Module 4 Flashcards
What is the purpose of the OS?
Coordinates resources/activities on computer.
Takes your instructions/data and provides information/output from the system.
What does memory comprise?
The electrical components that store data waiting to be processed/executed by the processor + the data needed by those instructions + the results of processing the data
What is temporary memory?
Volatile memory
What is the most common type of volatile memory?
RAM
What is RAM?
Random access memory - place where open apps/document data are stored temporarily while device is on/
What is Cache?
temporary storage location where frequently used data is stored to speed up processing time.
Why might someone need to use virtual memory?
If they used up all the available RAM on their computer.
What is virtual memory?
The amount of memory stored temporarily on a swap file.
Capability of the OS to temporarily store data on a storage medium (hard disk) until it can be swapped.
What is paging?
The technique of swapping items between memory and storage.
What are 2 common types of involatile memory?
ROM + flash memory
What is ROM?
Read only memory - memory chips that store permanent data/instructions
What is flash memory?
A type of volatile memory that can be erased and electronically rewriten.
Before you can interact with the operating system, the computer or device goes through the ________, which triggers a series of steps and checks as the computer loads the operating system
Boot process
What are the steps of the boot process?
- ) Computer/device recieves power from power supply, sends to circuitry
- ) Processor begins to run bootstrap program (special built-in program)
- ) Bootstrap programs executes series of test to check components
- ) Test successful –> computer/device loads OS into the files into the RAM (including kernel)
- ) Loads system config info, prompts user verifications, and loads all startup programs
What is the kernel?
The core of the OS
- manages memory, runs programs, and assigns resources
