chapter six Flashcards by bibby b

system software

the underlying computer programming that allows application software to work (with very little human intervention)
provides essential utilities and background programs

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why is it important in business for anyone else besides the specialist to know what happens with system software?

the most significant task system software performs is to load the operating system

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operating system

collection of computer programs that administer the hardware and software to work properly (controlling memory, administering input/output, managing the file system)

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booting

loading a platform into the computer’s memory

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cold boot

powering up a computer for the first time

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warm boot

restarting a computer that is already running

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basic input/output system (BIOS)

firmware programming embedded on a computer chip (the computer runs the same program every time it’s turned on)

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what is the primary purpose of the BIOS?

to locate the computer hardware

prepare software programs that in turn load, execute and assume control

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registry

(database) contains settings-> screen savers, appearance, personalization
can be user or default settings

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critical process that requires a known user to type in a name (usually designated by a system administrator) and password

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profile

user’s preferences, like theme, styles, and resources available

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what abilities does administration have regarding a user’s profile?

ability to restrict users

including changing settings and browsing capabilities

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network/system administrator

required to manage tasks like hardware set up and computer configurations (very critical to protecting assets and intellectual property)

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how does the system software manage application software?

by loading application software into RAM after a user makes a request to open it by double-clicking on its icon

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how does system software manage memory?

a combination of memory allocation and file switching

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virtual memory

technique of breaking files requested from secondary memory into smaller, more manageable files that can fit into RAM

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pages

smaller pieces that represent larger files

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swap files

pages that exceed the capacity available in RAM so they are swapped in and out of RAM/secondary storage as needed

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the more file swapping, the ___ the computer will be

slower

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what is a solution to a slow computer

add more RAM

install more RAM chipsets that will be recognized the next time the computer is booted

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input devices

keyboard, mouse

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output devices

monitors, speakers

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drivers

allow input and output device to function properly by understanding the machine code
all input/output devices REQUIRE a driver

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monitor

one of the main translating/output devices; displays and renders output that an end user can understand

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GUI (graphical user interface)

displays on the monitor, provides the means to interact with both input and output systems

desktop

in the GUI, background displayed on the monitor | icons, windows, menus, ribbons, toolbars and folders

what is one of the primary functions of GUI?

provide a way to start/launch application software

icon

a small pictogram on the desktop that a user click with a mouse

window

rectangular area on the desktop, GUI unto its own that outputs information so that the application software can be employed effectively "maximize", "minimize", "restore", "close"

close button

shuts the application software off (does not save)

maximize button

expands window

restore button

reduces window

minimize button

closes window (not the program) and places it on the toolbar

active window

the window the user is currently using

menus

represented by keywords that provide a list of instructions or options to operate the application software

ribbon

Microsoft replaced menus | tabs across the top of the window that make it easy to find common features

folders

contain groups of computer files

businesses will often provide a basic desktop configuration for what purposes?

standardization, ease of use, and safety

operating system's file manager

GUI, management based on a hierarchy of folders

file name

use meaningful names

modification date

last time a file was saved or created

file type

spreadsheets, documents, databases, etc.

file size

how big/small in terms of bytes

hard drive

spinning magnetic platter (disk) that has a read/write arm that deposits positive/negative charges onto the disk

tracks

concentric circular bands

sectors

wedges

fragmented

scattered data on a disk

defragmentation

organizing of positive/negative charges on the disk to save/erase data

backup utilities

programs that copy data from a device/hard drive to a backup device (ensures safety)

what is a business's most valuable asset?

it's people

what is the second most valuable asset to a business?

its data and information

back up devices

hard drive, optical disk, magnetic tape, etc.

complete backup

ability to back up entire contents/mirror images

incremental backup

partial backup

antivirus utilities

system software programs that identify known viruses and attempt to block them from entering and infecting a computer system

what is the solution to viruses?

update computers constantly

who are the leading antivirus companies?

Norton Antivirus | McAfee VirusScan

how do antivirus companies work?

purchase subscription, perform scan, receive updates of new viruses

system updates

compensate for technology inadequacies

patches

notified programming code->update deficient operating system files, add files and features, plug and play drivers