System Software and Operating Systems

Practice flashcards covering basic concepts of system software, operating system functions, the boot process, and utility programs based on lecture notes.

System Software

The set of programs that helps run the computer and coordinates instructions between application software and the computer’s hardware devices.

Application Software

The software used to perform everyday tasks at home and at work.

Operating System (OS)

A group of programs that controls how a computer system functions, coordinating and directing the flow of data and information.

Utility Programs

Small applications that perform special functions on the computer, such as system maintenance or file management.

Real-Time OS (RTOS)

A type of operating system used in machinery that performs a repetitive series of specific tasks in precise time; also referred to as embedded systems.

Multiuser Operating System

Also known as a network OS, this allows multiple users access to the computer at the same time.

UNIX

A multiuser, multitask network operating system primarily used with mainframes, whose proprietary source code belongs to The Open Group.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A means for users to interact with the computer using visual elements, commonly used in Microsoft Windows and macOS.

Interrupt

A unique signal generated by a device, such as a printer, that tells the operating system it is in need of immediate attention.

Interrupt Handler

A component that prioritizes requests sent to the operating system when an interrupt signal is received.

Preemptive Multitasking

A process where the operating system processes tasks assigned a higher priority before processing tasks assigned a lower priority.

Stack

A memory area where the OS creates a memo to remember where it was in a current activity when an interrupt occurs.

Spooler

A program that helps coordinate all print jobs being sent to a printer when it is busy with multiple requests.

Virtual Memory

The process of borrowing hard drive space when the system requires more RAM than is installed.

Swap File

A temporary storage area on the hard drive used to store instructions and data when RAM is full.

Paging

The process of swapping data and instructions between RAM and the hard drive's swap file.

Thrashing

The condition of excessive paging that occurs when the system is forced to move data frequently between RAM and the hard drive.

Device Driver

Software that facilitates communication between a hardware device and the operating system by translating the device's commands.

Plug and Play (PnP)

A hardware and software standard that facilitates the installation of new hardware into a computer system.

Application Programming Interface (API)

Code that programs must contain to work with the CPU, providing a consistent means for software applications to work with the operating system.

Root Directory

The top level of the filing structure in a computer system, such as the C:\ directory.

File Extension

A part of the file name (e.g., .docx, .xlsx) that identifies the application needed to read the file and follows a period or dot.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A program stored on ROM that manages data exchange between the OS and input/output devices and is responsible for loading the OS into RAM.

POST (Power-on self-test)

A test performed by BIOS to ensure essential peripheral devices are attached and operational, comparing results with configurations in CMOS.

CMOS

A component containing information about the system’s memory, disk types, and other essential hardware configurations.

Kernel

The essential component of the operating system responsible for managing the processor and all other important system components.

Registry

The location the OS checks during the boot process for configurations of system components other than the kernel.

Last Known Good Configuration

A Windows Advanced Options Menu feature accessed via the F8 key to revert the system to a past stable configuration.

Disk Cleanup

A Windows utility that removes unnecessary files including the Recycle Bin, temporary Internet files, and offline Web pages.

Disk Defragmentation

The process of rearranging fragmented data on a hard drive so that related file pieces are unified.