Lesson 1: Computer & Operating System Flashcards
How long have computers been around?
Since the late 1940s
An electronic device that receives data (input), processes and stores data, and produces a result (output)
Computer
A collection of raw unprocessed fact - texts, numbers, sound, images, video
Data
The actual machine that makes up the computer (wires, transistors, circuits)
Hardware
The input and output devices such as the keyboard and monitor
Peripherals
Instructions or programs for controlling the computer
Software
Data transformed into meaningful form
Information
Input, processing, output, and storage (IPOS)
Information processing cycle
When you can use computers to enahnce your life and understand a wide range of information about current technology
Computer literacy
Economic gap between those who are computer literate and have access to computer tech, and those who do not
digital divide
Provides the means for you to interact with the computer’s hardware
Software
Allows you to enter and receive information
User interface
You interact with software through its ____
User interface
Displays a picture called icons that allow you to interact wiht data and execute commands
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Requires you to type text commands to interact with the computer
Command Line Interface
A computer relies on two types of software
System software and Application software
Runs a computer and includes the operating system and utility programs
System software
Software that coordinates the resources and activities on a computer
Operating system
Helps the operating system set up, maintain, and protect a computer
Utility program
Used to directly complete a specific task or create something electronically - writing a report, creating a video, etc
Application software
Purpose of the operating system
Operates and controls computer hardware and runs application software
Purpose of the application software
Provides services and information directly to the users
Role of the operating system
Coordinates the activities of users, application software, and hardware
Tasks of the application software
Creates documents, reports, charts, etc.
Role of the application software
Perform tasks based upon user input
Task of the operating system
monitors hardware, manages resources, controls input and output, and processes data
Examples of the operating system
Windows 8, Mac OS X, Android
Examples of the application software
Microsoft Word, Adobe PS, Mozilla Fox
Types of operating systems
Personal Computer OS
Mobile Computing Devices
Embedded OS
Server OS
Installed on a single computer and are multitasking operating systems
Personal Computer OS
Why are Personal Computer OS called single-user OS?
Only one user interacts with the OS at a time
Why are PC OS multitasking OS?
They let you work with more than one program at a time
Three most popular personal computer operating systems
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Designed for small handheld computing devices and includes features similar to a personal operating system - simpler and smaller
Mobile computing devices
Any phone that includes many features of a computer
Smartphone
One-piece mobile computers that usually include a touchscreen
Tablet
A screen you touch to interact with the GUI
Touchscreen
Single user, single-tasking operating systems
Mobile operating systems
Run devices such as ATMs, navi systems, portable media players, and digital recorders
Embedded OS
Designed to meet a specific purpose and perform a single task, such as providing maps and directions
Embedded Operating Systems
Part of an electronic device or system other than a computer
Embedded Operating System
Resides on a server and is used to manage a network
Server Operating Systems
A group of 2 or more computers linked together
Network
Sometimes called network operating systems
Server Operating Systems
A computer that provides network services such as e-mail to other computers or clients
Server
Most complex computers that can process large amounts of data and used to solve complex numerical problems, make forecast, etc.
Supercomputers
Large and expensive computers with powerful processors and large memories; hundred of people acan work on a mainframe computer at the same time
Mainframe computers
Smaller and cheaper than mainframe computers and have less processing power; fewer people can work on this type of computer
Minicomputer
Most common computers that are used by businesses, schools, and homes; only one person cna use them at a time
Microcomputers
Also called desktop or personal computers
Microcomputers
Smaller but costlier than desktop computers; also called notebooks and can be operated with a battery and often used while travelling
Laptop computers
Smaller than laptops
Mobile devices
Used to organize info, play games, and read e-books
Tablets
A microprocessor that is fitted into a device to control its operation; installed into smart appliances and automoniles to perform special operations
Embedded computer
The generation that used vacuum tubes
First gen computers
1942-1955 computers
First generation computers
Consists of a glass bulb and wire
Vacuum tube
What is the wire of the vacuum tube used for?
It is used to carry data in the form of electric signals
Were very large, expensive, and required huge amounts of electricity
First generation computers
ENIAC
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
The generation that used transistors instead of vacuum tubes
Second generation computers
1956-1963 computers
second generation computers
The generation of computers that used integrated circuits
3rd generation computers
Controls your computer from the time you turn it on to the moment you turn it off
Operating System tasks
It takes care of technical tasks such as start-up steps, managing memory, processing input nad output, controlling hardware, and ending a computer session
Operating system tasks
A series of steps that the OS must complete before you can interact with the OS
Boot process
Any component the system requires to do work
Resource
Main resources
Memory, processing components, storage space, peripherals
Completely turns off the computer
Shut down
Closes applications and resets the operating system
Restart
Closes applications but keeps the operating system running so another user can sign in without restarting the computer
Sign out
Applications and the OS continue to run while another user signs in; the other user is not allowed to access your apps or data
Switch users
Applications and the operating system continue to run, though you cannot access them until you sign in
Lock
Applications and the OS continue to run, though in a low-power state
Sleep
Part of memory or storage where data waits until it can be transferred to a device
Buffer
Part of a computer’s hard disk that can work as additional RAM
virtual memory
To gain memory, Windows moves data from one running application out of RAM and into virtual memory, a process called ___
swapping
