Why is an operating system needed
An operating system is needed to control the software and hardware. It allows the user to interact with the computer
Examples of operating system
- Microsoft Windows
- IOS
- Android
5 functions of the operating system
- Provides a user interface
- Memory management
- Peripheral management
- User management
- File management
What is a user interface
A group of programs that allow the user to visually interact with the computer
Different types of user interfaces (3)
- GUI (Graphical User interface)
- Mobile UI
- Command Line Interface
Parts that make up the GUI
Windows, Icons, Menus and pointers (WIMP)
Advantages of a GUI
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Disadvantages of a GUI
- Require lots of processing power
What is a Command Line Interface
A text-based way of interacting with the computer. The user inputs commands to control the computer.
Advantages of a CLI
- Requires less processing power
- Extremely powerful
- Wide range of commands
Disadvantages of a CLI
- Only for advanced users, not beginner friendly
What is memory management and why is it needed
- Managing the transferring of data between the processor and RAM
- To allow multiple programs to run at the same time
What is multitasking and what is needed to allow it
- Running more than one program (simultaneous)
- It can only happen if the OS supports it and there is enough primary storage
What is a peripheral
A hardware device that can be connected to the computer e.g. a printer or a monitor
What is a device driver and wy are they needed
Acts as a “translator” between the peripherals and the OS and processor
This allows the peripheral to understand the data being sent to it and produce an output
Advantages of drivers
- If a driver is available, any device can be used with the operating system
- They can be updated
Why is user management needed
- It allows individual user accounts to be created
- This means access levels can be set up and it ensures the security of the users data and account
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1.1.1 - CPU Architecture14
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1.1.2 - CPU Performance10
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1.1.3 - Embedded Systems5
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1.2.1 - Primary Storage13
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1.2.2 - Secondary Storage9
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1.2.4 & 1.2.5 - Data Storage and Compression26
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1.3.1 - Networks and Topologies42
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1.3.2 - Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers26
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1.4.1 & 1.4.2 - Threats and Preventing Vulnerabilities13
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1.5.1 - Operating Systems18
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1.5.2 - Utility Software9
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Key definitions - Paper 166
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2.1.1 - Computational Thinking6
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2.1.2 - Designing, creating and refining algos11
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2.1.3 - Searching and Sorting Algorithms15
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2.2 - Programming fundamentals20
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2.2.3 - Additional programming techniques18
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2.3.1 - Defensive Design15
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2.3.2 - Testing11
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2.4.1 - Boolean Logic13
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2.5.1 - Languages17
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2.5.2 - IDEs9
