Chapter 5: System Software
Application Software
"High level" software that performs a useful task for the user
system software
"Low level" software that makes the computer run
Network Operating Systems (NOS)
A multi-user operating system that controls the software and hardware running on a network. Allows multiple client computers to communicate with the network server to share resources, run applications, etc.
device driver
A software program that provides the instructions your computer needs to communicate with a device, such as a scanner.
swap file
A special file on the disk drive
Embedded Operating Systems
A specialized OS that runs in various electronic devices
peer-to-peer network
A type of network that connects two client computers directly together.
Utility Software
A type of system software used to perform computer maintenance
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
A user interface which displays images and pictures that allows a computer user to interact with a computer easily.
PnP (Plug and Play)
Ability for the OS to recognize when a new device has been plugged in... it determines the device driver needed and automatically installs it if possible.
API (Application Programming Interface)
Allows application programs to have the operating system perform low-level tasks such as saving a file to a storage device. Makes writing software easier since programmers do not need to know hardware details.
Virtual Memory
Allows users to open up more applications and data files than can physically fit in the computer's memory (RAM).
Security utilities
Antivirus software, pop-up ad blockers, personal firewalls, and spam filters. These utilities help you control nuisance ads, intrusion attempts, and spam.
system software
Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.
User Interface (UI)
Determines how the user interacts with the computer.
Managing System Resources
Ensures only one process at a time can access a hardware device.
Operating Software
Low-level software that controls the computer hardware
Mobile Operating Systems
Operating systems that run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. More full-featured than embedded OS's but not as full-featured as desktop's OS
thrashing
Paging slows down the system... if it happens too frequently, computers can become totally unresponsive
Disk Formatting Utility
Prepares a hard disk to store files by setting up the file system. Creates file system.
managing memory
The OS manages the memory for all programs and data files. All programs executed and data files opened are loaded into separate areas in memory.
Task Manager (MS-Windows) / Activity Monitor (Mac OSX)
Used to view processes (programs) running on the computer. Can force processes to quit. Can also view how much memory each process is using
Paging
When there is not enough room in memory, some content is copied to the swap file to free up space
Firewall
a device or software that blocks unauthorized access to a network or an individual computer
Peripheral Devices
all the other external, physical components of the computer such as the input and output devices
single tasking operating system
allows only one program or app to run at a time
Reboot
an act or instance of booting a computer system again. most common "solution" when something goes wrong
Which operating system is a mobile Linux operating system?
android
Which is a popular NOS found on web servers?
apache
Check Disk
checks for problems with the physical disk itself and for problems with the file system
Which Windows feature allows you to change, configure, monitor, or troubleshoot most system settings, hardware, and software?
control panel
File system
controls how data is stored and retrieved
Optimize Drive
defragments a hard drive to improve efficiency
What software enables an OS to communicate with hardware?
device driver
An NOS centralizes resources and security and provides services such as file and print services to servers.
false
Location services use only GPS to determine your device location.
false
Malware is a computer program that's designed to prevent viruses.
false
You can use a computer without an operating system installed.
false
You should use a guest account for everyday computing.
false
______ keeps track of files that are saved and where they're stored on the disk.
file system
troubleshooting
finding a problem and removing or fixing the problem
Disk Cleanup
looks for files that can be safely deleted to free up disk space
Which is a function of an operating system?
manage hardware
multiple program operating system
multiple programs can be executed at the same time.
Which Windows utility should you use to reorganize the files on your disk to improve efficiency?
optimize drives
________ enables you to easily add new hardware to a computer system.
plug and play
Antivirus program
protects against computer viruses (and worms and Trojan horses)
Antispyware program
protects against spyware and adware
Which Windows utility should you use to view processes running on your system?
task manager
queue
to form or to wait in line
A mobile operating system that runs on Apple mobile devices is iOS.
true
Disk-checking utilities monitor the health of the file system on a disk.
true
The OS communicates with software applications via an application programming interface (API).
true
The file system used on hard disks in Windows is the NTFS file system.
true
The user interacts with the operating system through the use of a GUI.
true
Which operating system is a multiuser OS developed in the 1970s, primarily used on servers and some specialized workstations?
unix