Operating system Flashcards
Operating system
Low-level software that supports a computer’s basic function. Essential for run other programs and applications on computer.
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Allow user to interact with the computer. This is made up of icons, buttons and menus that can be clicked to carry out tasks.
Command line interface (CLI)
In this type of interface a user would need to type in the different commands they would like to carry out on the operating system.
Peripheral
A hardware device, used to input, store or output data form a computer, that is not directly part of the computer itself.
Main functions of OS
- provides GUI for the user to interact
- manages the hardware and peripherals that are connected to the computer
- manages the transfer of programs in and out of the memory
- manages file handing, allowing user to store, delete or move files
- manages the security for the computer, such as anti-virus
Interrupt
Is a signal. When this signal is received it will inform software that something has to be done. It could be generated from many sources. E.g. pressing keyboard
Multitasking
A computer can run only one program at a time, but currently running program can be interrupted to run another program and perform multiple task.
How does multitasking work?
The operating system run the programs in turns, so that it appears to be running at the same time.
Interrupt handler
A program in OS. The role is to prioritise the interrupt signals as it receives them and places them in a queue to be handled.
Hardware interrupts
An example is of hardware interrupt is one that is generated when a peripheral such as keyboard produces signal.
Software interrupts
AN example of software interrupt is when an application is opened or closed on a system.
