GCSE computing OSs Flashcards
What are the features of good code?
Simple, understandable variable names, loops and functions where possible, comments, clarity over brevity
What do utility programs do?
complement the OS in managing the system
but not essential.
perform housekeeping to make system more efficient
How do you get utility software?
can be bought alone, sometimes packaged as part of the OS
what does data compression software do?
what it says on the tin, but also decompresses
why is data compression software useful?
reduces storage space needed, reduces amount of data sent when sending files, more data can be backed up
what is backup software?
Copies the data in case the original is lost or damaged. can automate backup process.
What are backups usually stored on?
tape, cloud, or a server in another building
what types of backups are there?
incremental (changes and edits are backed up but nothing pre-existing, saves space)
full system
most networks do a full system at the start then do periodic incremental backups
what is encryption software used for and when?
Encrypts text/source code so it’s unreadable
used in connection to websites, pr
ivacy, communication, data in an organisation’s database and portable storage like USBs
What type of encryption is used in connection to websites?
HTTPS- Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
how are symmetric encryption keys used?
Only one key, public, is used. Easier to intercept or decode
how are assymmetric encrytion keys used?
2 keys, public and private. pulic is known to everyone but the private is kept to the user
eg. person a uses b’s public key to encrypt a message which b decodes with their private key
What are the functions of an OS?
managing users, disks,peripherals, drivers and multitasking
list some types of utility software
antivirus,defragmentation,encryption,compression software
what are peripherals?
input and output devices
