Operating System Flashcards
The operating system and utility programs that control a computer system and allow you to use your computer
System Software
Enables the boot process, launches applications, transfers files, controls hardware configuration, manages files on the hard drive, and protects from unauthorized use.
System Software
Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a computer
Application Software
Word processing, playing games, browsing the web, listening to music, etc.
Application Software
A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities taking place within a computer
Operating system
Acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer and between the application programs and system hardware
Operating system
Functions of an operating system
Interfacing with users
Booting the computer
Configuring devices
Managing network connections
Managing and monitoring resources and jobs
File management
Security
The ability of an operating system to have more than one program (task) open at one time.
Multitasking
The ability to rotate between multiple threads so that processing is completed faster and more efficiently
Multithreading
Multiple processors or multiple cores are used in one computer system to perform work more efficiently. Tasks are performed SEQUENTIALLY
Multiprocessing and parallel processing
Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
Virtual memory
Memory management
Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is used by different hardware devices or programs
Buffer
Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed
Buffering or Spooling
Require users to input commands using the kryboard
Command line interface
Graphics based interface Used most by operating systems
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Categories of operating systems
Personal (desktop) operating system
Server (network) operating systems
Mobile and embedded operating systems
Designed to be installed on a single computer
Personal (desktop) operating systems
Designed to be installed on a network server
Client computers still use a personal operating system
Controls access to network resources
Server (network) operating systems
Types of processors supported
Desktop, mobile, server processors
32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
Support for virtualization and other technologies
New type of buses
Virtualization
Mobility
Security concerns
Power consumption concerns
Touch and gesture input
The move to cloud
Traditionally used a command-line interface
Dominant operating system in the 1980s and 1990s
PC & MS
Can enter commands in Windows
DOS(Disk Operating System)
The predominant personal operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation
Windows
Command that changes to a new location on the current drive
Change Directory (CD) Command
Command that changes to a new drive
Drive Command
Command that copies files from one location to another
Copy command
Command that displays the files and folders in the current location
Directory (DIR) Command
Instructs the operating system to start an application program and to open a document and print it
User
Hands the document over to the operating system for printing
Application program
Sends the document to the printer
Operating system