MODULE 2- Operating Systems Flashcards
What are the three major operating systems used today?
The three major operating systems used today are Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS and Linux.
What makes Microsoft Windows unique compared to Linux and MacOS?
Microsoft Windows is the only major operating system not based on Unix or Linux.
What is Apple MacOS based on?
Apple MacOS is based on a Unix distribution called BSD Unix combined with proprietary Apple code.
What is BSD Unix?
BSD (Berkley Software Distribution) is a Unix based Operating system that MacOS is derived from.
What is the first decision when specifying a computer system?
The first decision when specifying a computer system is its role (server or desktop).
Why do servers commonly use a CLI?
Servers commonly use the CLI to free up resources for serving information to the client.
What is a release cycle?
The Release cycle is the periodic schedule of operating system and software upgrades.
What factors determine a machines function (tasks its designed to perform? (3 items)
A machines function is determined by factors such as the software it is required to run, the number of machines it will be required to host, and the administrator skill level.
What is the benefit of virtualization in modern data centers?
Virtualization allows one physical machine to host multiple virtual machines reducing space and power requirements.
What is a maintenance/life cycle?
A maintenance or life cycle is the period during which vendors provide updates for older software versions.
How does automation improve server management?
Scripting allows the creation , configuration, deployment and removal of virtual machines without human intervention.
What is a major benefit of cloud computing on hardware?
Cloud computing has reduced the need for hardware upgrades by offering scalable resources.
What is the difference between beta and stable software releases?
Beta software is newly developed and untested, while stable software has been field-tested and is reliable.
Why would a user choose beta software?
A user would choose beta software to access new features early.
Why do production servers typically use stable software?
Production servers typically use stable software to minimize the risks with untested code.
What is backward compatibility?
Backward compatibility is the ability for newer Operating systems to run older software versions.
How do open source developers maintain backward compatibility?
Open source developers maintain backward compatibility through the use of versioned libraries and preserving previous functions.
How does virtualization help control IT costs?
Virtualization helps organizations pay for only the resources they use.
What factors influence the cost of a system? (4 factors)
The cost of a system is influenced by factors such as hardware, licensing fees, staff expertise and future requirements.
Where was the first graphical user interface developed?
The first GUI was developed at Xerox PARC(Palo alto research center) in the early 1970s.
Which decision point determines whether a machine will run a CLI or GUI based on how it will be used?
Role.
Which decision point considers whether a system will be used for specific tasks such as hosting web services, running applications or managing databases?
Function.
Which decision point involves choosing between beta software with new features or stable software that has been tested extensively?
Stability.
Which decision point is concerned with whether the operating system can run older software designed for previous versions?
Compatibility.