Technology for Success (Operating Systems and File Management) - Chapter 4 Flashcards
System Software
is the software that runs a computer, including the operating system and utilities.
Operating System (Platform)
a program that manages the complete operation of your computer or mobile device and lets you interact with it
Standard operating system functions include
Starting and shutting down a computer or device
Managing programs
Managing memory
Coordinating tasks
Configuring devices
Establishing an Internet connection
Monitoring performance
Providing file management
Updating operating system software
Monitoring security
Controlling network access
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
a collective term for all the ways you interact with the device.
(How you interact with menus, programs and apps, and visual images such as icons by touching)
Utilities
enable you to perform maintenance-type tasks related to managing the computer or device.
(tools that you use to manage files, search for content or programs, view images, install and uninstall apps, etc)
Software as a Service (SaaS)
software that is distributed online for a monthly subscription or an annual fee
Personal Computer (PC) operating system or Desktop Operating System
An operating system installed on a single computer (Windows, macOS, UNIX, Linux)
Closed Source
programs keep all or some of the code hidden, enabling developers to control and profit from the program they create.
Open Source
programs and apps (including operating systems) have no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification and redistribution.
Server Operating System
a multiuser operating system because it controls a single, centralized server computer that supports many users on networked computers
Virtualization
the practice of sharing computing resources, such as servers or storage devices, among computers and devices on a network
Mobile Operating System
smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices (Android, IOS)
Desktop
The main workspace. (Icons, toolbars, taskbars, menus, and buttons you can use to start programs and apps)
Window
a rectangular-shaped work area that displays an app or a collection of files, folders, and tools.
Menu
a list of related items, including folders, applications, and commands.
Dialog boxes
windows with controls that let you tell the operating system how you want to complete a command
File
a collection of information stored on your computer, such as a text document, spreadsheet, photo, or song
Data file
contains words, numbers, and pictures that you can manipulate
Executable file
contains the instructions your computer or device needs to run programs and apps
File format
refers to the organization and layout of data in a file
File extension
three or four letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a file name that identifies the file as a particular type of document, such as .docx or .jpg
Folder
a named location on a storage medium that usually contains related documents
Library
a special folder that catalogs specific files and folders in a central location, regardless of where the items are actually stored on your device
How does an operating system work?
Takes care of the technical tasks of running the computer or device while you work on a school or professional projects, watch videos, connect with friends, or play games. They process data, manage memory, control hardware, and provide a user interface.
The purpose of an operating system
Responsible for coordinating the resources and activities on a computer. Also manages interactions between hardware and software.
Memory
consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data into information
Volatile memory
temporary, and loses its contents when the power is turned off
Nonvolatile memory
permanent, and its contents remain on the computer or device even when its turned off
RAM (random access memory)
the storage location that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer or device is on
Cache
temporary storage area designed to help speed up processing time
Virtual memory
the capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM
ROM (read-only memory)
refers to memory chips that store permanent data and instructions. The data on the ROM chips cannot be modified.
Flash memory
a type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. Store data and programs on many mobile and peripheral devices, such as smartphones and digital cameras.
Boot process
before you can interact with the operating system, the computer goes through the boot process, which triggers a series of step and checks as the computer loads the operating system
Bootstrap program
executes a series of tests to check the components, including the RAM, keyboard, and storage, and identifies connected devices and checks their settings.
Kernel
the core of an operating system. it manages memory, runs programs, and assisgns resources.
Input
any data and instructions entered into the memory of a device (card readers, game controllers, microphones and webcams, scanners, touch pads or a mouse)
Output
include text, graphics, audio, video, or any combination of those.
Buffer
an area of memory that stores data and information waiting to be sent to an input or output device
Spooling
placing data into a buffer
Default settings
standard settings that control how the screen is set up and how a document looks when you first start typing
Shortcuts
create links to files and apps
Pointing device
a hardware device that lets you interact with your computer by controlling the movement of the pointer on your computer screen; examples include a mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, on-screen touch pointer, tablet, or for touch-enabled devices, your hand or finger
Keyboard
contains not only characters such as letters, numbers, and punctuation, but also keys that can issue command
Close button
closes the open window, app, or document
Restore Down button
reduces a window to its last non-maximized size
Active window
the window you are currently using, which appears in front of any other open windows
Program window
displays a running program
Folder window
displays the contents of a folder, drive, or device
Resources
the components required to perform work, such as the processor, RAM, storage space, and connected devices
Tile
a shaded rectangle, such as on the Windows Start menu, that represents an app or other resource
Icon
a small picture that represents a program, file, or hardware device
Button
a graphic that you click to execute commands you need to work with an app, such as on a toolbar, taskbar, or the ribbon
Control Panel
collection of utility programs that determine how Windows appears and performs on your computer.
Settings app
contains touch-friendly categories of the most commonly used Windows settings; more advanced settings are found in the Control Panel
Shortcut menu
a list of frequently used commands that relate to an object, typically displayed by right-clicking; the commands on a shortcut menu are related to the item you right-clicked
Virtual Machine
enables a computer or device to run another operating system in addition to the one installed
User accounts
identify the resources, such as apps and storage locations, a user can access when working with the computer
Administrator account
provides full access to the computer
Kilobytes (KB)
thousands of bytes of data
Megabytes (MB)
millions of bytes of data
Gigabytes
billions of bytes of data
Cloud
a storage area located on a server that you access through the Internet or a network
Clipboard
a temporary Windows storage area that holds the selections you copy or cut so you can use them later
