Systems Software Flashcards
Define operating system
Runs the computer and manages: users,files,device drivers,memory and multi-tasking
Define memory management
The CPU processes one application at a time
Define user management
Different users are given access to specific data on a computer system
Define file management
Data is organised with structure using naming,moving,deleting and saving data
Define device drivers
Acts as a translator between the OS and hardware
Define user interface
Allows the user to interact with the computer system e.g. GUI
Define utilities
Helps to maintain or configure a computer stored in the OS.
Define encryption
Scrambles data so its secure if data is intercepted or stolen
Define defragmentation
Files are stored on a hard disk which reorganises the data to put complete files back together
Define compression
Reduces the file size of files so they take up less disk space and are quicker to download
Define multitasking
The OS divides CPU time between open applications
