Operating systems

Question 1

GCSE ICT Theory

<b> Operating Systems <b></b></b>

Answer 1

On this set of flashcards you will be revising operating systems, their types and their uses.

Question 2

What is a ‘real time’ operating system used for

Answer 2

A real time operating system is mostly used in systems that use computer control. It is used where <b> instant responses </b> are needed in a set pattern.

Some Examples are
• Traffic lights
• Heart rate monitoring
• Aircraft control
• Computer games
• Controlling robots

<i> Note, however that real time operating do not need to be fast but real time processing has to be programmed very carefully to ensure that no input events are missed.</i>

Question 3

What is an operating system?

Answer 3

An operating system is the core software that allows a computer to run as an useful device. It manages the hardware, the user interface and all other software running on the computer. <b> Remember </b> however, that operating systems do not always have to be used by a user.

Question 4

Can you name 3 ‘brands’ of operating system?

Answer 4

Windows or Linux - <i> for personal computers </i>
MacOS (or OS X) -<i> for Apple Macs </i>
Unix - <i> for mainframes </i>
Symbian, Android, iOS -<i> for mobile phones </i>

Question 5

What would you use a Multi-user, multi-tasking operating system for?

Answer 5

You would use them when you need a <i> really </i> powerful computer.

For instance
• You are an engineer or scientist and want to run a very complicated simulation
• You are a weather scientist and want run a forecast
• You are a financial person and want to work on thousands of stock market share movements
• You work in a bank and want to handle customer accounts.
• You are an architect and want to see your full design
• You work at an University as an academic along with hundreds of other academics
• You are a film animator and want to work in 3D