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2-Operating System > OS > Flashcards

OS Flashcards

1
Q

What do computers require to function?

A

Programming instructions

Computers cannot operate on their own and need instructions to perform tasks.

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2
Q

What is an operating system?

A

The interface between the user and the computer

It performs basic tasks and manages hardware and software resources.

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3
Q

List the basic tasks performed by an operating system.

A
  • Recognises input from the keyboard
  • Sends output to the display screen
  • Keeps track of files and directories on the disk
  • Controls peripheral devices such as printers
  • Acts as an interface between hardware and user
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4
Q

Name some commonly used operating systems.

A
  • Disk Operating System (DOS)
  • MS Windows
  • Linux
  • Windows NT
  • Mac OS
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5
Q

What is booting?

A

The process that starts the operating system when the computer is turned on

It is a self-starting process.

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6
Q

What are the two types of booting?

A
  • Warm Boot: Restarting while the computer is on
  • Cold Boot: Pressing the power button when the computer is off
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7
Q

What is the role of BIOS in the booting process?

A

Runs the Basic Input/Output System and supports the transfer of information between hardware devices

BIOS is built into a computer’s ROM.

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8
Q

What does POST stand for?

A

Power-On Self Test

It checks that all components are working properly.

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9
Q

What is the Master Boot Record (MBR)?

A

Information copied to RAM that loads the operating system files

It is crucial for the booting process.

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10
Q

What functions does an operating system perform?

A
  • Process Management
  • Device Management
  • Memory Management
  • File Management
  • Housekeeping
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11
Q

What is process management in an operating system?

A

Controls and schedules processes for execution

It allocates CPU time to each process to ensure maximum output.

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12
Q

What is device management?

A

Coordinates and controls input and output devices

It requires device drivers to recognize attached devices.

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13
Q

What does housekeeping include in an operating system?

A

Services necessary for smooth operation, such as security and backup

It ensures resource accounting and protection.

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14
Q

What is a single-user operating system?

A

An operating system that allows only one user to work at a time

Examples include Windows and Mac OS.

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15
Q

What is a multi-user operating system?

A

An operating system that supports multiple users at the same time

Examples include Linux and Unix.

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16
Q

What is the Character User Interface (CUI)?

A

An interface where the user types commands to perform actions

An example is Disk Operating System.

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17
Q

What is the Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

A

An interface that provides a graphic environment for user interaction

An example is the Windows operating system.

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18
Q

Why is shutting down an operating system important?

A

To ensure that operating system files are saved back to the hard disk

Proper shutdown prevents data loss and potential damage.

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19
Q

What happens if a computer is switched off without proper shutdown?

A

High risk of losing data and potential damage to the operating system.

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20
Q

What is the ‘Sleep’ option in operating systems?

A

Puts the computer in a low-power state while saving work

It allows resuming from where the user left off.

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21
Q

What is the function of the ‘Sleep’ mode in computers?

A

Puts the computer in a low-power state and saves any work being done

It allows users to resume work from where it was left off.

22
Q

What is ‘Hibernate’ in laptops?

A

‘Hibernate’ is a power-saving mode that keeps active documents and programs running on the hard disk

It allows work to be resumed quickly and enables restoration even in case of power failure.

23
Q

What is BIOS?

A

A built-in software into a computer’s RAM

24
Q

Define Booting.

A

The process that starts the operating system when the user turns on a computer system.

25
Q

What is a Cold Boot?

A

The process of pressing the Power button when the computer is shut down.

26
Q

What does MBR stand for?

A

Master Boot Record

It is the information that BIOS copies onto the RAM.

27
Q

What is a Multi-user operating system?

A

An operating system that supports multiple users at the same time and/or different times.

28
Q

What is an Operating System?

A

System software that is an interface between the user and the computer.

29
Q

What does POST stand for?

A

Power-On Self Test

30
Q

What is the purpose of POST?

A

Conducted by BIOS to make sure all the components of the computer are in a working condition.

31
Q

Define a Single-user operating system.

A

An operating system where only one user can effectively work on a computer at a time.

32
Q

What is a Warm Boot?

A

The process of pressing the Restart button while the computer is already on.

33
Q

List the important functions performed by an operating system.

A
  • Process management
  • Device management
  • Memory management
  • File management
  • Housekeeping
34
Q

What is a Command User Interface (CUI)?

A

An environment where the user needs to type a command to perform a particular action.

35
Q

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

A

An environment where the user can perform an action by just a mouse-click.

36
Q

What happens during the shutdown of an operating system in Windows?

A

Operating system files are sent back to the hard disk to prevent damage.

37
Q

True or False: Pressing the Power button when the computer is switched off is called a warm boot.

38
Q

True or False: An operating system sends output to the display screen.

39
Q

True or False: When the system is switched on, the BIOS loads onto the RAM.

40
Q

True or False: A multi-user operating system is selected when one user needs to do one thing at a time.

41
Q

True or False: An operating system is an application software.

42
Q

Identify the odd one out: DOS, Housekeeping, MBR, Switch user, Windows, Process management, BIOS, Lock, Device management.

A

Housekeeping

43
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of pressing the Restart button while the computer is already on is called _______.

44
Q

Fill in the blank: An interface between the user and the computer is called _______.

A

Operating System

45
Q

Fill in the blank: A graphical environment where a mouse acts as a pointing device is called _______.

46
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of pressing on the Power button when the computer is switched off is called _______.

47
Q

Fill in the blank: A process that starts the operating system when the user turns on a computer system is called _______.

48
Q

What are the basic tasks performed by an operating system?

A
  • Process management
  • Device management
  • Memory management
  • File management
  • Housekeeping
49
Q

List the steps in the booting process.

A
  1. Power-On Self Test (POST)
  2. Loading the BIOS
  3. Initializing hardware components
  4. Loading the operating system into RAM
50
Q

Explain the difference between CUI and GUI.

A

CUI requires users to type commands, while GUI allows users to interact with graphical elements using a mouse.

51
Q

Why is it important to properly shut down your computer?

A

To prevent data loss and damage to the operating system.

52
Q

Discuss the various types of operating systems.

A
  • Single-user operating systems
  • Multi-user operating systems
  • Real-time operating systems
  • Distributed operating systems
  • Embedded operating systems

2-Operating System (1 decks)

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