Chapter 2 : Software - Operating Software Flashcards
Define Single User
Allows one user at a time to use the system
Allocates each user with rights
Keeps the user files separate
Define operating software
It allows applications software and hardware to communicate
It provides a platform on which the applications software can run.
It allows the computer to communicate with the outside world and the user
Define Multi-tasking
Allows more than one task to run simultaneously
Use of separate windows for each task
Each is give an amount of processor time before going onto next
Eg playing music while typing essay
Define Batch Processing
It performs many similar tasks serially without the need for user intervention.
For software to be considered for batch processing it must
Have a large number of similar tasks
Be run with no user intervention
Be able to run during out of office hours
E.g. Producing phone bills, calculating wages
Define Networking and Distributed Systems
Most operating systems are network operating systems (NOS’s)
A NOS is different from a multi-user OS because even though all the data is stored centrally, all of the processing is done locally
Once you log in you are enabled access to particular shared drives, every time you open a file a local copy will be created for editing.
Define Real-Time Systems
It must respond immediately to input otherwise there could be negative consequences.
For a system to be real time tasks must always have a bounded time to complete.
In a real time system when input is entered a response comes back immediately.
Transactional based systems are also considered to be real time
Define GUI
Use of icons
Use of windows
Use of pointers and menu
Define Form-based
Computer outputs prompts
User responds
Data proscribed and ordered
Why forms interface
Provides list of possible choices
Allows for simplified validation process
Ensures no necessary information is missed
Why menu based interface
Simple to use
Limited choice
Suitable for environment
Eg touch screen device
Why natural language interface
Allows user to use human syntax
Very complex systems therefore simplification of query is useful
User may find use of s natural syntax easier
Eg keyboard or microphone
Define menu based interface
List of choices on screen
Choice made by user leading to further menus
Can use touch screen
Back option on each screen
Define Command Line
This consists of a black screen with text where the user types instructions
This user interface can perform many different tasks on a computer and requires little processing power.
This is a complicated interface and requires training and knowledge to use.
Define Compression Software
Reduces size of files
When scripts are being sent electronically to publisher
They compression means they are sent more quickly
They are decompressed using s decompression algorithm at the destination
