Chapter 4 Flashcards
Operating system
a collection of computer programs that administer the hardware and software of a computer so that they work properly, one basic task it has it to store data and information like document files and spreadsheets in the most efficient manner possible
CPU (central processing unit)
is small very quick memory because it stores copies of information and data from the most regularly used part of main memory. helps decrease the time it takes to access memory
RAM (random access memory)
is a primary storage that allows stored data to be accessed in any random order without physical movement of the storage media. it is considered volatile memory because its contents will be lost if not saved to a non volatile device like a hard drive
Registers
are extremely fast small memory locations used to quicken the implementation of computer programs by providing access to commonly used calculated values
Virtual Memory
is memory the operating system uses to coordinate, track, and efficiently allocate the use of CPU cache, registers, RAM, and disk storage. is a technique that lets application programs like spreadsheets use fragmented pieces of memory making it easier for larger applications to use physical memory
Disk storage
non volatile, secondary storage that is recorded to a physical device like a hard drive or optical disk with read/write apparatus
Defragmentation
a program reorganizes the hard disk after data and information or files are deleted on the hard disk and new information is added and the disk ends up with fragments of information scattered all over. it also moves data to the inside concentric tracks of a hard drive, its a lengthy process that needs to be performed o a regular basis to keep the FAT well organized
Folders
aka Hierarchy of directors that make up file managers
File Management
a way to store and organize a users work in computer files on the memory of a computer
GUI (graphical user interface)
the inner workings of a physical filing cabinet that contains folders that house paper files, it’s a computer program that employs a graphical user interface to display and work with computer files.
Hierarchy
sometimes referred to as a tree, is a way to rank and organize files
Stand alone computers
computers that are not connected to any other computer
network
1 or more computers connected to one another
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol
a set of rules for transferring information from one computer to another kind of like a traffic light that times everything to ensure traffic can pass through safely without intersection
Packets
what files are called after TCP/IP breaks them up and then passes them from one computer to another
Worlds Largest Network
the internet
Network Operating system (NOS)
the ones that control networks and can control an entire network of computers
Drivers (device drivers)
are computer programs that allow peripheral hardware devices like printers or scanners to interface and work properly with a computer system
Plug and Play
designed to allow a device to automatically work when it is plugged into a computer system unit
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
developed in 1996 and gained popularity with Microsoft and are now considered a standard and many peripheral device consumers consider them as part of their purchase criteria for a more smooth operation
GUI
a presentation on a computer monitor that allows users to interact with a computer and the devices connected to it many have icons and menus to help launch programs and load documents
Embedded operating systems
are highly modified stripped down versions of larger operating systems that manufacturers produce for specific tasks and devices like google phone or iphone
Embedded computing
a computing system or device that performs a dedicated function
Mojave
is Macs current operating system before called Mac OS
UNIX
a proprietary operating system developed by Bell Labs in the 1960s and 70s are popular for large processing applications like credit card transactions and approvals
Disk Operating system (DOS)
non GUI and Microsofts previous operating system
Linux
started by Linus Torvalds and is a non proprietary UnIX like computer operating system, one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development. the Linux source code can be modified, used, and redistributed by anyone freely
Open source software
is software code which is open to anyone who cares to access and/or modify it for their own use
Loss of standardization
is a potential outcome with open source software
Diffusion
is once a product or software is widely accepted
