ICT CHAP 4 NOTES

    Cards (66)

    • System software
      Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices
    • Types of system software
      • Operating systems
      • Utility Programs
    • Operating system (OS)

      A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources
    • Operating system functions
      • Start and shut down a computer
      • Provide a user interface
      • Manage programs
      • Manage memory
      • Coordinate tasks
      • Configure devices
      • Establish an Internet connection
      • Monitor performance
      • Provide utilities
      • Automatically update
      • Control a network
      • Administer security
    • Booting
      The process of starting or restarting a computer
    • Shut down options
      Various options provided by the operating system to shut down the computer
    • User interface
      Controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen
    • Graphical user interface (GUI)

      You interact with menus and visual images
    • Command-line interface

      A user uses the keyboard to enter data and instructions
    • Memory management
      Optimizes the use of RAM
    • Virtual memory
      A portion of a storage medium functioning as additional RAM
    • Task processing order

      The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed
    • Driver
      A program that allows the operating system to communicate with a hardware device
    • Internet connection establishment
      Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections
    • Performance monitor
      A program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices
    • Capabilities provided by operating systems
      • Managing files
      • Searching for files
      • Viewing images
      • Cleaning up disks
      • Defragmenting disks
      • Backing up files and disks
      • Setting up screen savers
      • Securing a computer
      • Uninstalling programs
      • Diagnosing problems
    • Automatic update
      Automatically provides updates to the program
    • User account
      Each user has a user account with a user name (or user ID) and a password
    • Utility program
      A type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks
    • Functions of utility programs
      • Managing files
      • Searching for files
      • Viewing images
      • Cleaning up disks
      • Defragmenting disks
      • Backing up files and disks
      • Setting up screen savers
      • Securing a computer
      • Uninstalling programs
      • Diagnosing problems
    • File manager
      A utility that performs functions related to file management such as displaying a list of files, organizing files in folders, copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders, and creating shortcuts
    • Search utility
      A program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify
    • Image viewer
      Allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file. Windows Photo Gallery allows you to manage and edit photos.
    • Disc burning software
      Writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a recordable or rewritable optical disc
    • Media player
      Allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer
    • Disk cleanup utility
      Searches for and removes unnecessary files such as downloaded program files, temporary Internet files, deleted files, and unused program files
    • Disk defragmenter
      Reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer's hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster
    • File compression utility
      Shrinks the size of a file(s) through lossy or lossless compression. Compressed files are sometimes called zipped files and can be uncompressed.
    • Backup utility

      Allows users to copy files to another storage medium. A restore utility reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form.
    • Screen saver
      Causes a display device's screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for a specified time
    • Personal firewall
      Detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions
    • Filters
      Programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed
    • Uninstaller
      A utility that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files. When you install a program, the OS keeps record of it. The uninstaller deletes these files and folders when a program is uninstalled.
    • Personal computer maintenance utility
      Identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer's performance
    • Application software
      Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks
    • Purposes of application software
      • To make business activities more efficient
      • To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
      • To support home, personal, and educational tasks
      • To facilitate communications
    • Forms of application software
      • Packaged software
      • Freeware
      • Shareware
      • Custom software
      • Web application
      • Open source software
      • Public-domain software
    • Packaged software

      Mass-produced, copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company. Available in retail stores or on the Web.
    • Freeware
      Computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee but usually with one or more restricted usage rights
    • Shareware
      Copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. To use a shareware program beyond that period, you send payment to the program developer.