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Computer Information Systems > Chapter 4 > Flashcards

Chapter 4 Flashcards

1
Q

What is an operating system?

A

A type of system software that acts as the master controller for all activities that take place within a computer system

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2
Q

What does an operating system do?

A

Provides an environment for running software and controlling peripheral devices

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3
Q

Resource

A

Any component that is required to perform work

Ex. The processor is a computer’s main resource

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4
Q

How do operating systems manage processor resources?

A

Operating system must ensure that each process receives its share of microprocessor cycles

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5
Q

How do operating systems handle so many processes?

A

Multitasking, multithreading, and multiprocessing

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6
Q

Multitasking

A

Provides process and memory management services that allow two or more tasks, jobs, or programs to run simultaneously

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7
Q

Multithreading

A

Allows multiple parts, or threads, to run simultaneously within a single program

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8
Q

Multiprocessing

A

Supports a division of labor among all the processing units

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9
Q

How does an operating system manage memory?

A

Works with and executes instructions stored in RAM

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10
Q

Memory leak

A

When an application requests memory but never releases it

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11
Q

How does the OS keep track of storage resources?

A

Acts as a filing clerk that stores and retrieves files from computer’s hard drive and storage devices. Also remembers names, locations, and keeps track of empty spaces

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12
Q

Why does the operating system get involved with peripheral devices?

A

Communicates with device driver software so that data can travel smoothly between the computer and peripheral resources

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13
Q

Buffers

A

Collect and hold data while the computer is busy with other tasks

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14
Q

Single-user operating system

A

Deals with one set of input devices–those that can be controlled by one user at a time

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15
Q

Multiuser operating system

A

Allows a single, centralized computer to deal with simultaneous input, output, and processing requests from many users

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16
Q

Server operating system

A

Provides tools for managing distributed networks, e-mail servers, and Web hosting sites

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17
Q

Desktop operating system

A

Designed for a desktop or laptop personal computer

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18
Q

Mobile operating system

A

Designed for devices such as smartphones and tablet computers

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19
Q

Where is the operating system stored?

A

Usually stored on a hard disk because it is so large, but the operating system kernel is loading into RAM during the boot process

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20
Q

Kernel

A

Provides essential operating system services, such as memory management and file access

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21
Q

What is the boot process?

A

The sequence of events that occurs between the time that you turn on a computer and the time that is is ready for you to issue commands

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22
Q

Bootstrap program

A

Built into special ROM circuitry housed in the computer’s system unit

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23
Q

Name the six major events that happen during the boot process

A
  1. Power up
  2. Start boot program
  3. Power-on self test
  4. Identify peripheral devices
  5. Load operating system
  6. Check configuration and customization
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24
Q

Why doesn’t a computer leave operating system in memory

A

RAM is volatile, ROM is not large enough

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25
Q

How do I know when the operating system is loaded?

A

When the computer is ready to accept your commands

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26
Q

Do I ever interact directly with the OS?

A

When you launch programs, manage files, configure your computer equiptment

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27
Q

What is a user interface?

A

The combination of hardware and software that helps people and computer’s communicate with each other.

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28
Q

How does the operating system affect the user interface?

A

Defines the look and feel of compatible software

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29
Q

Command-line interface

A

Requires users to type memorized commands to run programs and accomplish tasks

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30
Q

What kind of UIs do modern computers have?

A

Graphical user interface: provides a way to select menu options and manipulate graphical objects displayed on the screen using a mouse or gesture

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31
Q

What are the basic control elements of a GUI?

A
  • Desktops and windows
  • Start screens
  • Icons
  • Buttons, toolbars, and taskbars
  • Menus and ribbons
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32
Q

How similar are the user interfaces for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux?

A

More similar than they are different. Fairly standard set of on-screen controls, but may differ in visual design

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33
Q

Desktop

A

Visual work area that covers the entire screen and remains in the background throughout a computing session

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34
Q

Taskbar or dock

A

Included in the desktop for launching applications, which are displayed in rectangular application windows

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35
Q

Start screen

A

Appears at the end of a boot process and whenever it is evoked by the user, commonly by pressing the Home button

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36
Q

Icon and tiles

A

An icon is a small picture that represents a program, file, or hardware device. Some icons are designed as tiles.

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37
Q

Buttons and toolbar

A

A button is a graphic that can be clicked to make a selection; Can be arranged in a toolbar

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38
Q

Menu and menu bar

A

A menu displays a list of commands or options on a menu bar

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39
Q

Ribbon

A

An alternative type of menu that is arranged as rows of tools on a succession of tabs

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40
Q

Submenu

A

An additional set of commands that the computer displays after you make a selection from the main menu

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41
Q

Dialog box

A

Displays the options associated with a command

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42
Q

What’s the best-selling operating system?

A

Microsoft Windows

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43
Q

Disk Operating System (DOS)

A

The command-line operating system used in the first PCs

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44
Q

Why “Windows”?

A

Got its name from the rectangular work areas on the screen-based desktop

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45
Q

Does Windows 8 run on tablets and phones too?

A

Windows RT is designed for tablet devices

Windows Phone 8 is designed for smartphones

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46
Q

What are the strengths of Windows?

A
  • Best selection of software
  • Windows user community
  • Vast array of peripheral devices
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47
Q

What the the weaknesses of Windows?

A
  • Reliability

- Security

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48
Q

What is unique about Mac OS?

A

Mac OS is the operating system designed for Apple’s Macintosh line of computer systems. Unique features include the Apple icon, Dock, and application menu bar fixed at the top

49
Q

What are the strengths of Mac OS?

A
  • Easy to use
  • Reliable
  • Secure
50
Q

What is dual boot?

A

Utility that can switch between Mac OS X and Windows

51
Q

What is a virtual machine?

A

Allow you to use one computer to simulate the hardware and software of another

52
Q

What are the weaknesses of Mac OS?

A
  • Limited selection of software

- Resource forks

53
Q

What is a resource fork?

A

Data fork is similar to files in other operating systems, but the resource fork is a companion file that stores information about the data in the data fork

54
Q

What is iOS?

A

Operating system for the Apple iPhone

55
Q

Is iOS related to Mac OS X?

A

Yes, derived from the Mac OS X code

56
Q

What are the limitations of iOS?

A
  • Limits apps to Apple App store
  • Does not include file manager
  • Limited multitasking
57
Q

What is Android?

A

Popular platform for tablet computer, smartphones, and ebook readers

58
Q

What’s unique about Android?

A
  • Voice input for Google searching, voice dialing, navigation, etc.
  • Can become a WiFi hotspot
  • Access to file system
59
Q

UNIX

A

Developed in 1969 at AT&T’s Bell Labs; good reputation for dependability in multiuser environments

60
Q

Linux

A

Developed in 1991; inspired by and loosely based on a UNIX derivative called MINIX; often used as an operating system for servers

61
Q

Strengths of Linux

A
  • Distributed with source code under the terms of a GPL (General Public License)
  • Multitasking and multiuser capabilities
  • Secure and reliable
62
Q

What are the weaknesses of Linux?

A
  • More tinkering

- Limited number of programs

63
Q

Linux distribution

A

A download that contains the Linux kernel, system utilities, graphical user interface, and an installation routine

64
Q

What is BlackBerry OS?

A

Proprietary operating system produced by RIM, the company that developed the BlackBerry smartphone; key feature is its ability to work with corporate e-mail software systems

65
Q

What’s unique about BlackBerry OS?

A
  • Pioneered push technology
  • Offers direct Internet connections
  • Can be integrated into a wireless platform
66
Q

What is a computer file?

A

A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium, such as a heard disc, CD, DVD, or USB

67
Q

What are the rules for naming files?

A

(File naming conventions)
Characters not allowed for PC: * \ : < > | “ / ?
Characters not allowed for Mac: :

68
Q

Is there a maximum length for file names?

A

255 characters

69
Q

What is a file extension?

A

An optional file identifier that is separated from the main file name by a period (Paint.exe)

70
Q

Why are certain characters not allowed in a file name?

A

It may have special significance to the operating system

71
Q

What are reserved words?

A

Used as commands or special identifiers, so these words cannot be used in a file name

72
Q

How do I designate a file’s location?

A

Specify where the file is stored

73
Q

What does C: mean?

A

The main hard disc is referred to as C. A device letter is usually followed by a colon, so C: is typically the designation for a hard disc drive

74
Q

What is a disc partition?

A

A section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit

75
Q

Directory

A

Contains a list of a a storage device’s files

76
Q

Root directory

A

The main directory of a storage device

77
Q

Subdirectory

A

A subdivision of a root directory

78
Q

Folder

A

The way in which a subdirectory is depicted

79
Q

File specification

A

(Path) Includes the drive letter, folder, file name, and extension

80
Q

What is a file format?

A

Organization and layout of data that is stored in a file

81
Q

File header

A

A section of data at the beginning of a file that contains information about a file, such as the date it was created, the data it was last updated, its size, and its file type

82
Q

Is a file extension the same as a file format?

A

No. The file extension is a good indicator of a file’s format, but it does not define the format.

83
Q

Native file format

A

A software application can open files that exist in its native file format, plus several additional file formats

84
Q

Why can’t I open some files?

A
  • The file is damaged
  • Someone changed the file extension
  • Your software might not have the capability to open a particular version of the format
85
Q

How does a software application help me manage files?

A
  • Provides a way to open files and save them

- Allow you to delete and rename files

86
Q

What should I know about saving files?

A
  • Save option

- File tag

87
Q

File tag

A

Describes the file’s contents

88
Q

Save vs. Save As

A

Save As: allows you to select a name and storage device for a file
Save: Saves under its current name and location

89
Q

Metadata

A

“data about data”; describes the contents of a file

90
Q

File management utility

A

Helps you work with groups of files or perform other file operations (Ex. Windows File Explorer/ Mac OS X Finder)

91
Q

Logical storage models

A

Help you form a mental (logical) picture of the way in which your files are stored

92
Q

What are typical filing metaphors?

A

Filing cabinet, tree

93
Q

File Explorer

A

A utility program bundled with the Windows operating system and designed to help you organize and manipulate the files stored on your computer

94
Q

What can I do with the folders and files listed in the file explorer?

A

Rename, copy, move, delete

95
Q

Library

A

Similar to a folder in that it can be used to group similar files, but it cannot store files, but it contains a set of links to files that are stored on various devices and folders

96
Q

Physical storage model

A

Describes what actually happens on the discs and in the circuits, contrary to the logical storage model

97
Q

Formatting

A

Prepares the surface of a disc to hold data in storage; divides into tracks (all around) and sectors (part of a track)

98
Q

Disc mastering

A

The process of creating a CD, DVD, or BD by selecting all the files and then copying them in a single session

99
Q

Packet writing

A

Recording technology that lets you record in multiple sessions

100
Q

File system

A

Used by the operating system to keep track of the names and locations of files that reside on a storage medium

101
Q

Cluster

A

A disc drive usually works with a cluster (or block) to speed up the process of storing and retrieving data

102
Q

File shredder software

A

Deletes data from a disk in such a way that no one can ever read it

103
Q

Fragmented files

A

Files scattered all over the disc and stored in noncontiguous clusters

104
Q

Defragmentation utility

A

Rearranges files on a disc so that they are stored in contiguous clusters

105
Q

Backup

A

Stores the files needed to recover data that’s been wiped out by operator error, viruses, or hardware failures

106
Q

Online backup services

A

Web sites that offer storage space for backups

107
Q

Synchronization

A

Compares the content of files on two devices and makes them the same

108
Q

Full system backup

A

Includes a copy of every file stored on your computer’s hard drive as well as installed programs, settings, and the operating system

109
Q

Boot disc

A

Removable storage medium containing the operating system files needed to boot your computer without accessing the hard disc

110
Q

Recovery disc

A

A bootable CD, DVD, or other media that contains a complete copy of your computer’s hard disk as it was when the computer was new

111
Q

Recovery partition

A

Convenient for restoring a corrupted device driver or software module because you can simply copy or reinstall the file from the recovery partition to the main partition

112
Q

Windows Registry

A

An important group of files used by the Windows operating system to store configuration information about all the devices and software installed on a computer system

113
Q

Restore point

A

Snapshot of your computer settings; Backups of the Windows Registry

114
Q

Backup software

A

A set of utility programs designed to back up and restore some or all of the files on a computer’s primary storage device

115
Q

Differential backup

A

Makes a backup of only those files that were added or changed since your last full backup session

116
Q

Incremental backup

A

Backs up files that were added or changed since the last backup, full or incremental

117
Q

Bare-metal restore

A

Restore a computer’s operating system, device drivers, settings, and data in a single step

118
Q

Disk image

A

Bit-by-bit copy of the data from all sectors of a disk

Computer Information Systems (8 decks)

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