System software #5 (optional)

Question 1

what is an operating system

Answer 1

-a software that manages a computer system.
-it is loaded by the bootstrap loader.
-one of its primary functions is to manage resources

Question 2

how does the operating system manage peripherals such as input/output devices

Answer 2

-communicates and sends data output to a printer/monitor/other valid output devices

-communicates with and receives data input to a keyboard/mouse/other valid input devices.

Question 3

how does operating system manage printing using spooling

Answer 3

-data is stored on a hard disk/in memory/stored in a queue
-document is printed when printer is free/in correct order
-benefit of spooling - user can carry on working/log off when waiting for job to print

Question 4

how does operating systems manage backing store

Answer 4

-ensures data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
-creates and maintains filing system such as file allocation table (FAT) or new technology file systems (NTFS)
-organises files in a hierarchical directory structure

Question 5

how does operating systems manage RAM

Answer 5

-ensures that programs/data do not corrupt each other.
-ensures that all programs and data, including itself are stored in correct memory locations,

Question 6

how does operating systems manage processes

Answer 6

-ensures that different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash.
-on a multi tasking operating system, ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously

Question 7

how does operataing system manage security

Answer 7

-allows creating and deletion of user accounts
-allows users to logon and change passwords.

Question 8

another function of the operating system is to provide a user interface, how are some examples of how the operating system provides a user interface?

Answer 8

-allows copying/deleting/moving/sorting/searching of file or folders
-allows access to system settings such as hardware
-provides a command line interface
-allows users to have more than one window open
-provides a graphical user interface (windows, icons, menus, pointers
-provides user with error/help messages
-allows customisation of user interface, eg, change desktop backgrond
-allows user to switch between tasks (programs/windows)

Question 9

what does HCI stand for, wat is it

Answer 9

human computer interaction
-term to describe communication between people and computer systems. to allow a person and computer system to communicate, an interface is required, often called a HCI

Question 10

what is GUI stand for and what is it

Answer 10

Graphical user interface
-type of interface that allows users to interact with a computer system through graphical icons.

Question 11

what are the 8 features of graphical user interface

Answer 11

-windows
-icons
-menus
-pointers
-assistants/help files/tutorials
-favourite settings/change environment/customisation
-shortcuts/hotkeys
-task bar/ribbon bar/tabs/customised toolbar

Question 12

what are 4 advantages and disadvantages of GUI

Answer 12

advantages
-intuitive
-easy to navigate
-uses windows, icons, menus and pointers
-no complicated commands

disadvantages
-requires large amount of memory
-is relatively processor intensive
-computing experts may find a GUI slower than a CLI
-GUIs take up a much larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces