QE2-3 What Is Operating System Software? Flashcards
What is operating system software?
An operating system (OS) is software that controls a computer’s resources, such as reading and writing data, allocating memory, managing user interfaces, and running programs.
It does not handle application-specific tasks.
What are the main functions of an operating system?
Read and write data
Allocate memory
Perform memory-swapping
Start and stop programs
Respond to error conditions
Facilitate backup and recovery
Manage the user interface (display, keyboard, mouse)
Name four examples of nonmobile client operating systems.
Windows (PCs, most widely used)
macOS (Mac PCs, easy to use)
Unix (used in science/engineering)
Linux (open source, used on many hardware types)
What are examples of mobile client operating systems?
Android (most widely used)
iOS (used on iPhone and iPad)
Windows 10 (attempt to unify OS across hardware)
What are examples of server operating systems?
Windows Server (popular in businesses with commitment to Microsoft)
Unix (fading from use, replaced by Linux)
Linux (most popular server OS)
What is utility software?
Utility software helps optimize and configure the computer to provide additional functionality for the operating system.
Examples include antivirus, screen saver, encryption, uninstall, and compression software.
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source version of Unix, developed by a community of programmers.
It is widely used on servers and is free to use, making it popular in environments where cost is a concern.
What is the difference between a mobile client and a nonmobile client operating system?
Nonmobile client OS is used on PCs and laptops.
Mobile client OS is used on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
What is the most widely used nonmobile client operating system?
Microsoft Windows is the most popular nonmobile client OS, used on more than 80% of the world’s desktops.
