operating systems Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is an operating system?
An operating system (OS) is software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware in a computer system.
What are the main functions of an operating system?
The main functions can be divided into five key areas:
* Provide a user interface
* Memory management & multitasking
* Peripheral management & device drivers
* User management
* File management
What is a user interface?
A user interface is how the user interacts with the operating system.
What are examples of user interfaces?
Examples include:
* Command Line Interface (CLI)
* Graphical User Interface (GUI)
* Menu
* Natural language interface (NLI)
What is a Command Line Interface (CLI)?
A CLI requires users to interact with the operating system using text-based commands.
What are examples of Command Line Interfaces?
Examples include:
* MSDOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
* Raspbian (for Raspberry Pi)
What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
A GUI requires users to interact with the operating system using visual elements such as windows, icons, menus & pointers (WIMP).
What are examples of Graphical User Interfaces?
Examples include:
* Windows
* Android
* MAC OS
What is a menu interface?
A menu interface presents successive menus to a user with a single option at each stage.
What are examples of menu interfaces?
Examples include:
* Chip and pin machines
* Vending machines
* Entertainment streaming services
What is a natural language interface (NLI)?
An NLI uses the spoken word to respond to spoken or textual inputs from a user.
What are examples of natural language interfaces?
Examples include:
* Virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
* Search engines
* Smart home devices
What are the advantages of a Command Line Interface (CLI)?
Advantages include:
* Uses less system resources
* Useful for automation of tasks
* Commands are often faster to type than navigating menus
What are the disadvantages of a Command Line Interface (CLI)?
Disadvantages include:
* Requires users to remember commands
* Typing errors are common
* Less intuitive than GUI
What are the advantages of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
Advantages include:
* Intuitive and user-friendly
* Requires no previous knowledge to use
* Information is visual, making it easier to understand
What are the disadvantages of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
Disadvantages include:
* Uses more system resources
* Can be slower to find and execute commands
* Can be frustrating when doing repetitive tasks
What are the advantages of a menu interface?
Advantages include:
* Simplicity
* Efficiency
What are the disadvantages of a menu interface?
Disadvantages include:
* Limited flexibility
* Accessibility issues
What are the advantages of a natural language interface (NLI)?
Advantages include:
* Can be used by people with disabilities
* Intuitive
What are the disadvantages of a natural language interface (NLI)?
Disadvantages include:
* Not always reliable
* Privacy concerns
What is memory management?
Memory management is a process carried out by the operating system allocating main memory (RAM) between different programs that are open at the same time.
What is multitasking?
Multitasking is a process made possible by the OS simultaneously managing system resources to give a user the perception of being able to use multiple programs at the same time.
What is peripheral management?
Peripheral management is a process carried out by the operating system managing the way peripherals interact with software.
What is a device driver?
A device driver is a piece of software used to control a piece of hardware.
