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Questions and Answers
What distinguishes system software from application software?
What distinguishes system software from application software?
Which of the following is NOT a type of system software?
Which of the following is NOT a type of system software?
What is the role of utility software in a computer system?
What is the role of utility software in a computer system?
Which statement accurately describes device drivers?
Which statement accurately describes device drivers?
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Who typically develops application software?
Who typically develops application software?
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Which of the following best defines operating systems?
Which of the following best defines operating systems?
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What is the primary function of application software?
What is the primary function of application software?
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Which of the following is an example of utility software?
Which of the following is an example of utility software?
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What is the primary function of the kernel in an operating system?
What is the primary function of the kernel in an operating system?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of an operating system?
Which of the following is NOT a component of an operating system?
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How does multitasking work in an operating system?
How does multitasking work in an operating system?
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What is the role of a file manager in an operating system?
What is the role of a file manager in an operating system?
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What does the memory manager do in an operating system?
What does the memory manager do in an operating system?
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Which operating system is associated with Apple's products?
Which operating system is associated with Apple's products?
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What is the purpose of the boot loader in the boot process?
What is the purpose of the boot loader in the boot process?
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What layers exist in the external view of an operating system?
What layers exist in the external view of an operating system?
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Which of the following describes virtual memory?
Which of the following describes virtual memory?
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What is a directory in the context of a file manager?
What is a directory in the context of a file manager?
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Study Notes
Operating Systems Overview
- Operating systems are complex software components that control computer systems.
- They serve as intermediaries between users and computer systems.
- Examples include Unix, MS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Sun Solaris, and DEC VMS.
Software Components
- Software components are programs that run on computers.
- These programs perform computations and manage other important tasks.
- Software components fall into two categories:
- System software
- Application software
- System software controls hardware components and acts as an environment for programmers creating application software.
System Software
- System software includes programs that control and monitor computer system hardware, as well as tools for programmers.
- It provides an environment for developing and executing application software.
- System software includes:
- Utility software: Assists with system configuration, monitoring, and application software setup. Includes security software and diagnostics tools (e.g., security software, diagnostic tools, communication tools)
- Device drivers: Allow peripheral devices to communicate with the computer.
- Types of users for system software:
- System programmers
- Application programmers
- End users
Application Software
- Application software consists of programs designed to solve specific problems for users.
- These programs execute under the control of the operating system.
- Application programs are created for particular functions or goals.
Operating System Components
- User Interface: Communicates with users; includes text-based and graphical user interfaces (GUI).
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Kernel: Performs core system functions; includes
- File manager: Manages files and directories.
- Device drivers: Manage communication with hardware devices.
- Memory manager: Allocates and manages memory.
- Scheduler and dispatcher: Manages the order of tasks the CPU performs.
Functional Components of an OS
- Process manager
- Memory manager
- Resource manager
- File manager
- Device manager
Managing Processor Resources
- Multitasking: The ability to run multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Multithreading: Allows different parts of a single program to run simultaneously.
- Multiprocessing: Distributes processes across multiple processors for parallel operation.
File Manager
- Directory (or Folder): A user-created grouping of files and other directories.
- Directory Path: The sequence of directories leading to a specific file.
Managing Storage Resources
- File Directories and Folders: Organization of files in hierarchal structure. (Example given: C:\Music\Reggae\Marley One Love.mp3)
Memory Manager
- Allocates space in main memory.
- Might simulate larger available memory compared to physical memory by swapping data between RAM and storage (called virtual memory).
Boot Process
- Boot loader: A ROM program that runs on startup, transfers the OS to RAM and then jumps there to execute the system.
- Steps involved in booting include: Power on, starting boot program, power on self test, identifying peripheral devices, loading the operating system, then checking configuration.
Security
- Attacks from outside: Insecure passwords and sniffer software present an external security risk.
- Attacks from within: Unruly processes pose an internal security risk. Security measures for these problems include control of processes using privileged modes and instructions.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of operating systems and software components in this quiz. Learn about system software and application software, as well as the role of utility software. Test your knowledge on how these systems interact and manage computer hardware.