5: System Software - Operating Systems and Utility Programs Flashcards
programs, such as the operating system, that control the operation of a computer and its devices, as well as enable application software to run on the computer
system software
programs that enable users to perform specific tasks on a computer, such as writing a letter or playing a game
application software
the main component of system software that enables a computer to operate, manage its activities and the resources under its control, run application programs, and interface with the user
operating system
the essential portion, or core, of an operating system
kernel
a program that enables an operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device
device driver (AKA driver)
the capability of an operating system to run more than one program at one time
multitasking
a memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM
virtual memory
an area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is used by different hardware devices or programs that may operate at different speeds
buffer
the process of placing items in a buffer so the appropriate device can retrieve them when needed
buffering
a graphically based interface that allows a user to communicate instructions to the computer easily
graphical user interface (GUI)
a user interface that requires the user to communicate instructions to the computer via typed commands
command line interface
AKA desktop operating system - a type of operating system designed to be installed on a single personal computer
personal operating system
AKA network operating system - a type of operating system designed to be installed on a network server
server operating system
a type of operating system used with mobile phones and other mobile devices
mobile operating system
a type of operating system incorporated into devices, such as cars and consumer devices
embedded operating system