Module 1.2 - Software (Pg 20– 34)

Question 1

Give a concise (short, to-the-point) definition of what an operating is

Answer 1

An operating system is system software which controls all the activities that take place in a computer.

Question 2

Give four typical functions of an operating system.

Answer 2

Functions of an operating system
* provides an interface
* manages processes and tasks
* manages memory
* manages input and output
* manages the disk/s etc.

Question 3

Name the operating system used on Apple computers.

Answer 3

OS X

Question 4

What would the main difference between the operating systems be for a user having to choose between buying/installing Windows 8 and Ubuntu Linux?

Answer 4

Cost – Linux is free, unless you buy a packaged version, which will still be much cheaper than purchasing Wndows 8.

Question 5

What operating system would you associate with versions such as Jelly Bean, KitKat and Ice Cream Sandwich?

Answer 5

Android

Question 6

What operating system would you typically find on devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad?

Answer 6

iOS

Question 7

What type of systems typically have Windows RT installed on them?

Answer 7

Tablets that use ARM instead of Intel processors, but that still run Windows.

Question 8

What is process management?

Answer 8

Process management is the task of making sure that each process gets enough CPU time and access to memory, storage and other hardware so that it can work without interfering with, or being interfered with, by other processes.

Question 9

Briefly explain what a thread is and give an example.

Answer 9

A thread is a part of a larger program that runs
independently but simultaneously with other
parts of the same program.
Example: Threads allow a word processor to
automatically check your spelling and grammar
while you type.