Operating Systems

• What is an operating system (OS)?

  Software that manages computer resources
• What are the five main functions of an operating system?

  Memory management, multitasking, peripherals management, user management, file management
• Where must all programs be temporarily stored for the CPU to process them?

  In RAM
• What does the OS do with programs when processing is required?

  Transfers programs in and out of memory
• What is multitasking in the context of an operating system?

  Appearing to execute multiple processes simultaneously
• What is a peripheral?

  An external device connected to a computer
• What is the role of a device driver?

  Provides an interface for OS to communicate with hardware
• Why are device drivers hardware dependent?

  They translate OS instructions for specific hardware
• What is the purpose of a buffer in data processing?

  Temporarily stores data until it can be processed
• What can users do with their accounts in an operating system?

  Create, manage, and delete individual accounts
• What security settings can the OS manage for user accounts?

  Allowing passwords to be reset
• What does file management in an operating system allow users to do?

  Name, rename, open, copy, move, save, search, sort, and delete files
• What is the final function of an operating system?

  To provide a user interface
• What is human-computer interaction (HCI)?

  The way users navigate a computer system
• What is the most common type of user interface?

  Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• How are icons used in a graphical user interface?

  To represent shortcuts to applications and files
• What can users do with multiple windows in a GUI?

  Open and switch between them simultaneously
• What does the taskbar in a GUI allow users to do?

  Pin shortcuts for quick access
• What is a command-line interface (CLI)?

  A text-based interface requiring typed commands
• What is a disadvantage of using a command-line interface?

  It can accidentally delete data easily
• What is a menu-driven interface?

  A series of linked menus for user interaction
• What is an advantage of a menu-driven interface?

  It is user-friendly and easy to use
• What is a touch-sensitive interface?

  An interface where users press on a touchscreen
• What is a disadvantage of touch-sensitive interfaces?

  They may not work with dirty or wet fingers
• What are the roles of the operating system?

  • Providing a user interface
  • Memory management (and multitasking)
  • Peripheral management (and drivers)
  • User management
  • File management
• Describe five ways the operating system can provide a graphical user interface (GUI).

  1. Icons for shortcuts
  2. Multiple windows for applications
  3. Folder and file system manipulation
  4. Customizable interface options
  5. Access to system settings via menus
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of human-computer interaction (HCI)?

  • Command-Line Interface:
  • Advantage: Powerful for experts
  • Disadvantage: Complex and error-prone
  • Touch-Sensitive Interface:
  • Advantage: Intuitive for users
  • Disadvantage: May not work with dirty fingers
  • Menu-Driven Interface:
  • Advantage: User-friendly
  • Disadvantage: Can be tedious with many menus
  • Voice-Driven Interface:
  • Advantage: Hands-free operation
  • Disadvantage: Commands may be misheard