Chapter 4 System Software Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering concepts of system software, operating systems, desktop environments, virtualization, utilities, and IT careers from Chapter 4 of Computing Essentials 2023.

System Software

Software that works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle background technical details.

Operating System

A collection of programs that handle technical tasks, manage resources, provide a user interface, and run application software.

Utilities

System software programs designed to perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources, such as search, backup, and antivirus programs.

Device Drivers

Specialized system software programs that allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.

Language Translators

System software that converts programming instructions written by software developers into a language that computers can process.

Booting

The process of starting or restarting a computer system.

Multitasking

The capability of an operating system to run two or more applications at the same time.

Embedded Operating System

An operating system completely stored within a device, typically specialized for wireless or real-time devices.

Stand-alone Operating System

An operating system used by a single user on a desktop or laptop computer, also called a desktop operating system.

Network Operating System

An operating system used to control and coordinate computers that are networked together.

Windows 11

A desktop operating system created by Microsoft that features a simplified interface, improved mobile device support, and native support for Android apps.

macOS

An operating system designed exclusively for Apple computers, recognized for its ease of use and innovation.

UNIX

An operating system originally designed for Web servers and mainframes, widely used in network environments.

Linux

A non-proprietary, open-source version of UNIX that is free to distribute and modify.

Chrome OS

An operating system based on Linux that focuses on Internet connectivity and cloud computing, with performance dependent on Internet speed.

Virtualization

The ability to support multiple operating systems operating concurrently on a single physical computer machine.

Host Operating System

The primary operating system natively running on a physical machine that executes virtualization software.

Guest Operating System

An operating system executing within a virtual machine inside a host computer system.

Virtual Assistant

A utility program that coordinates personal data across several applications and provides a natural interface to control devices.

Utility Suite

A software package combining several utility programs into a single affordable product bundle, such as Bitdefender or Norton Utilities.

Computer Support Specialist

An IT professional who provides technical assistance to users, resolves network problems, and uses diagnostic utilities.