Operating Systems Flashcards
Operating Systems
Definition: A set of integrated programs that help to control an entire computer system.
It forms a backbone between the hardware and the user’s program
Operating systems control input/output devices and manages the operation of storage
Also, a means of controlling the resources of a computer system (hardware, data)
Managing the communications and interface with the user
Different aspects of a computer related to the operating system : Applications, Monitor, Security, Keyboard, Mouse, Drives, Users,
The OS Kernel
Definition: When a computer “boots up”, the first program loaded into memory is the main part of the OS, the kernel
The kernel – its responsible for allocating hardware resources to the processes that make up the operating system and to the programs running under the operating system
For Example – Control access to the hardware, is the interface for all hardware & user operations, “talks to” applications and always resides in memory
The Role of the OS
Its to allow interactivity and interconnectivity between the operating system the hardware and applications on a computer and the end user
The applications that interact with the operating system are web browsers, Databases, word processors and email
The Hardware that interacts with the OS is the CPU, Memory, Hard Disks, DVD, CD-ROM, Flash Drives, Printers and Scanners
