4/ Operating systems

• What is the definition of an Operating System (OS)?

  Software that manages computer hardware, software, and provides services for programs.
• What is a mobile operating system mentioned in the study material?

  Android
• Why is Android considered free and customizable?

  Manufacturers can modify Android to fit their devices.
• What are the key features of Android as a mobile operating system?

  • Manages hardware: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, etc.
  • User security: Passwords, fingerprints for access.
  • User input: Keyboards, touchscreens, gestures (swiping).
  • Popularity: Widely used because it’s free and flexible.
• What is the definition of a single-user, single-task operating system?


  One task at a time, no user login required.
• Can you give an example of a single-user, single-task operating system?

  Satnav or TV systems
• What is the definition of a single-user, multi-tasking operating system?

  Allows one user to run multiple tasks at the same time.
• What are examples of single-user, multi-tasking operating systems?

  Windows, iOS, Android
• What is the definition of a multi-user operating system?

  Many users can access the system at the same time.
• Can you provide an example of a multi-user operating system?

  Supercomputers
• What is the definition of a real-time operating system?

  Must complete tasks by a specific time (critical for safety).
• Can you give an example of a real-time operating system?

  Flight control systems
• What are the key components managed by an operating system?

  • Hardware: Physical parts like display, keyboard, storage.
  • Software: Applications that run on the computer.
  • Users: Controls access through user accounts and passwords.
• What is the definition of hardware in the context of operating systems?

  Physical parts like display, keyboard, storage.
• Can you provide examples of hardware managed by an operating system?

  Screen, hard drive
• What is the definition of software in the context of operating systems?

  Applications that run on the computer.
• Can you provide examples of software managed by an operating system?


  Office apps, games, web browsers
• What is the definition of users in the context of operating systems?

  Controls access through user accounts and passwords.
• What is the definition of RAM in the context of operating systems?

  Stores active programs for quick access.
• What is the definition of virtual memory?

  Uses part of the hard drive as extra memory when RAM is full (slows performance).
• How does an operating system manage network and security?

  • Manages connections to networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
  • Controls passwords.
  • Protects against unauthorized access to files and accounts.
• What is the definition of device drivers?

  Special software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware like keyboards and printers.
• What are interrupts in the context of operating systems?


  Signals sent from devices to the OS when an action occurs (e.g., typing on a keyboard).
• What was the initial state of iOS when it was launched in 2007?

  • Single-task system: Only one app could run at a time.
  • Initial apps included basic apps like Mail, Photos, and Safari.