Operating Systems

Question 1

What is an operating system?

Answer 1

• Software that helps to manage the resources of a computer system and provide the interface between the user and the computer’s hardware.

Question 2

Memory Management:

Answer 2

• The OS transfers programs in and out of memory from the hard drive (or virtual memory) when processing is required.

Question 3

Why must all programs be temporarily stored in RAM?

Answer 3

• All programs must be temporarily stored in RAM for the CPU to be able to process them.

Question 4

Why are programs removed from RAM when closed?

Answer 4

• Programs are removed from RAM when closed to free up space for other tasks.

Question 5

Multitasking Definition:

Answer 5

• Appearing that more than one process is being executed at the same time.

Question 6

What is a peripheral?

Answer 6

• An external device connected to a computer system to input or output data.
• Data is transferred between external devices and the processor and this process needs to be managed by the OS.

Question 7

What is a device driver?

Answer 7

• A program that provides an interface for the OS to interact and communicate with an external device.
• They are hardware dependant and OS specific.
• The driver translates the OS’ instructions into a format the specific hardware can understand.

Question 8

Why is a buffer used?

Answer 8

• Because the CPU and the peripheral will process data at different speeds, a buffer is typically used to temporarily store data until it can be processed.

Question 9

User Management:

Answer 9

• The OS allows users to create, manage, and delete individual accounts. User accounts can be granted different access rights such as administrator or guest.
• The OS will manage security settings such a allowing passwords to be reset and can also be used to monitor login activity.

Question 10

File Management:

Answer 10

• The OS creates and maintains a logical management system to organise files and directories (folders).

Question 11

What does file management allow?

Answer 11

• File management allows files to be:
• named
• renamed
• opened
• copied
• moved
• saved
• searched for
• sorted
• deleted.
• users to set access rights for specific files
• to view file properties.

Question 12

What is a user interface?

Answer 12

• Allowing a human to interact with the computers system.

Question 13

Define human-computer interaction:

Answer 13

• The way in which a user can navigate a computer system.

Question 14

Icons:

Answer 14

• Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files.

Question 15

Windows:

Answer 15

• Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between.

Question 16

Interface:

Answer 16

• Interface can be customised e.g changing font sizes and desktop background.

Question 17

Folder and file system:

Answer 17

• Folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying, searching, sorting and deleting data.

Question 18

System settings:

Answer 18

• System settings can be accessed (network, hardware settings).

Question 19

Taskbar:

Answer 19

• Taskbar allows shortcuts to be pinned for quick access.

Question 20

Menus:

Answer 20

• Menus can be opened from the Start button to display files and shortcuts.

Question 21

Command-Line Interface:

Answer 21

• Entirely text based
• Requires users to interact with the system by typing commands.
• Complicated, could accidentally delete data.
• Only trained experts can efficiently make use of it.

Question 22

Touch-Sensitive Interface:

Answer 22

• Press on a touchscreen
• Very intuitive
• Suitable for users without training.
• Won’t work with dirty/wet fingers
• Takes longer to write text than using a keyboard.

Question 23

Menu-Driven Interface:

Answer 23

• Displays data in a series of linked menus
• Cash machines, iPods
• User friendly
• Easy to use (no commands).
• Annoying to find specific data through a large number of menus without a search feature.

Question 24

Voice-Driven Interface:

Answer 24

• Controlled by speaking commands aloud.
• Siri, Google Home, Alexa.
• Intuitive
• Hands-free
• Speed up processes.
• Commands may be misheard
• Commands may be limited in what can be performed.