Chapter 1: Intro to Operating Systems Flashcards
(29 cards)
Describe the purpose and functions of operating systems.
Describe major events in the evolution of operating systems.
List and compare the common desktop operating systems in use today.
List the most common mobile OSs, the devices associated with them, and the features found in most mobile devices.
What is a computer?
A device that performs calculations. A typical modern computer is an electronic device that can perform a huge number of useful tasks for its owner.
What does a computer use to perform calculations?
A computer uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform calculations.
What is a GPU?
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is circuitry designed for graphics processing required by computer games and other applications. GPUs have evolved over the years and now provide the power and speed needed for artificial intelligence graphics processing.
What is a NPU?
A NPU (neural processing unit) is circuitry designed for neural networks and artificial intelligence technologies. An NPU can be a separate processor or may be integrated into a CPU.
What is a microcomputer?
A microcomputer is a computer small enough and cheap enough for the use of one person.
What is a microprocessor?
An integrated circuit (chip) that performs the calculations, or processing, for a computer. Also called a processor or central processing unit (CPU).
What is an IC and how did it impact computers?
An IC (integrated circuit), is a small electronic component made up of transistors and other miniaturized parts. It led to the miniaturization of computers.
How do you interact with a computer?
By I/O (input/output). For example, you type on a keyboard as input, and the computer shows the characters on the screen as output.
What are the minimum internal components of a microcomputer?
Random-access memory (RAM), a microprocessor, and some form of storage (hard drive/ SSD), and at least one means each for input/output.
NOTE: RAM is volatile, meaning that once you turn the computer off the computer, the contents in the RAM is lost.
What is firmware?
Software resident in integrated circuits.
What is system firmware?
Software resident in integrated circuits that contains program code for interacting with the hardware.
What is a server?
A computer that provides one or more services to other computers over a network.
What is a client?
A software component on a computer that accesses services from a network server.
What is system-on-a-chip (SoC)?
A term used to describe a microchip containing all or most of the electronic circuitry for a small computing device, such as a smartphone.
What is an embedded OS?
An operating system stored in firmware, as in a mobile device
What is a kernel?
The main component of an operating system that always remains in memory while a computer is running.
What are the 7 functions that an OS performs?
User interface, job management, task management, file management, device management, memory management, and security
What is the user interface?
The user interface (UI) is the software layer, sometimes called the shell, through which the user interacts with the OS.
Define job management.
Job management, also known as process scheduler, is an operating system function that controls the order and time in which programs run.
Define task management.
Task management is an operating system function found in multitasking operating systems. Multitasking implies that a computer is running two or more programs (tasks) at the same time.
