Computer Systems, Operating Systems, and Essential Shortcuts Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from lecture material covering fundamental computer components, information processing, operating system classification, and essential keyboard shortcuts.

Hardware

Physical, touchable components of a computer system including CPU, RAM, motherboards, storage, and I/O peripherals.

Software

Coded instructions that govern hardware operations, divided into system software and application software.

Data

Raw facts, numbers, and symbols ingested by the computer system to be processed into meaningful information.

Liveware

The human element of computer systems, including operators, developers, administrators, and end-users who direct system operations and act on outputs.

System Software

Operating systems and system tools that manage hardware resource allocation, file management, and security.

Application Software

Specialized software tools like browsers and text editors that translate user goals into system instructions.

Information Processing Cycle

A continuous four-step operational workflow consisting of Input, Processing, Storage, and Output that transforms raw data into structured information.

Input Stage

The first phase of the processing cycle that captures user commands and raw inputs via keyboards, mice, sensors, or touchscreens.

Processing Stage

The phase in which the CPU fetches, decodes, and executes tasks using the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit, and GPU.

Storage Stage

The phase that holds temporary active data in RAM or saves permanent files to solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard drives (HDDs).

Output Stage

The final stage of information processing that translates digital results into human form via monitors, speakers, or printers.

Operating System (OS)

The primary master controller for computer hardware that abstracts low-level device drivers and delivers a unified runtime platform for applications.

Batch Operating System

An OS category that executes similar jobs sequentially in grouped batches without real-time user interaction during execution.

Time-Sharing OS

An operating system that allocates small CPU time slices among multiple users simultaneously to provide interactive multitasking.

Real-Time OS (RTOS)

An operating system that enforces strict, deterministic time constraints for immediate, guaranteed processing in systems like airbags and pacemakers.

Distributed OS

An OS architecture that links autonomous computers over networks to function as a single unified computing system.

Network OS (NOS)

An operating system running on central servers to manage user security, shared data, traffic, and peripherals across local networks.

Mobile OS

An operating system tailored for touchscreens, wireless networks, and battery efficiency.

Desktop OS

An operating system providing rich graphical user interfaces and full multitasking for laptops and workstations.

Global OS Market Distribution

The breakdown of operating system market shares globally: Android leading at 41%, Windows at 28%, iOS at 17%, macOS at 7%, and Linux/Other at 7%.

Ctrl + A

Shortcut key combination that highlights all text, items, or elements in the active window.

Ctrl + C

Shortcut key combination that duplicates selected text or files into the system clipboard.

Ctrl + X

Shortcut key combination that removes the selection and moves it to the clipboard.

Ctrl + V

Shortcut key combination that inserts copied or cut content at the current cursor location.

Ctrl + Z

Shortcut key combination that reverts the most recent action or mistake.

Ctrl + Y

Shortcut key combination that re-applies an action that was previously undone.

Ctrl + S

Shortcut key combination that immediately saves the active file to disk.

Ctrl + P

Shortcut key combination that launches the system print dialog to instantly print current content.

Ctrl + F

Shortcut key combination that opens a search bar to instantly locate specific words or terms within documents or webpages.

Ctrl + Home

Shortcut key combination that jumps the cursor instantly to the very top of the entire document.

Ctrl + End

Shortcut key combination that jumps the cursor instantly to the absolute end of the document.

Alt + Tab

Shortcut key combination that toggles quickly between all active application windows.

Alt + F4

Shortcut key combination that closes the current active program or opens the Windows shutdown box.

Win + D

Shortcut key combination that minimizes all open windows instantly to display the desktop.

Win + L

Shortcut key combination that secures your computer immediately, requiring login.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Shortcut key combination that launches Microsoft Task Manager directly without submenus.

Shift + Delete

Shortcut key combination that deletes the selected item permanently without placing it in the Recycle Bin.

Ctrl + Shift + T

Browser shortcut key combination that restores the last tab that was accidentally closed.