Operating System Flashcards
What are the roles of an operating system?
- Manage the processor
- Memory Management
- Handling external peripherals
- Utility programs
- Networking
- Security
- Providing a user interface
What are the hardware resources the OS has to manage?
- Processors
- Storage
- Input / Output devices
- Data
What is a driver?
A software program that provides an interface for the OS to interact with a device
What is a device driver?
Software which translates the OS’s instructions into a series of instructions that a specific piece of hardware will understand
What is multi-tasking?
The OS can only manage one task at a time.
Memory management allows it to appear like more than one process is being executed
Real Time OS
All input data must be processed within a guaranteed timeframe
Example of a Real Time OS
Aircraft autopilot systems
Multi Tasking OS
Runs multiple programs at the same time
Example of a Multi Tasking OS
Smartphones
Multi User OS
Allows multiple users at the same time
Example of a Multi User OS
School or work computers
Distributed OS
Allows multiple computers to work together on a single task
Example of a Distributed OS
Online shopping
Embedded OS
Has a dedicated function that is read-only
Example of an Embedded OS
Washing machines
What is BIOS?
Basic Input Output System is the first program that runs when a computer system is switched on
- Non volatile and read only
What does BIOS do?
Checks hardware is working (the Power On Self Test) and then hands over control to the OS (the Bootstrap program)
