COMP 3000: Introduction to Operating Systems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to operating systems, providing definitions and essential concepts for exam preparation.

Operating System (OS)

A resource allocator and control program that manages hardware resources and executes programs.

Process Management

The creation, scheduling, synchronizing, and coordinating of running processes.

Memory Management

The allocation, protection, and virtualization of main memory.

Storage Management

The organization, access, and management of persistent data and I/O devices.

Device Driver

A program that controls a particular type of device connected to the computer.

System Call

A mechanism that allows user programs to request services from the operating system.

Concurrency

The execution of several instruction sequences at the same time.

Multiprogramming

Organizing jobs so that the CPU can execute one while others wait.

User Mode

A mode where user applications execute, with limited privileges to protect system integrity.

Kernel Mode

A mode where the operating system runs with full access to all hardware and resources.

Interrupt

A signal that causes the CPU to stop its current activities and execute a special routine.

Multitasking

The ability of a CPU to manage multiple tasks or processes simultaneously.

File-System Management

The management of files and directories on storage devices, including the operations to create, delete, and restore files.

Caching

A technique used to store data in faster storage for quick access, improving performance.

Protection and Security

Mechanisms for controlling access to resources and defending the system against malicious attacks.

Bootstrapping

The process of starting up a computer and loading the operating system.