Operating Systems Flashcards
1
Q
What is an operating system?
A
- Software that helps to manage the resources of a computer system and provide the interface between the user and the computer’s hardware.
2
Q
Memory Management:
A
- The OS transfers programs in and out of memory from the hard drive (or virtual memory) when processing is required.
3
Q
Why must all programs be temporarily stored in RAM?
A
- All programs must be temporarily stored in RAM for the CPU to be able to process them.
4
Q
Why are programs removed from RAM when closed?
A
- Programs are removed from RAM when closed to free up space for other tasks.
5
Q
Multitasking Definition:
A
- Appearing that more than one process is being executed at the same time.
6
Q
What is a peripheral?
A
- An external device connected to a computer system to input or output data.
- Data is transferred between external devices and the processor and this process needs to be managed by the OS.
7
Q
What is a device driver?
A
- A program that provides an interface for the OS to interact and communicate with an external device.
- They are hardware dependant and OS specific.
- The driver translates the OS’ instructions into a format the specific hardware can understand.
8
Q
Why is a buffer used?
A
- Because the CPU and the peripheral will process data at different speeds, a buffer is typically used to temporarily store data until it can be processed.
9
Q
User Management:
A
- The OS allows users to create, manage, and delete individual accounts. User accounts can be granted different access rights such as administrator or guest.
- The OS will manage security settings such a allowing passwords to be reset and can also be used to monitor login activity.
10
Q
File Management:
A
- The OS creates and maintains a logical management system to organise files and directories (folders).
11
Q
What does file management allow?
A
- File management allows files to be:
- named
- renamed
- opened
- copied
- moved
- saved
- searched for
- sorted
- deleted.
- users to set access rights for specific files
- to view file properties.
12
Q
What is a user interface?
A
- Allowing a human to interact with the computers system.
13
Q
Define human-computer interaction:
A
- The way in which a user can navigate a computer system.
14
Q
Icons:
A
- Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files.
15
Q
Windows:
A
- Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between.
16
Q
Interface:
A
- Interface can be customised e.g changing font sizes and desktop background.
17
Q
Folder and file system:
A
- Folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying, searching, sorting and deleting data.
18
Q
System settings:
A
- System settings can be accessed (network, hardware settings).
19
Q
Taskbar:
A
- Taskbar allows shortcuts to be pinned for quick access.
20
Q
Menus:
A
- Menus can be opened from the Start button to display files and shortcuts.
21
Q
Command-Line Interface:
A
- Entirely text based
- Requires users to interact with the system by typing commands.
- Complicated, could accidentally delete data.
- Only trained experts can efficiently make use of it.
22
Q
Touch-Sensitive Interface:
A
- Press on a touchscreen
- Very intuitive
- Suitable for users without training.
- Won’t work with dirty/wet fingers
- Takes longer to write text than using a keyboard.
23
Q
Menu-Driven Interface:
A
- Displays data in a series of linked menus
- Cash machines, iPods
- User friendly
- Easy to use (no commands).
- Annoying to find specific data through a large number of menus without a search feature.
24
Q
Voice-Driven Interface:
A
- Controlled by speaking commands aloud.
- Siri, Google Home, Alexa.
- Intuitive
- Hands-free
- Speed up processes.
- Commands may be misheard
- Commands may be limited in what can be performed.
