Operations Flashcards
The operating system and utility programs that control a
computer system and allow you to use your computer
System Software
System software enables the boot process, launches applications, – files,
controls hardware configuration, manages files on the –,
and protects from unauthorized use
transfer, hard drive
Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a
computer
● Word processing, playing games, browsing the Web, listening to
music, etc.
Application Software
A collection of programs that
manage and coordinate the
activities taking place within a
computer
Operating System
Operating System acts as an intermediary
between the – and the
– and between the
– programs and
– hardware
user, computer, application, system
Functions of an Operating System
●Interfacing with Users (typically via a GUI)
●Booting the Computer
●Configuring Devices
●Managing Network Connections
●Managing and Monitoring Resources and Jobs
●File Management
●Security
● The ability of an operating system to have more than one
program (task) open at one time
● CPU rotates between tasks
● Switching is done quickly
● Appears as though all programs executing at the same time
Multitasking
The ability to rotate between multiple threads so that processing is completed faster and more efficiently
Multithreading
Sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of
other thread
Thread
Multiple processors (or multiple cores) are used in one
computer system to perform work more efficiently
● Tasks are performed –
Multiprocessing and Parallel Processing
sequentially
General Processing Techniques
- Sequential Processing
- Simultaneous Processing
Tasks are performed right after the other
Sequential Processing
Multiple task are performed at the exact time
Simultaneous Process
Optimizing the use of main memory (RAM)
Memory Management
Memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM
Virtual Memory
Area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is
used by different hardware devices or programs
Buffer
Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate
device when needed
Buffering or spooling
Require users to input commands using
the keyboard
Command Line Interface
● Graphics based interface
● Used by most operating systems
Graphical User Interface
Categories of Operating Systems
● Personal (Desktop) Operating Systems
● Server (Network) Operating Systems
● Mobile and embedded operating systems are also common
● Designed to be installed on a single computer
Personal (Desktop) Operating System
● Designed to be installed on a network server
● Client computers still use a personal operating system
Server (Network) Operating System
The Types of Processors Supported
● Desktop, mobile, server processors
● 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
Support for Virtualization and Other
Technologies
● New types of buses
● Virtualization
● Mobility
● Security concerns
● Power-consumption concerns
● Touch and gesture input
● The move to cloud
