. Commonly called an “app.”

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6
Q

What is a client?

A

A software component that accesses services of a network server.

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7
Q

What is Command-line interface?

A

A user interface that consists of a character-based command line that provides only sparse amounts of information.

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8
Q

What is a cursor?

A

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.

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9
Q

What is a device driver?

A

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.

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10
Q

What is driver management?

A

An OS function that controls hardware devices through the use of device drivers.

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11
Q

What is a directory?

A

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.

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12
Q

What is a distribution?

A

Bundling of the Linux kernel and software—both enhancements to the OS and applications. Applications may include word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and more.

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13
Q

What is an edition?

A

A packaging of a Windows version.

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14
Q

What is an embedded OS?

A

An operating system stored in firmware, as in a mobile device.

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15
Q

What is file management?

A

An operating system function that allows the operating system to read, write, and modify data and programs organized into files.

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16
Q

What is a file system?

A

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.

17
Q

What is firmware?

A

Software resident in integrated circuits.

18
Q

What is a folder?

A

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.

19
Q

What is formatting?

A

The process that writes the logical structure of a file system on a storage device.

20
Q

What is Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

A

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.

21
Q

What is input/output (I/O)?

A

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.

22
Q

What is job management?

A

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.

23
Q

What is a kernel?

A

The main component of an operating system, which always remains in memory while a computer is running

24
Q

What is memory?

A

The physical chips that store programs and data. There are two basic types: random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).

25
Q

What is memory management?

A

An operating system function that manages and tracks the placement of programs and data in memory. Advanced operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X use memory management to make optimal use of memory.

26
Q

What is a microcomputer?

A

A computer built around a microprocessor.

27
Q

What is a microprocessor/processor?

A

An integrated circuit (chip) which performs the calculations, or processing, for a computer. Also called a processor or central processing unit (CPU).

28
Q

What is a motherboard?

A

The central circuit board of a computer to which all other devices connect.

29
Q

What is multi-tasking?

A

Two or more programs (tasks) running simultaneously on a computer.

30
Q

What is a partition?

A

An area of a storage device where the logical structure of a single file system may reside.

31
Q

What is a portable operating system?

A

An operating system that you can use on a variety of

computer system platforms, with only minor alterations required to be compatible with the underlying architecture.

32
Q

What is a personal computer (PC)?

A

A computer running Windows or Linux.