What is the function of operating systems?
To manage computer hardware, users, and the computing resources used by software
What is meant by system software?
the software that provides a platform for other software to work
What 6 tasks is the operating system responsible for?
- The user interface
- Memory management
- Multitasking
- Peripheral management
- User management
- File management
What is the function of a user interface?
It provides a method for users to interact with a computer.
What features does a Graphical User Interface (GUI) have?
- Windows
• Icons
• Menus
• Pointers
What are the two main types of user interface?
- Graphical user interface (GUI)
- command line interface
What is meant by a command line interface?
A user interface where users type text-based commands to interact with the computer.
What is meant by a GUI?
A visual way for users to interact with devices. It includes windows, icons, menus and pointers.
What does memory management involve?
Allocating specific RAM locations to running programs and copying them from secondary storage (and vice versa), as well as tracking which parts of main memory are in use.
Why must the running programs be moved into RAM?
Because RAM is much closer to the CPU, ensuring the fetch part of the FDE cycle will be carried out much faster.
What is meant by multitasking?
The quick switching of which tasks are running on the computer so that it looks like many tasks are being carried out at the same time.
What does the OS (operating system) ensure during multitasking?
Each program gets the memory and processing time it needs without interference.
What is meant by peripheral management?
Getting inputs from and sending outputs to peripheral devices connected to the computer such as a mouse or keyboard
What is meant by a driver?
A small program that acts as a translator between the operating system and a peripheral device.
Why does each peripheral need its own driver?
Drivers are specific to the hardware they support.
Name three user management functions that an operating system performs.
- allocation of user account
- user access rights
- ensuring security
What are the 4 key features that the operating system provides in terms of file management?
- naming files
- allocation of files to folders
- moving files
- saving files
What is meant by file management?
Manages where files are stored in secondary storage, and ensures no file writes over another
What is meant by user management?
The OS’ ability to manage multiple user accounts, security, and access rights
What is utility software?
Software that performs additional housekeeping tasks not handled by the operating system.
What are 3 examples of utility software?
- encryption software
- defragmentation software
- data compression
TRUE OR FALSE: Computers often come with utility software.
True
What is the purpose of encryption software?
Converts data into a coded format so that only authorised users with the correct decryption key can understand it.
What is the purpose of defragmentation software?
To rearrange the fragmented files on the hard drive so that they run contiguously.
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2.1 Algorithms70
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1.1 Systems Architecture37
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1.2 Memory And Storage41
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1.2.3 Units + 1.2.4 Data Storage + 1.2.5 Compression89
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1.3 Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols152
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1.4 Network Security45
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1.5 Systems Software30
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1.6 Ethical, Legal, Cultural, Environmental Impact0
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OCR Pseudocode34
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Python Coding34
