Operating System Functions Overview
18 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of these examples BEST describes the difference between an enterprise client OS and a home client OS?

  • An enterprise client OS runs on laptops and desktops, while a home client OS runs on smartphones and tablets.
  • An enterprise client OS is designed for business networks, while a home client OS is designed for standalone PCs. (correct)
  • An enterprise client OS is designed for multi-user environments, while a home client OS is designed for single users.
  • An enterprise client OS is typically more secure and reliable than a home client OS.

    • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open source operating system?

  • It allows users to contribute to its development and improvement.
  • It is available for free.
  • It requires a license from the developer for use. (correct)
  • Its code is freely accessible for developers to modify.

    • What is the primary difference between a general-purpose operating system and an embedded operating system?

  • General-purpose OS are open source, while embedded OS are commercial.
  • General-purpose OS are designed for a variety of tasks, while embedded OS are designed for specific functions. (correct)
  • General-purpose OS are more customizable than embedded OS.
  • General-purpose OS are designed for desktop computers, while embedded OS are designed for mobile devices.

    • What feature of Windows Settings supports touch control of the desktop for users with physical impairments?

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

    What does a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) provide?

    <p>The information necessary to open a page on the web. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of hypervisor is installed directly on the hardware?

    <p>Type I hypervisor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is NOT provided by Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)?

    <p>The ability to manage multiple operating systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common use for desktop virtualization?

    <p>To provide a live training environment without affecting the main system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main approach that Microsoft has taken regarding new versions of Windows since the release of Windows 10?

    <p>Transitioning to maintain only Windows 10 with periodic feature updates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What version of Windows is considered the direct successor to Windows 8.1?

    <p>Windows 10 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of a quality update in Windows 10?

    <p>It is less likely to cause compatibility problems than a feature update. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which edition of Windows 10 allows users to join a corporate Windows domain network?

    <p>Windows 10 Pro (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be used with 64-bit editions of Windows to ensure compatibility with hardware?

    <p>64-bit hardware device drivers signed by Microsoft. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main functions of an operating system?

    <p>To provide an interface between the user and the computer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a WIMP interface?

    <p>A graphical interface involving windows, icons, menus, and a pointing device (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the kernel in an operating system do?

    <p>Manages the hardware components and drivers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant limitation of a 32-bit CPU compared to a 64-bit CPU?

    <p>It cannot run 64-bit operating systems or applications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating system interface allows users to select commands via icons and menus?

    <p>Graphical user interface (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Embedded OS

    An operating system designed for embedded systems, often static.

    Firmware

    Software that provides low-level control for a device's hardware, typically not frequently changed.

    Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

    An OS designed to manage hardware that requires predictable response times.

    Hypervisor

    Software that enables virtualization by managing multiple operating systems on a single machine.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Virtualization

    The ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Operating System (OS)

    Software that provides a common environment for applications to run.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Application Software

    Programs that enable users to perform tasks like browsing and word processing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Kernel

    Core component of an OS that interacts with hardware.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Commercial OS

    Operating systems requiring a license to install and use, such as Windows and macOS.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Open Source OS

    Operating systems with freely available source code for modification, like Linux.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Network Object

    A container for network servers connected to a computer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Windows 10

    The current version of Windows, released in 2015, with periodic feature updates.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Control Panel

    Interface for user-configurable settings in Windows OS.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Feature Updates

    Significant updates to Windows 10 that may add new features and change UI.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Windows Settings

    An app interface in Windows 10 for configuration management.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Windows Editions

    Different versions of Windows tailored for specific user needs, like Home and Pro.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    64-bit vs 32-bit

    Windows versions can be 32-bit or 64-bit, affecting software compatibility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    URL

    The address format used to access resources on the Internet.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    File Explorer

    The file management interface in Windows for organizing files and folders.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hyperlink

    A clickable link that navigates to another webpage or resource.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Shell

    An interface provided by the OS for user interaction with the computer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Graphical User Interface (GUI)

    A visual way for users to interact with a computer, using windows, icons, and menus.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Driver

    Software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware components.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    64-bit CPU

    A processor that can run 64-bit operating systems and applications, addressing more memory.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Operating System (OS) Functions

    • OS acts as an intermediary between hardware, applications, and user
    • Manages basic system functions like interacting with hardware and I/O
    • Provides different interfaces (shells) for user interaction
    • Command-line interfaces (early PCs, DOS) or Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) (Windows)
    • Some DOS applications had a GUI-like approach
    • Shell types: graphical, command-line for user configuration, software management, program/file access
    • Drives hardware components; comprised of kernel, driver software, and system utilities
    • Each hardware component needs a specific driver for functioning
    • OS responsible to identify, load, configure and use hardware components
    • Important difference between computers is the processor's instruction size (32-bit or 64-bit)
    • OS provides a common space where apps run without problems in interaction with hardware
    • Application developers do not have to write routines to access hardware, just call OS functions
    • Relatively fewer OS; Application vendors choose which systems to support
    • OS changes require compatibility maintenance with previous soft/hardware
    • OS changes can cause legacy software to become unfunctional
    • OS has utility software for monitoring system health and performance
    • Logs and alerts system changes
    • Performance tools for diagnosing component or app malfunctions

    Data Management

    • OS organizes information as files
    • Files include executable, configuration, and data files
    • Files saved in persistent storage like hard disks
    • OS creates directory/folder structures for file organization
    • OS provides tools for directory/folder management, including file creation and movement

    Types of Operating Systems

    • Workstation OS: run PCs, Laptops; Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X/macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
    • Workstation OS market has three categories: enterprise client, network OS/server OS, and home client.
    • Mobile OS: for handheld devices; Apple iOS, Android
    • Workstation OSs can be replaced, while mobile OSs are usually tied to the device type
    • Server OS: similar code to workstation OS equivalent; Windows Server, Linux, UNIX; includes packages for network services; different licenses, simpler command-line interface compared to graphical
    • Commercial OS: license required; code is kept secret; Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Apple iOS
    • Open source OS: code is freely available; some are free; developers are free to modify code; UNIX, Linux, Android

    Embedded OS

    • Embedded systems are designed for a single, specific function
    • Include microcontrollers in devices like intravenous drip-rate meters to large systems like industrial control systems; home automation hubs, smart TVs
    • Embedded OS is often firmware, not design to be changed frequently
    • Embedded systems are static, unlike PCs which are dynamic (user can add/remove programs, data, hardware, upgrade OS)
    • Embedded systems typically require dependable response times (Real-Time Operating Systems - RTOS)

    Firmware

    • Embedded OS acts as firmware that provides all device hardware interaction functions
    • Firmware, unlike common software, is not frequently changed although capable of updates
    • PC firmware has two types: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) providing standard firmware and ensuring motherboard compatibility, and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) providing support for 64-bit operation, GUI, and better booting security

    Virtualization

    • Single computer can only have one OS traditionally
    • Multiple OSs can run simultaneously on a single computer; the number depends on the hardware capacity.
    • Virtual platforms need three components: computers providing resources (host); hypervisors (managing virtual environment); guest operating systems (installed under virtual)
    • Hypervisors are of two types: Type I (bare metal) installed directly on the host, interacting directly with its hardware; or less efficient Type II hypervisor, installed as application on the host OS
    • Other OSs can be completely separate to the host system

    Windows Editions and Versions

    • Dominant commercial workstation OS (estimated 90% of desktops/laptops), plus Windows OS is used widely on PC servers
    • Many versions released over time, often new versions are purchased
    • Upgrade discounts are usually available
    • Windows 10 is the current version; Microsoft no longer produces new versions, just maintains Windows 10 with periodic feature updates ("Windows as a service")
    • Feature updates are identified by name and number (e.g., Windows 10 Anniversary Update)
    • Quality updates refine Windows without requiring significant interface changes, but there is occasional compatibility problems.
    • Successor to Windows XP/Vista/Windows 8
    • Windows 10 comes in various Editions (e.g., Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education).

    File Explorer/Windows Explorer

    • Primary file management tool
    • Open by taskbar icon, right-clicking a folder
    • This PC shows local drives, removables, network drives
    • Computer/My computer is an older version
    • Network shows network servers the computer is connected to

    Windows Settings and Control Panel

    • Windows Settings (new) is touchscreen-enabled
    • Control Panel (older) provides basic options using applets
    • Settings moved from Control Panel to Settings as Windows updated

    ###Ease of Access Options

    • Options for users with physical limitations
    • Touchscreen
    • Voice and narration, visual and text alerts
    • On-screen keyboard, Magnifier
    • Display options (font sizes, contrast)

    Advanced Management Utilities

    • Access advanced configuration using START+X
    • Device Manager, Computer Management, Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell

    ###Internet Access

    • Browsers ship with Windows 10 (Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer)
    • Microsoft Edge is more widely used and uniform across devices including Android and iOS
    • Internet Explorer is for backward compatibility for specific enterprise websites
    • Third-party browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome) are popular too
    • Apple iOS/macOS has Safari browser
    • Websites are accessed via Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
    • Websites on a server include hyperlinks for navigation

    Management Interfaces

    • Control Panel/Windows Settings (legacy/new) administer via applets
    • Management Consoles: more technical options; Computer Management console includes different administrative snap-ins
    • Registry editor directly edits the Windows Registry configuration database
    • Command prompt and PowerShell for native Windows commands

    Process and Service Management

    • Process: program starts, executes in memory; managed by OS
    • Task Manager: end unresponsive processes; monitor resources
    • Killing a process terminates it directly
    • Service: background process; no user interaction
    • Windows processes start manually or automatically; scheduled by Task Scheduler
    • Task Scheduler for run once/recurring applications,batch files or scripts.

    Memory Management

    • System memory is volatile (RAM)
    • Mass storage is fixed disk drives/Solid-State Drives (SSD) (non-volatile)
    • OS manages memory allocation; little to configure
    • Memory leaks can be caused by badly-written programs and malware
    • Task Manager monitors memory usage

    Virtual Memory/Pagefile

    • OS can use fixed disk for paging additional data if system memory is insufficient
    • OS manages pagefile (virtual memory) in most cases; user can configure
    • SSDs are faster than traditional hard drive/disk

    Disk Management

    • Tool for formatting disks/drives, manage partitions
    • Disks must have a partition to be used; partitions must be formatted
    • Disk Management tool shows details of drives, partitions for configurations

    Command Line Interfaces (CLIs)

    • CLIs represent a command-based OS configuration alternative
    • Provide a prompt for commands
    • Example: Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe) and PowerShell CLIs, and Bash (Bourne Again SHell) in Linux.

    Access Control and Protection

    • Access control via accounts
    • User Accounts: ordinary use account, and local administrator accounts,
    • Least Privilege: principle that only necessary access should be given
    • User Account Control (UAC): security for administrative tasks

    Creating Other User Accounts

    • Local accounts (one computer only)
    • Microsoft accounts (used on multiple devices)
    • Creating a Microsoft account vs local account

    Managing User Accounts

    • Managing accounts via Windows Settings
    • Local Users and Groups snap-in allows administrators to configure accounts
    • Options include password management, account disabling, login scripts

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the fundamental functions of operating systems, through their role as intermediaries between hardware and applications, as well as user interaction. Learn about various interfaces, including command-line and graphical user interfaces, and understand how an OS manages hardware drivers and facilitates app execution. This quiz covers essential concepts needed to grasp the workings of modern operating systems.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser