System Software Flashcards
What is the definition of an Operating System?
A piece of software responsible for running the computer, managing Memory/Multi-tasking, Users, Files, Device Drivers, and providing a User Interface.
What does the CPU do regarding application processing?
The CPU processes one application at a time; other processes have to wait.
How does the Operating System facilitate multi-tasking?
The OS divides CPU time between open applications.
What is the role of User Management in an Operating System?
It allows different users to be given access to specific data or resources on a computer system.
What does File Management in an Operating System involve?
The organization of data into a usable hierarchical structure, including naming, moving, deleting, and saving data.
What are Device Drivers?
Software that acts as a translator between the OS and the hardware.
Fill in the blank: The OS is responsible for _______ management, which deals with data organization.
[file]
True or False: The Operating System manages users and their access to data.
True
What must every piece of hardware connected to a computer system have?
A device driver.
Fill in the blank: The OS divides CPU time between _______ applications.
[open]
What is a User Interface?
The User Interface allows the user to interact with a computer system. The most common type of UI is a Graphical User Interface.
What is Utility software?
Utility software is system software that helps to maintain or configure a computer. Many useful utilities are installed with the Operating System.
What is the purpose of Encryption software?
Encryption software scrambles data. The main benefit of encryption is that if data is intercepted or stolen, the data is still secure.
What is Defragmentation?
Files are stored on a hard disk in available spaces. Over time the disk becomes fragmented. Defrag software reorganises the data to put complete files back together.
What does Compression software do?
Compression software reduces the file size of files so that they take up less disk space and are quicker to download.
