8. Operating System

Question 1

What is the read only file attribute?

Answer 1

Files that can only be open and read, no changes can be made.

Question 2

What is the archive file attribute?

Answer 2

Files that are not regularly used are archived, in case they are needed in the future.

Question 3

What is the system file attribute?

Answer 3

Files that are only used by the OS and not the user.

Question 4

What is the hidden file attribute?

Answer 4

Files that are not visible to the user, often being important system files.

Question 5

What are some examples of utility software?

Answer 5

• compression
• defrag
• backup
• file conversion
• file indexing
• task management
• anti virus
• disk scan and repair

Question 6

What is compression software?

Answer 6

Reduces file sizes so that they take up less space

Question 7

What is defragmentation software?

Answer 7

Physically rearranges data on a hard drive so that parts of files are all stored together

Question 8

What is anti-virus software?

Answer 8

Scans for viruses and deals with them appropriately if found

Question 9

What is backup software?

Answer 9

Allows users to keep a copy of their data in case the original data is somehow lost

Question 10

What is file conversion software?

Answer 10

Converts one type of file to another, for example a sound file can be converted from WAV to MP3

Question 11

What is file indexing software?

Answer 11

Assigns an index to files to allow easy random access to any record given its file key

Question 12

What is disk scan and repair software?

Answer 12

Fixes problems on the disk

Question 13

What is task management software?

Answer 13

Allows user to view how much % of memory is being used and allows user to shut down any programs

Question 14

What is batch processing?

Answer 14

• processes are carried out with no user interaction
• avoids peak times
• errors are stored in a file for later use and not dealt with as they occur

example: generating utility bills

Question 15

What is real-time processing?

Answer 15

• inputs are processed very quickly
• processing needs to be quick enough to deliver output on time
• outputs need to be adjusted accordingly so accidents can be avoided

example: reactor temperature control in a nuclear power station

Question 16

What is real-time transaction processing?

Answer 16

• a user submits an input and the record is updated very quickly
• the record is locked during the update

example: booking seats at a theatre

Question 17

What are the advantages of a GUI?

Answer 17

• intuitive
• easy to navigate for non-specialised users
• uses windows, icons and menus
• no need to learn text commands
• no need to be a proficient typist

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of a GUI?

Answer 18

• requires a lot of memory
• is processor intensive
• take up a large amount of disk space
• could be inefficient for experienced users

Question 19

What are the advantages of a CLI?

Answer 19

• efficient for experienced users as it is quicker to type commands
• shortcut keys can be used to input commands
• little memory and processing power required

Question 20

What are the disadvantages of a CLI?

Answer 20

• confusing for inexperienced users
• commands have to be typed precisely
• a large number of commands need to be learned

Question 21

What are the advantages of having a hierarchal structure of a directory?

Answer 21

• more convenient to find and access files
• stores related files in a logical way in the same order
• can use the same file name in different directories
• shows the path to a file

Question 22

How does the processor multitask?

Answer 22

It allocates a small amount of time to each process and cycles between them. As this happens so quickly, it appears as though they are happening simultaneously.

Question 23

How does the operating system manage resources?

Answer 23

• communicates with and sends data to output devices
• communicates with and receives data from input devices
• manages network communication
• manages backing store by ensuring that data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
• creates and maintains a filing system
• organises files in a hierarchical structure
• manages RAM by ensuring there is enough memory for all programs and that each program has enough memory allocated
• offers compression whish saves space

Question 24

How does the operating system provide an interface?

Answer 24

• provides a user interface with meaningful icons, dropdown menus and avoids text input
• can provide CLI
• allows customisation of the interface
• allows access to system settings
• allows copying, deleting and moving of files
• allows creation of shortcuts
• controls security using passwords and access permissions
• provides users with warning and help messages
• allows user to have more than one window open