Tools of the trade Linux and SQL Flashcards
module two
What is an operating system (OS)?
The interface between computer hardware and the user
Name three common operating systems.
Windows, Linux, macOS®
What is the function of a bootloader?
To boot the operating system.
What type of interface uses icons to manage tasks on a computer?
Graphical user interface (GUI).
Which interface uses text-based commands to interact with a computer?
Command-line interface (CLI).
What microchip contains loading instructions for the computer and replaces BIOS in modern systems?
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
What is Random Access Memory (RAM) used for?
Short-term memory.
Describe a legacy operating system.
An operating system that is outdated but still being used.
What component handles the physical tasks in a computer, such as calculations and file storage?
Hardware.
What is an application?
A program that performs a specific task.
What type of memory is RAM?
Short-term memory.
How does a BIOS chip differ from a UEFI chip?
BIOS is prevalent in older systems, while UEFI replaces BIOS in modern systems and provides enhanced security features.
What role does the operating system play in the process of using a computer?
It connects applications and hardware to allow users to perform tasks.
Why is a CLI useful for security analysts?
Because it records a history file of all commands and actions.
What happens when you boot a computer?
A BIOS or UEFI microchip is activated, which then loads the bootloader to start the operating system.
Give an example of a task that can be performed more efficiently with a CLI than a GUI.
Creating multiple new files in a system.
What does the operating system do after the hardware processes a user’s request?
It sends the output back through the application to display the results to the user.
What type of interface might a new user find easier to navigate?
Graphical user interface (GUI)
How can a CLI help trace an attacker’s actions?
By reviewing the history file of commands
What is a virtual machine (VM)?
A virtual version of a physical computer.
How do GUIs and CLIs differ in their display?
GUIs have graphics and icons, while CLIs have text only.
What happens in the final part of the booting process initiated by BIOS or UEFI?
The bootloader is activated to start the operating system.
Why might a security professional use a CLI instead of a GUI?
To handle multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain a history file of actions.
What ensures that the limited capacity of a computer system is used where it’s needed most?
The operating system
What analogy can be used to describe the function of an operating system in a computer?
Ordering food at a restaurant, where the kitchen (OS) interprets the order and ensures it is fulfilled.
