Operating Systems Flashcards
What is an operating system?
An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for computer programs.
Name three major types of operating systems.
The three major types of operating systems are Windows macOS and Linux.
What is the role of the kernel in an operating system?
The kernel is the core component of an operating system that manages and allocates system resources and provides essential services for other software, to optimise efficiency.
Explain the difference between multitasking and multiprocessing in the context of operating systems.
Multitasking involves executing multiple tasks concurrently on a single processor while multiprocessing involves using multiple processors to execute tasks simultaneously.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an operating system that uses hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage.
What is a file system?
A file system is a method for storing and organizing computer files and the data they contain.
What is a process in the context of operating systems?
In the context of operating systems a process is an instance of a program in execution including the program counter memory space and system resources.
Explain the difference between a shell and a kernel.
The kernel is the core part of the operating system that interacts with hardware while the shell is the outer layer that interacts with users through a command-line interface or graphical user interface.
What is a device driver?
A device driver is a specialized program that allows an operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device.
What is the purpose of the BIOS in a computer system?
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware components during the boot process and provides a basic level of communication between the operating system and the computer’s hardware.
