Systems Software Flashcards
Describe Providing a user interface
The OS is software that helps manage the resources of a computer system and provide interface between the user and hardware
Describe Memory management & multitasking
Programs temporarily stored in RAM to be processed, the OS transfers programs in and out of memory (hard drive or virtual)
Describe Peripheral Managment
An external device that is connected to a computer system to input or output data. The peripheral will process data at different speeds, a buffer is used
Describe User Management
Allows users to create, manage and delete individual accounts. OS will manage security settings such as allowing passwords to be reset
Describe File Management
Creates and maintains a logical management system to organise files - which allows these files to be renamed, named, opened and copied
Describe 5 different ways the operating software can provide a GUI
- Icons displayed to represent shortcuts
- Multiple windows can be opened at the same time
- The interface can be customised
- System settings can be accessed such as network and hardware options
- The taskbar allows shortcuts to be quickly accessed
Describe the Advantages and disadvantages of Command Line Interface
- Experts can use it efficiently
- Complicated process
- Could accidentally delete data
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Touch-Sensitive Interface
- Suitable for most users
- No training required
- Don’t work with dirty ASS FINGERS
- Take longer to write text than a keyboard
What are the advantages and disadvantages of menu driven interface
- User friendly
- Easy to use
- Hard to find specific data
- No search feature
What are the advantages and disadvantages of voice interface
- Hands free
- Speed up process
- Commands could be misheard
Explain fragmentation and how a file may be fragmented
When a file is split into parts that are saved in different storage locations, when there is limited space to store a file
What is the process of defragmentation
Empty spaces are collected together and moved to be stored together.
What are the effects of defragmentation on a hard drive
The read/write head on a hard drive does not need to move as far
