Chapter 4- Operating Systems Flashcards
What are the 6 steps in the boot process?
- Power up
- Start boot program
- Power on self test
- Identify peripheral devices
- Load operating system
- Check configuration and customization
Android OS
An open source OS for handheld devices
Backup
A duplicate copy of a file, disk, or tape. Also refers to a Windows utility that allows you to creat a backup
Backup Software
A set of utility programs that performs a variety of backup-related tasks.
Bare-Metal Restore
A process by which a backup is r5estored to a hard disk without first reinstalling the OS and device drivers.
BlackBerry OS
An OS software designed for the BlackBerry handheld devices.
Boot Disk
A CD, DVD, BD or USB Flash drive that contains the files needed for the boot process
Boot Process
The sequence of events that occurs withing a computer system between the time the user starts the computer and the time it is ready to process commands.
Bootstrap Program
A program stored in ROM that loads and initalizes the OS on a computer
Button
An on-screen graphical control that can be clicked to initiate a command.
Cluster
A group of sectors on a storafe medium that, when accessed as a group, speeds up data access.
Command-line Interface
A style of user interface that requires users to type commands, rather than use a mouse to manupulate on-screen controls.
Data Fork
An element of the Macintosh file system that comprises the part of the file that contains the text, audio or video data; contrast with resource fork.
Defragmentation Utility
A software tool used to rearrange the files on a disk so that they are stored in contiguous clusters.
Desktop
A term used to refer to the main screen of a GUI.
Desktop OS
An OS specifically designed for use on PCs
Dialog Box
An element of GUI that apperas in a window and requests information, such as command parameters. (Format in Excel)
Differential Backup
A copy of all files that changed since the last full backup of a disk.
Directory
In the context of computer file management, a list of files contained on a computer storage device.
Disc Mastery
The process of creating a CD or DVD by selecting all the files to be coped and then writing them in a single sesson. Contrast to packet writing.
Disk Image
A bit-by-bit copy of the contents of a disk created for backup, archiving or duplication of data.
Disk Partition
An area of a hard disk created by dividing a large hard disk into several smaller virtual ones, such as when using two operating systems on a single computer.
DOS
(Disk Operating System) The OS software shipped with the first IBM Pc;s, Then used on millions of computers until the introduction of Microsoft Windows.
Dual Boot
A computer that contains more than one OS and can boot either one.
File Format
The method of organization used to encode and store data in a computer. Text formats include DOCX and TXT. Graphics formats include BMP, TIFF, GIF and PNG.
File Header
Hidden information inserted at the beginning of a file to indetify its properties, such as the software that can open in.
File Management Utility
Software, such as Windows Explorer, that helps users locate, rename, move, copy and delete files.
File Shredder Software
Software designed to ovewrite sectors of a disk with a random series of 1’s and 0’s to ensure the deletion of data.
File Size
The physical size of a file on a storage medium, usally measured in kilobytes (KB).
File Specification
A combination of the drive letter, subdirectory, file name and extension that indentifies a file (Such as A:\word\filename.doc) also called a “path”.
File Synchronization
the process of keeping two sets of files updated so they are the same; used to synch files between a computer and a Smart Phone or backup device. Also called mirroring.
File System
A method that is used by an OS to keep files organized.
File Tag
In the context of Windows, a piece of information that describes a dile. Tags, such as Owner, Rating and Date Taken can be added by users.
File-Naming Conventions
A set of rules, established by the OS, that must be followed to create a valid file name.
Folder
The subdirectories, or sibdivisions of a directory, that can contain files or other folders.
Formatting
The process of dividing a disk into sectors so that it can be used to store information.
Fragmented Files
Files stored in scattered, non-contiguous clusters on a disk.
Full Backup
A copy of all the files for a specified backup job.
Full System Backup
A backup that contains all of the files on the hard disk, including the OS.
Google Chrome OS
An operating system based on the Linux Kernel; designed for netbooks dedicated to using the Web and Web-based apps.
Graphical User Interface
(GUI) A type of user interface that features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse.
Icon
A graphical object, such as those that represent programs or folders on a computer desktop.
Incremental Backup
A backup that contains files that changed since the last backup.
iOS
The operating system for iPhones.
Kernel
The core Module of an OS that typically manages memory, processes, tasks and storage devices.
Library
In the context of Windows 7, a superfolder that contains pointers to various folders and files; Examples include Documents, Pictures and Videos.
Linux
An OS that is a derivative of UNIX, available as freeware and widely used for servers through it is also used on PC’s and workstations.
Linux Distribution
Usually a download that includes the Linux OS, a Linux Desktop and other Linux Utilities.
Logical Storage Models
Any visual or Conceptual aid that helps a computer user visualiz a file storage system. Also called a storage metaphor.
Mac OS
The OS software designed for use on Apple Macintosh Computers.
Mastery File Table
(MFT) An index file used in NTFS storage systems to maintain a list of clusers and keep track of their contents.
Memory Leak
An undesirable state in which an OS does not correctly allocate memory for programs causing parts of one program to ovewrite parts of another and malfunction.
Menu
In the context of GUIs, a list of commands or options often displayed as a list at the top or bottom of the screen.
Menu Bar
A standard component of most GUIs that is displayed as a strip of clickable options, that in turn display a list of commands.
Microsoft Windows
An OS, Developed by Microsoft Corporation, that provides a GUI. Versions include Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Multiprocessing
The ability of a computer or OS to support dual core processors or multiple processors.
Multitasking
The ability of a computer, processor or OS to run more than one program, job or task at the same time.
Multithreading
A technology that allows multiple parts or threads from a program to run simultaneously.
Multiuser OS
An OS that allows a single computer to deal with simultaneous processing requests from multiple users.
Native File Format
A file format that is unique to a program or group of programs and has a unique file extension. Example Microsoft Access’ extension is .accdb
NTFS
(New Technology File System) A file system used by Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, Vista and Windows 7 OS to keep track of the name and location of files on the Hard Disk.
Operating System
The software that controls the computer’s use of its hardware resources, such as memory and disk storage space. Also called OS.
Packet Writing
The process of recording data to a CD or DVD in multiple sessions. Contrast to Disc Mastering.
Palm webOS
A popular type of OS for handheld computers and smartphones.
Physical Storage Model
A representation of data as it is physically stored. Contrast to Logical Storage Model.
Recovery Disk
A CD that contains all the OS files and application software files necessary to restore a computer to its original state.
Reserved Words
Special words used as commands in some OS that may not be used as file names.
Resource
A component, either hardware or software, that is available for use by a computer’s processor.
Resource Fork
A storage characteristic of Mac OS that creates a file containing a description of the data stored in an accompanying raw data file. Contrast to Data Fork.
Restore Point
Data stored about the state of files and the OS at a given point in time, then used to roll back the computer to that state.
Ribbon
An element of the GUI popularized by Microsoft Office 2007 that presents users with multible tabs instead of menus at the top of the application window.
Root Directory
The main directory of a disk.
Sectors
Subdivisions of the tracks on a storage medium that provide areas for data.
Server OS
A type of OS, sometimes called a network OS that provides management tools for distributed networks, email servers and web hosting sites.
Single-User OS
A type of OS that is designed for one user at a time.
Subdirectory
A directory found under the root directory.
Submenu
A user interface element that emerges after a menu is selected to offer additional options.
Symbian
An OS typically used on mobile phones and open to programming by third-party developers.
Taskbar
A GUI element usually displayed near the bottom of the screen to help users launch and monitor applications.
Toolbar
A component of GUI that displays icons representing tools, commands, and other options.
Tracks
A series of concentric or spiral storage areas created on a storage medium during the formatting process.
UNIX
A multiuser, multitasking server OS developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1969.
User Interface
The software and hardware that enable people to interact with computers.
Virtual Machine
Software that creates an operating environment that emulates another computer platform. Parallels Desktop creates a virtual PC on a Mac Computer.
Window
An element of GUI that is rectangular in shape and displays the controls for a program or dialog box.
Windows Explorer
A file management utility included with most Windows OS that helps users manage their files.
Windows Phone 7
A mobile OS designed by Microsoft for their mobile phones.
