operating system Flashcards
Explain the term ‘Memory Management’ in relation to the role of the operating system.
When you load an application, OS copys the application to the RAM and ensures that it has its own space on the RAM.
This stops other programs reading and writing to the memory area for another application.
It is also responsible for managing virtual memory.
Explain the term ‘Peripheral Management’ in relation to the role of the operating system.
The operating system controls these devices and gives programs access to them.
Explain the term ‘User Interface’ in relation to the role of the operating system.
provide users with an interface so that they can interact with the computer.
three major types of interface:
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Menu Driven Interface
- Command Line Interface
What are the main features of a ‘Graphical User Interface’ (GUI)?
Uses windows, icons, menus and pointers (WIMP) to control the computer.
What is a “MENU Driven Interface”?
uses menus to control the computer, offers limited functions (ie. if it is not on the menu then you can’t do it!)
What is a “Command Line Interface”?
uses written commands to interact with computer
used by Linux users and professionals with technical knowledge
Explain the term ‘Multi-Tasking’ in relation to the role of the operating system.
cpus core can only focus on one process at a time
operating system enables multi-tasking by managing CPU’s processes so that several programs can run at once.
by either allowing processes to take it in turn, or getting the shortest job done first.
How can operating systems provide security to users?
Operating systems manages users and ensure that a user’s data is only seen by them and not by others.
achieved by providing users with ‘usernames’ and ‘passwords’ so that data is kept secure
also give different users different permissions
Give two reasons why the operating system is the most important piece of software on any computer.
The operating system is responsible for controlling / communicating with the computer hardware.
It also provides a platform on which games, browsers, music players etc. can all work.
“If you were to run an everyday program (e.g. a word processor), without an operating system, nothing would be displayed on the screen, nothing could be sent to the printer, nothing could be typed“.
WHY?
programs do not know how to TALK to hardware devices.
However, the operating system does.
The operating system sits between the user’s applications and the hardware.
It enables applications to use hardware resources.
