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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of a device driver in a computer system?
What is the primary role of a device driver in a computer system?
In the context of computer systems, what is the difference between hardware and software?
In the context of computer systems, what is the difference between hardware and software?
Which of the following is NOT an example of hardware?
Which of the following is NOT an example of hardware?
How does the operating system contribute to process management?
How does the operating system contribute to process management?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of a web browser's navigation bar?
Which of the following is NOT a function of a web browser's navigation bar?
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Which of the following is a feature designed specifically for managing a user's browsing privacy?
Which of the following is a feature designed specifically for managing a user's browsing privacy?
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What is the primary purpose of the Windows Registry Editor (regedit)?
What is the primary purpose of the Windows Registry Editor (regedit)?
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Which Windows tool provides the most granular control over system processes?
Which Windows tool provides the most granular control over system processes?
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How do virtual machines access hardware resources?
How do virtual machines access hardware resources?
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What is the primary role of an operating system in a computer system?
What is the primary role of an operating system in a computer system?
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What is the main purpose of a web browser?
What is the main purpose of a web browser?
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What are legacy systems, and why are they sometimes preserved using virtual machines?
What are legacy systems, and why are they sometimes preserved using virtual machines?
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Flashcards
Hardware
Hardware
The physical components of a computer that can be touched and seen.
Software
Software
Instructions and programs that tell hardware how to perform tasks; it's intangible.
Operating System (OS)
Operating System (OS)
The core software that manages hardware and software resources, providing user interfaces.
Process Management
Process Management
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File System Management
File System Management
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User Interface (UI)
User Interface (UI)
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Virtual Machine (VM)
Virtual Machine (VM)
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Hypervisor
Hypervisor
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Resource Allocation
Resource Allocation
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Networking in OS
Networking in OS
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Error Handling
Error Handling
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Compatibility in Virtual Machines
Compatibility in Virtual Machines
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URL
URL
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Navigation Bar
Navigation Bar
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Tabs
Tabs
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Bookmarks/Favorites
Bookmarks/Favorites
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Private Browsing
Private Browsing
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Process
Process
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Task Manager
Task Manager
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Study Notes
Operating Systems and Computer Components
- Operating systems (OS) are core software that manage hardware and software resources, providing services and user interfaces.
- Key functions of an OS include process management, memory management, file system management, device management, user interface, security, networking, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and error handling.
Hardware and Software
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, motherboard, peripherals).
- Software refers to the instructions, programs, and data that tell the hardware what to do (e.g., operating systems, applications, drivers, firmware).
- Hardware provides the framework and resources, while software provides the instructions and functionality.
Virtualization
- Virtualization is running a virtual computer system within a partition.
- A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based computer, acting as an independent computer within a host computer.
- VMS require host computer resources (RAM, CPU, storage), but can greatly enhance the host computer's capabilities.
- VMs are used for compatibility, backup/preservation, and testing.
Web Browsers
- Web browsers are software applications enabling access, retrieval, and viewing internet information.
- Web browsers display webpages written in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Key features include a navigation bar, back and forward buttons, a refresh button, a home button, tabs, bookmarks/favorites, history, extensions, and private browsing.
- A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a unique address to a specific webpage.
Management Interfaces in Windows
- Control Panel / Settings: Individual applets for configuring various Windows aspects.
- Management Consoles: More technical configuration options; Computer Management console contains administrative snap-ins.
- Registry Editor (regedit): Directly editing the Windows Registry database.
- Command Prompt / PowerShell: Changing settings using native commands.
Computer Processes
- A process is an instance of a computer program in execution.
- It includes the program code, current activity, allocated memory, and other resources.
- Processes have states like new, ready, running, waiting, and terminated.
- Processes use system resources (CPU time, memory, files, I/O devices).
- Each process typically runs in its own address space.
- Interprocess communication (IPC) allows processes to interact.
Task Manager and Services
- Task Manager: Allows managing running processes in Windows.
- Services: Windows processes running in the background without user interaction, used for system functions.
- Services Console: Used to manage and configure services (start/stop services, configure properties).
- Task Scheduler: Run tasks at specific times or on a schedule (simple applications, batch files, or scripts).
Memory and Disk Management
- System memory (RAM) is volatile; mass storage (hard drives/SSDs) is non-volatile.
- Memory management handles process allocation and deallocation of memory;
- Virtual memory/pagefile is used when system memory runs low.
- Disk Management: Formats mass storage devices (disks, USB drives) and manages partitions.
User Accounts and Access Control
- User accounts restrict access and privilege to computer resources.
- Local accounts are stored on the computer;
- Microsoft accounts are synced across devices.
- Administrator and standard user accounts are managed to ensure controlled access.
- Least privilege means users only have necessary permissions.
- UAC (User Account Control) requires explicit authorization for administrative tasks.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the primary functions of operating systems and the role of device drivers. This quiz explores the differences between hardware and software, along with process management in computer systems. Challenge yourself with questions designed to enhance your understanding of essential computer science concepts.
