Operating System Flashcards
What is the operating system?
The operating system is the software component that interacts with the hardware and software programs to provide users with a standard computer experience. You can think of it as a go between that starts up the computer hardware and file systems and allows for the interaction between multiple users, CPUs and Tasks. You can simplify the responsibilities of the operating system into three broad categories, which are controlling hardware access, providing a user interface, and managing files and applications.
How does the operating system work?
the operating system will communicate instructions through a device driver. These are essentially small pieces of code written by a device manufacturer, which allow messages and instructions to be passed between the hardware and other software to control the device. Most devices are installed to a computer through a plug and play process, which means that a device connects to a computer and sends a signal to the operating system. The software then installs a device driver that enables interaction and stores this application’s settings in a central location. This is saved in the registry on a Windows computer or the Preferences folder on a Mac.
What are the 2 forms of interface w/in operating system?
Another role of an operating system is to provide a user interface which facilitates the way a user communicates with the hardware and software of a computer. This interface is available in two forms, one is the command line or terminal window.
What’s the difference between CLI, GUI and API?
Most operating systems will provide the user with both CLI and GUI options. Finally, let’s find out how an operating system manages files and applications. An application is a software program that performs a task. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, or your Web browser are examples of commercial applications that you likely use every day. However, users can also develop their own applications, which the operating system can run. An application will typically have an application programming interface, more commonly known as an API, which determines a set of rules for interacting with the program. In other words, an API ensures that a program is compatible with a given operating system.
What are the 5 types of operating systems?
Types of Operating Systems
There are numerous operating system types, in this reading, you will learn about the five variations, and what distinguishes them from one another. The categories are:
Batch Operating Systems
Time-sharing Operating Systems
Distributed Operating Systems
Network Operating Systems
Real-Time Operating Systems
While the fundamental principles of what each OS does is the same, the way that each achieves this end is different. Let’s examine what distinguishes each approach.
What is as Batch Operating System (BOS)?
Batch Operating Systems (BOS)
A BOS allows multiple users to work in tandem by compartmentalizing each user’s actions and only allowing one user control at any given time. Users cannot communicate with one another and when the task is complete, control is passed to the next user. The advantage of this approach is that it allows many users to work on large projects at the same time.
What is Time Sharing Operating Systems (TOS)?
Time-Sharing Operating Systems (TOS)
This approach is also known as a Multitasking System as it enables the execution of many different tasks. A TOS operates in a timed manner: a unit of time called a quantum is allocated to each task. These tasks are queued for the CPU, which will work on each one for a quantum before rotating to the next task.
What is a Distributed Operating Systems (DOS)?
Distributed Operating Systems (DOS)
This approach to processing is a natural progression as internet communication improves. A DOS connects several dispersed CPUs to execute tasks. There is no central source and communication is achieved through using clear protocols on a communication network.
What is Network Operating Systems (NOS)?
Network Operating Systems (NOS)
This type of operating system runs on a network and allows for the sharing of users, groups, securities, and applications. Typically, the network would contain one server-based OS that interacts with the OS of each individual device on the system. It is possible to have any number of devices on the network, and they can be of different types. For example, you could add a printer, digital thermometer, and several computers to one system and have them all interact. This type of approach would be considered tightly-coupled, as the devices utilize a shared network and demonstrate high interactivity with each other.
What are Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)?
Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS)
An RTOS is a type of OS for applications that need real-time computations. While many approaches may share resources and operate under a time share, RTOS differs in that it prioritizes tasks by importance. This approach is event-driven with an emphasis on engaging and completing tasks as soon as they arise. This distinguishes RTOS from the other approaches mentioned, in which the priority of a task is determined by the time allocated. These operating systems are generally task-specific approaches and are commonly found in systems such as autonomous cars, air traffic controls, and more.
The advantage of this approach is that it can generate results with exceptional speed by using a priority queue that emphasizes completing a task reactively. The disadvantage is that it is very specialized and does not generalize well to performing a diverse range of tasks.
What is the most popular operating systems?
The five most popular operating systems in use today, which are Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
What is an open source operating system?
Linux is open source and has a very active developer community, which means that it takes on many forms. One of the most popular versions for Cloud computing is a Ubuntu, this is because Cloud computing relies on resources that are stored online and Ubuntu can access these resources with both speed and security.
