Unit 2 Operating Systems and Software Flashcards
Operating system (OS)
The primary software that runs applications and manages all the hardware, memory, and other software on a computer.
Software
A set of computer instructions that tells the computer how to work.
Workstation OS
Most commonly used on a desktop or laptop computer and can perform many tasks without an internet connection.
Mobile OS
An operating system used on mobile devices, such as a mobile phone or tablet.
Server OS
Used on specialized computers that take in requests and send back a response (mail server, web server, etc).
Embedded OS
Will only perform one type of task and are used in machines such as an ATM or a GPS system.
Firmware
An operating system that is permanently etched into a hardware device such as a keyboard or a video card.
Hypervisor
Operating systems that are most commonly used to run multiple operating systems on a computer system at the same time.
Linux
An open-source and community-developed operating system.
Apple Macintosh (macOS)
An operating system that uses a graphical user interface designed by Apple Inc. for use on desktops and laptops.
Microsoft Windows
An operating system that uses a graphical user interface designed by Microsoft for use on desktops and laptops.
File system
A method of organizing files and retrieving them from storage.
File management
Software that manages data and files along with the ability to create, modify, and move these files.
GUI (graphical user interface)
A type of interface that uses interactive graphical elements such as windows, buttons, and icons.
File extension
The suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what the type of file.
Processor
The electronic part of a computer that executes the instructions that are passed to it by the operating system. It’s also called a CPU, or central processing unit.
Platform
An operating system such as Windows, Mac OS, Android or iOS.
Single-platform software
Software that only works on one platform, such as only on Android phones, or only on Mac computers.
Cross-platform software
Software that works on multiple platforms.
Software license
Legally binding guidelines for use and distribution of software.
Open source software
Software that is available for anyone to access and modify.
Proprietary software
Software that is owned by an individual or company.
Application architecture model
Refers to the design of the essential parts of an application and how they are connected to each other.
Locally installed software
Software installation that is performed on your local computer.
