Software Issues Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is the OS?
The OS is the foundational software layer that manages hardware and software resources and provides common services for programs. It serves as the crucial interface between physical hardware and the end users application software. It has several core functions.
Operating systems coordinates these processes to ensure smooth execution and a fair distribution of resources like CPU time and memory, so that each process gets an appropriate share. This prevents any single process from monopolizing resources and ensures that no process is starved of resources.
What is resource management in the OS?
The OS optimally allocates hardware resources such as CPU time, memory space, and input-output channels to various software programs, ensuring efficient system performance
What is file system management in the OS?
Operating systems organize data into files and directories, managing storage space on hard drives and other media. This includes tasks like reading, writing, creating, and deleting files.
What is process management in the OS?
The OS handles process creation, scheduling, and termination, as well as process states like running and waiting.
What is security and access control in the OS?
Operating systems enforce security protocols, manage user permissions, and protect data integrity against unauthorized access or alterations.
What is the interface or UI?
The OS provides a user interface, such as a command line or graphical user interface, also known as GUI, that allows users to interact with the system and run applications.
What are applications?
Applications, also known as software programs, are sets of instructions that direct a computer to perform specific tasks. These tasks range from simple functions like text editing to complex operations such as data analysis or network management. Applications are built on programming languages and use the operating system as an intermediary to access necessary hardware resources such as the CPU, memory, and network interfaces.
Software programs depend on the OS for three reasons. The OS abstracts the hardware details, providing applications with the standard interface to access hardware resources. And, as you just learned it also manages the allocation and scheduling of cpu time, memory, and storage, balancing the needs of different applications. Furthermore, it provides application programming interfaces, or APIs, for applications to send and receive data over networks, manage files, and communicate with other services.
What is utility software?
Utility software encompasses a variety of programs designed to assist in managing, maintaining, and optimizing computer systems. These tools serve specific functions that enhance the performance, security, and usability of computers. Possible problems with utility software include the following. Some utilities might interfere with the normal operation of other software, particularly if they require deep system access.
What are drivers?
Drivers, essential software components that make communication between the OS and hardware devices possible. Each driver is specifically designed to communicate with a particular device or class of devices, translating general OS commands into device-specific actions that hardware can execute.
What are (3) common software issues?
-Installation
-Compatiblity
-Updates
What are (3) troubleshooting techniques?
-Step-by-step troubleshooting guide
-Built in troubleshooters
-Checking system requirements and compatibility
What are (4) tools and utlities for troubleshooting?
-Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Activity
Monitor
-Event Viewer and Console
-Linux
-Third-party diagnostic tools
What are (3) preventative measures and best practices?
-Regular updates and patches
-Proper configuration management
-Training
Define log analysis?
Log analysis is a crucial technique in software troubleshooting, particularly in environments that are dependent on Microsoft technologies. Logs, such as event logs, application logs, and system logs offer a deep dive into the workings of software applications and operating systems. They provide essential clues that can help diagnose and resolve a wide range of issues.
What are event logs?
The most common type of logs are Windows event logs, which can be accessed using the Event Viewer. This is a built in Windows tool that organizes logs into categories like application, security, and system. To access these logs, you have to navigate to the Event Viewer in Windows. This can be done by pressing the Windows button and R at the same time. Then type eventvwr.msc in the entry field and press Enter. In Event Viewer, logs are systematically organized, making it easier to find the specific logs you need.
What are filering logs?
Filtering logs are a function is especially important in a Microsoft environment due to the volume of logs that window systems can generate.
What is an event ID?
The event ID, is critical for identifying specific errors and warnings. This ID, along with the error description and faulting module path provided in the details pane, helps in pinpointing the cause of the crash.
What is the Internet Information Services (IIS) log?
The Internet Information Services or IIS log, which records all HTTP server communication. Analyzing these logs can provide insights into HTTP errors, user activity, and other web server operations for web applications running on IIS. It is the web server software from Microsoft that hosts web applications and services on Window servers.
To access IIS logs, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows and E keys at the same time. Navigate to the IIS logs directory by entering this file path in the address bar of File Explorer. These logs are not part of Windows event logs and need to be analyzed separately using tools like Log Parser.
What is Log Parser?
Log Parser provides universal query access to text-based data such as log files. This command helps identify which pages are throwing server errors, which is a vital step in troubleshooting web applications.
Go into further detail on advanced log analysis including tools?
For advanced log analysis, modern systems often use tools like Microsoft’s System Center Operations Manager, or SCOM, Splunk, and others. These are essential for managing the complexities of large scale or cloud based infrastructures.
SCOM provides comprehensive monitoring across servers and applications, delivering alerts, visual data, and detailed reports to help system administrators manage IT environments proactively.
Similarly, Splunk offers extensive log management and analysis capabilities, enabling you to search, monitor, and analyze big data with real time processing.
This is crucial for generating actionable insights through graphs, reports, and dashboards. These advanced tools are critical for maintaining operational efficiency and quickly addressing system issues.
What are some (5) software issues and their causes?
-Operating system compatibility
-Hardware limitations
-Software dependencies
-Cross-platform operation
-User interface inconsistencies
What are (5) ways to resolve compatibility issues?
-Compatibility testing
-Use of virtualization and emulation tools
-Regular dependency updates and management
-Version control systems
-Compatibility layers and shims
What are (6) ways to manage software updates?
-Automated testing
-Staged rollouts
-User feedback systems
-Professional development
-Critical update alerts
-Version compatibility checks
What are (5) benefits of effective compatibility and update management?
-Improved security
-Enhanced performance
-Extended software lifecycle
-Patch management policies
-Better user satisfaction
