Operating Systems Flashcards
What does an operating system do?
It controls the execution programs and coordinates actions between hardware, software, and the user.
An operating system is controlled by ____ and runs on computer
_____.
software, hardware
What does Microcomputer hardware consist of?
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Primary Storage
I/O (Input/Output) Devices
Secondary Storage
What is the CPU?
This can be described as the heart or brains of a computer. It handles nearly all operations.
Who was the original CPU designed by?
Intel (the 8086)
How does a computer represent data?
Using binary digits called bits (0s and 1s)
What is a byte?
a group of bits, usually 8, that represents a single character.
What is the meaning of word in computers?
A group of bytes, always in multiples of two.
how large were the internal word structure and the path of data transfer in the Intel 8086?
16 bits
How much data can most modern processors handle at a time?
64 bits
What is the clock on a microprocessor chip?
A Clock sets the pace (the clock rate) at which a processor handles its operations and keeps everything synchronized.
On the processor chip Pentium II, what are the statistics clock speed (MHz), Internal data path, external data path?
233-450 MHz, 32-bit, 64-bit
What determines a CPU’s overall processing capacity
The design of the chip,
the internal clock speed,
the width of the data paths
What is the purpose of primary storage?
It provides temporary holding locations for software and data being processed. It is called RAM and ROM.
What are RAM and ROM measured i?
Bytes, commonly in Gigabytes these days.
What does volatility mean?
It refers to when memory is unable to hold data when unpowered.
What is the meaning of RAM and ROM?
Random Access Memory and Read Only Memory.
What is required to preserve data without power?
Secondary storage
What is on ROM?
Instructions for starting computers, running diagnostics, loading OSs, which is usually on the hard drive.
What are I/O devices?
Devices that receive data and produce data
What is a buffer?
A holding area that temporarily stores computer characters.
Many I/O devices have a buffer.
What is a system bus?
The system bus is how data is processed. Most system use serial buses.
What is secondary storage?
Secondary storage is a read and writeable memory that preserves it’s data without power.
What are some characteristics of SSDs?
No moving parts
nonvolatile flash memory
Expensive compared to magnetic drives
Where is DOS located?
The area of the disk known as FAT (File Allocation Table)
Where does DOS do?
Keeps track of file locations and cluster information.
