Introduction to System Software
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Questions and Answers

Which utility primarily focuses on protecting the system from malicious software?

  • Backup utility
  • Antivirus software (correct)
  • File compression
  • File management

What is the main function of a file compression utility?

  • To improve system performance
  • To reduce the size of a file (correct)
  • To recover lost data
  • To scan for errors on a hard drive

Which of the following utilities helps in improving the performance of data retrieval?

  • Antivirus software
  • Disk scanning
  • File finders
  • File defragmentation (correct)

Which type of utility is designed to identify and correct issues within storage devices?

<p>Disk scanning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which is NOT a function of system utilities?

<p>Multitasking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of utility would you use to create a copy of your current files to prevent data loss?

<p>Backup utility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is primarily involved in organizing and managing files on a storage device?

<p>File finder (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system played a significant role in introducing the graphical user interface?

<p>MAC OS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of utility helps in reducing system load by combining files and freeing up space?

<p>File defragmentation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of backup programs?

<p>To protect against data loss (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of an operating system?

<p>Performing Power-on self-test (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the registry in an operating system?

<p>To configure system settings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the cold booting process, which component is responsible for loading the BIOS into memory?

<p>ROM (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of the kernel in an operating system?

<p>Essential OS components (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of steps in a cold boot process?

<p>Power is turned on, BIOS loads, settings determine OS location (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which utility program might you find among system utilities?

<p>Volume control (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step of the cold boot process follows loading the BIOS?

<p>Power-on self-test (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about an operating system is TRUE?

<p>It includes system utilities that enhance its capabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of CMOS in the cold boot process?

<p>To determine where to find the operating system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a batch operating system?

<p>Supports concurrent use by multiple users without direct communication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Time-sharing Operating System (TSOS)?

<p>Enables the sharing of a single computer among multiple users at the same time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes a preemptive multitasking system from a cooperative multitasking system?

<p>It can interrupt running programs to allocate CPU time elsewhere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following assertions about UNIX is accurate?

<p>It introduced the concepts of file management and path names. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Windows 95 from its predecessor, Windows 3.X?

<p>Windows 95 utilizes preemptive multitasking. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of system utilities within an operating system?

<p>To help manage the computer system's resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial role does a real-time operating system (RTOS) serve?

<p>It guarantees that processes respond to events within a predictable time limit. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Linux?

<p>It is more powerful and versatile than MS-DOS. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was MAC OS first introduced as a graphical user interface?

<p>1984 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of Windows NT?

<p>It's focused on client/server systems and supports remote administration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

System Software

The collection of programs that manage and control a computer's hardware and software resources.

Operating System (OS)

A type of system software that provides the core functionality for a computer to operate.

Cold Booting

The process of starting a computer from a completely off state.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A small program stored in the computer's ROM, which initializes the hardware and loads the operating system.

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POST (Power-on Self-Test)

A self-test conducted by BIOS to check if all hardware components are working properly.

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CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)

A non-volatile memory chip that stores the computer's settings and configuration data.

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Kernel

The core of an operating system, responsible for managing essential system functions.

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Registry

A collection of settings and data that the operating system uses to control the computer's behavior.

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System Utilities

Specific software programs designed to perform specific tasks related to the operating system.

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Authentication

The process of logging into the computer by providing a username and password.

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Batch operating system

An operating system where multiple users can use the computer concurrently, but they cannot directly communicate with each other.

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Time-sharing operating system

An operating system that allows multiple users to share a single computer concurrently.

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Distributed operating system

An operating system where multiple computer systems are connected through a single communication channel, creating a unified system.

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Real-time operating system (RTOS)

An operating system designed to handle multiple processes concurrently, ensuring predictable response times to events.

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Foreground application

The active program that the user is currently interacting with.

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Background application

An inactive program that is running in the background, not directly interacted with.

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Virtual Memory

A technique that uses RAM and hard drive space to make it seem like the computer has more RAM available than it actually does.

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Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A user interface that uses graphical elements like icons, menus, and windows to interact with the computer.

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Unix

The first preemptive multitasking operating system, known for its file management system and client/server networking.

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Mac OS

The first operating system to use a graphical user interface, making it beginner-friendly.

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Antivirus Software

A program that protects your computer from harmful software like viruses. It acts like a security guard, scanning for threats and stopping them before they can damage your system.

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File Compression Utility

Uses algorithms to reduce the size of a file, making it easier to store and transfer. It squishes the data like squeezing a sponge, but doesn't change the content.

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Disk Scanning Utility

A program that inspects your storage devices (like your hard drive) for any errors or problems, fixing them if possible. Think of it as a doctor checking your computer's health.

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File Defragmentation Utility

A program that organizes the data on your storage device, improving performance and speeding up your computer. It's like decluttering your room, making it easier to find things quickly.

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Study Notes

Introduction to System Software

  • System software is a category of programs crucial for computers.
  • These programs run the computer and peripheral devices smoothly.

Types of System Software

  • Two main categories:
    • Operating systems (OS)
    • System utilities

Operating System (OS)

  • An essential component of every computer system.
  • The first program loaded into memory.
  • Functions to:
    • Start the computer
    • Manage programs
    • Distribute memory
    • Coordinate processor and peripherals
    • Enable user interaction

Operating System Functions

  • File Management: Organizing and controlling files
  • Input/Output Management: Handling data transfer between devices and computer
  • Memory Management: Allocating and managing memory for programs
  • Resource Management: Managing resources like memory, disk space, and CPU time
  • Command Interpreter: Allows users to interact with the OS
  • System Security: Protecting the system from unauthorized access

Starting the Computer

  • The cold boot process begins when the power is on.
  • Steps in a cold boot:
    • ROM loads BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
    • BIOS performs a POST (Power-on Self-Test).
    • BIOS searches for the OS in CMOS settings.
    • The kernel (essential OS components) loads into memory from storage.
    • OS takes control of the computer.

Computer System Architecture

  • The operating system sits between the user and hardware.
  • Application programs run on top of the OS.
  • Examples of prominent OSs:
    • MS-DOS
    • macOS
    • UNIX
    • Linux
    • Windows 3.X
    • Windows 95
    • Windows 98
    • Windows NT
    • Windows 2000
    • Windows XP
    • Windows CE
    • Windows 7,8,10,11,12

UNIX

  • Developed by AT&T in the 1970s.
  • Features the first preemptive multitasking system.
  • Created file management and path names concepts.
  • Based on the client/server networking system.

macOS

  • First to implement a graphical user interface (GUI) in 1984.
  • Known as an easy-to-use OS for beginners.

Windows 3.X

  • Includes Windows 3.0, 3.1, 3.11 and Windows for Workgroups 3.1.
  • Cooperative multitasking used instead of preemptive multitasking.

Windows 95 & 98

  • Windows 95 is considered a transitional OS.
  • Windows 98 is an improved version of Windows 95.
  • Features preemptive multitasking.

Windows CE

  • A discontinued operating system produced by Microsoft in 1996.
  • Designed for mobile and embedded devices.

Windows NT

  • Designed for client/server systems.
  • Two key components: Windows NT workstation and server.
  • Focuses on business needs.
  • Contains security features, remote administration services and directory services.

Windows 2000

  • Two versions: 2000 Professional and 2000 Server.
  • Offers better stability and more features than Windows NT.

Windows XP

  • Replaced earlier Windows versions.
  • Three key versions: XP Home Edition, XP Professional and XP Server.

Linux

  • Developed in 1991 by a UNIX creator.
  • Competes with Windows and macOS.
  • Known as strong, free and widely used.
  • Uses Apache web server.

Windows 7/8/10/11/12

  • Latest versions of Windows operating system, with improved features and capabilities.

System Utilities

  • Programs assisting the OS in managing resources.
  • Examples of utilities
    • File management
    • File finders
    • Backup utilities
    • Antivirus software
    • File compression
    • Disk scanning
    • File defragmentation

Antivirus Software

  • Protects the system from viruses.
  • Best antivirus programs
    • McAfee
    • BitDefender
    • Norton
    • AVG
    • Microsoft Defender

File Compression Utility

  • Reduces file sizes by compressing data.

Disk Scanning Utility

  • Detects and fixes storage device issues.

File Defragmentation Utility

  • Improves storage device performance by reorganizing files.

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Related Documents

Computers: Tools for an Information Age Chapter 4 System Software PDF

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of system software, including its definition, types, and functions. Learn about operating systems, system utilities, and how they manage computer resources effectively. Test your knowledge on file management, memory allocation, and user interaction with the operating system.

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