System Software Flashcards
What are the two categories of software?
System Software and Application Software
System software manages hardware and provides a platform for application software to run.
What is an operating system?
A collection of programs designed to control and manage the operation of your computer and provide programmers with a standard method of accessing and controlling hardware.
What are the roles of an operating system?
- Provides an interface (GUI)
- Process and Task Management
- Memory Management (RAM)
- Input/Output Management
- Disk Management
Name common operating systems for desktops and portables.
- Windows (Microsoft)
- Apple OS X (Apple)
- Linux (OSS)
- Google Chrome OS
Name common operating systems for mobile devices.
- iOS (iPhone, iPad)
- Android (Google)
- QNX (Blackberry Playbook)
- Windows Mobile (Microsoft)
What is a stand-alone operating system?
An operating system that runs independently on a device, e.g., Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Linux.
What is a network operating system?
An operating system designed to manage network resources, e.g., Windows Server 2008, Mac OS X LION Server, Unix.
What is an embedded operating system?
An operating system designed for specific devices, e.g., Windows Embedded Compact, Embedded Linux.
What is a Command Line Interface (CLI)?
A text-based interface where users must know instructions and type them in.
What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
An interface that uses the WIMP principle (Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pointers) and requires greater memory resources.
List common components of a GUI.
- Dialogue Box
- Text Box
- Spinner
- Radio Button
- Command Button
- Combo and List Box
- Check Box
- Label
What are utility programs?
Programs that perform maintenance or administration tasks, e.g., Anti-Virus Software, Winzip, Backup utilities.
What are device drivers?
Software that allows the operating system to communicate and control a hardware device.
Who created Windows?
Microsoft.
Who created Linux?
Originally created by Linus Torvalds.
What are the licensing costs for Windows and Linux?
- Windows: Licensing fees paid
- Linux: No licensing costs
Define open source software.
Software with a license that allows access and modification of source code, distributed freely.
What is a GPL?
General Public License - a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, and share.
What is freemium software?
Software provided free of charge, but charges for additional features or services.
What is proprietary software?
Software owned by an individual or a company, usually with major restrictions on its use.
List advantages of open source software.
- No cost / low cost
- Access to source code
- Freedom to adapt and change
- Access to a community of users/support
List disadvantages of open source software.
- No one to hold responsible
- Risk of poor support
- Higher skills needed
- Various varieties of the same software can arise
What distinguishes between types of system software?
- Operating systems
- Utilities
- Drivers
- Programming tools and related applications
What are the management tasks in system management?
- Installing/uninstalling software
- Adding devices and device drivers
- Scheduling/updating
What security features are typically included in operating systems?
- Firewall
- Anti-malware
True or False: All software is proprietary.
False.
Fill in the blank: _______ are software that perform maintenance or administration tasks.
Utility Programs
What implications do the latest computer technologies have?
- Gender
- Race
- Culture
- Religion
- Ethnicity
- Disabilities
What are some examples of medical innovations mentioned?
- Remote surgery
- 3D printing and prosthetics
- Technology that helps hearing and sight impaired
What are online applications for jobs and universities?
- Skype interviews
- Access to resources
What communities resist the industrial revolution?
Communities like Mormons.
