os principles and windows Flashcards
(122 cards)
multi user
Two or more users have individual accounts that allow them to work with programs and peripheral devices at the same time.
multi-tasking
The computer is capable of operating multiple applications at the same time.
multi- processing
The operating system can support two or more CPUs.
multi-threading
A program can be broken into smaller parts that are loaded as needed by the operating system. Multithreading allows different parts of a program to be run at the same time.
basic functions of an os
Hardware access, The OS manages the interaction between applications and the hardware via device drivers
file and folder management
user interface either cli or gui
desktop os
A desktop OS has the following characteristics:
It supports a single user.
It runs single-user applications.
It shares files and folders on a small network with limited security.
network operating system or NOS
NOS has these specific characteristics:
It supports multiple users.
It runs multi-user applications.
It provides increased security compared to desktop operating systems
e.g windows server
nos shared resources
A NOS provides certain network resources to computers:
Server applications, such as shared databases
Centralized data storage
Centralized repository of user accounts and resources on the network
Network print queue
Redundant storage systems, such as RAID and backups
off the shelf applications
Off-the-shelf applications specify a list of compatible operating systems on the application package.
customized applications
If the customer is using a customized application, the programmer of that application specifies which OS to use.
upgrade assistant windows 8, upgrade advisor windows 7
these utilities scan the system for hardware and software incompatibility issues in hardware before upgrading to newer editions of the Windows OS. Upgrade Assistant and Upgrade Advisor create a report of any problems and then guide you through the steps to resolve them. You can download the Upgrade Assistant and Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Windows website.
upgrade rules
a 32-bit OS cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit OS. Another example is that Windows XP cannot be upgraded to Windows 8.1. Prior to performing an upgrade, back up all data in case there is a problem with the installation.
user state migration
The Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) migrates all user files and settings to the new OS,
windows easy transfer
If a user is switching from an old computer to a new one, use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate personal files and settings. You can perform the file transfer using a USB cable, CD or DVD, a USB flash drive, an external drive, or a network connection.
how to access windows easy transfer
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Windows Easy Transfer
master boot record
he Master Boot Record (MBR) is the information in the first sector of any hard disk or diskette that identifies how and where an operating system is located so that it can be boot (loaded) into the computer’s main storage or random access memory.
MBR details
max 4 primary partitions
max partition size 2TB
no partition table back up
any computer can boot from mbr
GUID Partition Table
Also designed as a partition table scheme standard for hard drives, the globally unique identifier (GUID) partition table (GPT) makes use of a number of modern techniques to expand on the older MBR partitioning scheme. GPT is commonly used in computers with UEFI firmware. Most modern operating systems now support GPT.
GUID partition table details
up to 128 primary partitions
max partition size 9.4ZB or 9.4x 10^21 bytes
stores partition table backup
partition and boot data stored in multiple locations across the disk
computer must be uefi based and run 64 bit architecture
primary partition
The primary partition contains the operating system files and is usually the first partition. A primary partition cannot be subdivided into smaller sections
Active partition
in MBR disks, the active partition is the partition used to store and boot an operating system. Notice that only primary partitions can be marked active in MBR disks. Another limitation is that only one primary partition per disk can be marked active at one time. In most cases, the C: drive is the active partition and contains the boot and system files.
extended partition
If more than 4 partitions are required on an MBR partitioned disk, one of the primary partitions can be designated an extended partition. After the extended partition is created, up to 23 logical drives (or logical partitions) can be created within this extended partition
Logical drive
A logical drive is a section of an extended partition. It can be used to separate information for administrative purposes. Because GPT partitioned drives cannot have an extended partitions, they do not have logical drives.
basic disk
A basic disk (the default) contains partitions such as primary and extended as well as logical drives which are formatted for data storage. More space can be added to a partition by extending it into adjacent, unallocated space, as long as it is contiguous. Either MBR or GPT can be used as the underlying partition scheme of basic disks.