computer chapter 3 & 4

Multiprocessing

A processing technique in which multiple processors or multiple processing cores in a single computer each work on a different job.

Parallel processing

A processing technique in which multiple processors or multiple processing cores in a single computer work together to complete one job more quickly.

Thread

A sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of other threads.

System software

Programs such as the operating system and utility programs that control a computer and its devices and enable application software to run on the computer

4 basic categories of Software

-->Commercial software -->Shareware -->Freeware -->Public Domain software

Database Concepts

-A database is a collection of related data that is stored on a computer and organized in a manner that enables information to be retrieved as needed. -A database management system (DBMS)—also called database software—is the type of program used to create, maintain, and organize data in a database, as well as to retrieve information from the database.

Presentation Graphics Concepts

-A presentation graphic is an image designed to visually enhance a presentation typically to convey information more easily to people. -Electronic slide shows are created with presentation graphics software and can be run on individual computers or presented to a large group using a data projector.

Mobile Phone Operating Systems

-Android: Linux-based built from the ground up -iOS: designed for Apple mobile phones and mobile devices -BlackBerry OS: designed for BlackBerry devices -HP webOS: Linux-based, developed for Palm mobile phones -These operating systems cannot support full-scale software programs -Apps developed for one operating system will not work on others

Linux

-Linux is an operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 when he was a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. -Linux was released to the public as open source software, which is a program that the program owners allow anyone to modify.

Mac OS and Mac OS X Server

-Mac OS is the proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple Inc. -Mac OS X Server is the server version of Mac OS X. -Mac OS is based on the UNIXoperating system

differences among operating systems

-Most operating systems today use a graphical user interface (GUI), in which users can click icons or commands on the screen to issue instructions to the computer. -The older DOS operating system and some versions of the UNIX and Linux operating systems use a command line interface, which requires users to type commands to issue instructions to the computer -Other types of Operating Systems: -->Personal operating systems (desktop operating systems) -->Server operating systems (network operating systems) -->Mobile operating systems -->Embedded operating systems

processing techniques for increased efficiency

-One way computers operate more efficiently is to multitask. -Operating systems that support multithreading have the ability to rotate between multiple threads. -If a computer has two or more CPUs, techniques that perform operations simultaneously are possible. -->Multiprocessing -->Parallel processing -Because an operating system can multitask, you can edit a spreadsheet while loading a Web page. -The operating system allocates RAM to programs as needed and then reclaims that memory when the program is closed. -A buffer is an area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold input and output on their way into or out of the system. -The process of placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed is called spooling.

Software Categories

-Software that falls into any of these four categories can also be open source software—programs whose source code is available to the public.

Application Software for Business

-Sometimes, related software programs (such as a group of graphics programs, utility programs, or office-related software) are sold bundled together as a software suite. -Typical office suites include the following programs: -->Word processing software, Spreadsheet software, Database software, Presentation graphics software

functions of an operating system

-The operating system configures all devices connected to a computer. -During the boot process, the essential portion, or core, of the operating system (called the kernel) is loaded into memory. -Small programs called device drivers (or simply drivers) are used to communicate with peripheral devices, such as monitors, printers, portable storage devices, and keyboards. -Another important task that the operating system performs is file management, which involves keeping track of the files stored on a computer so that they can be retrieved when needed.

DOS (Disk Operating System)

-was dominant operating system for microcomputers in 1980s and early 1990s -DOS traditionally used a command line interface, although newer versions of DOS support a menu-driven interface. -DOS is considered obsolete because it does not utilize a graphical user interface and does not support modern processors and processing techniques

Virtual memory

A memory management technique frequently used by operating systems that uses a portion of the computer's hard drive as additional RAM.

Operating system

A collection of programs that manages and coordinated the activities taking place within the computer

Graphical user interface (GUI)

A graphically based user interface that allows a user to communicate instructions to the computer by clicking icons or commands on the screen.

Commercial software

A software program that is developed and sold for a profit. *ex: Microsoft Office (office suite) Norton Antivirus (antivirus program) Adobe Photoshop (image editing program) World of Warcraft (game)

Shareware

A software program that is distributed on the honor system; typically available free of charge but may require a small registration fee. **ex: WinZip (file compression program) Ulead Video ToolBox (video editing/ conversion program) Image Shrinker (image optimizer) Deluxe Ski Jump 3 (game)

Freeware

A software program that is given away by the author for others to use free of charge. **ex: Internet Explorer (Web browser) OpenOffice.org (office suite) QuickTime Player (media player) Yahoo! Messenger (instant messaging program)

Public domain software

A software program that is not copyrighted. **ex::Lynx (text-based Web browser) Pine (email program)

Command line interface

A text-based interface that requires the user to communicate instructions to the computer by typing commands.

Buffer

An area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold input and output on their way into or out of the system.

Server operating system (network operating system)

An operating system designed to be installed on a network server to grant multiple users access to a network and it's resources.

Personal operating system (desktop operating system)

An operating system designed to be installed on a single computer.

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to have more than one program open at one time.

Boot process

The actions taken by programs built into the computer's hardware to start the operating system

User Interface

The means by which an operating system or other program interacts with the user.

Spooling

The process of placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed.

File management

The task of keeping track of the files stored on a computer so they can be retrieved when needed.

Page file (swap file)

The virtual memory area of a hard drive.

database management system (DBMS)

also called database software—is the type of program used to create, maintain, and organize data in a database, as well as to retrieve information from the database.

database

is a collection of related data that is stored on a computer and organized in a manner that enables information to be retrieved as needed.