Understanding Computers - Operating Systems and Utility Programs

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering operating system fundamentals, processing techniques, operating system categories and examples, and utility programs based on Chapters 5 and 6 of Understanding Computers (15th Ed.).

System Software

The operating system and utility programs that control the computer system and allow a user to use it.

Application Software

Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a computer, such as word processing, playing games, browsing the Web, or listening to music.

Operating System (OS)

A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities taking place within a computer, acting as an intermediary between the user and the computer, and between application programs and system hardware.

Kernel

The essential part of the operating system that is loaded into memory during the boot process.

Device Drivers

Software programs often needed by an operating system to configure and communicate with connected hardware devices.

Plug and Play

A feature that allows hardware devices to be recognized automatically by the operating system upon connection.

Path

The route that shows the specific folders traveled through to reach a stored file (e.g., C:\My Documents\Letters\Mary).

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to have more than one program (task) open at one time by having the CPU rotate between tasks very quickly.

Thread

A sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of other threads.

Multithreading

Rotating between multiple threads within a program so processing finishes faster and more efficiently.

Multiprocessing

A processing technique where multiple processors or multiple cores in one computer system perform work on tasks at the same time.

Buffer

An area in RAM or on the hard drive that holds data used by different hardware devices or programs.

Buffering and Spooling

Placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed, such as print jobs waiting for a printer.

Command Line Interface

A user interface where users must type text commands using the keyboard to interact with the computer.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphics-based interface used by most modern operating systems that allows user interaction through graphical elements.

Personal (Desktop) OS

An operating system designed specifically to be installed on a single computer.

Server (Network) OS

An operating system designed to be installed on a network server to control access to network resources for client computers.

DOS (Disk Operating System)

A dominant command-line operating system in the 1980s and early 1990s, including PC-DOS for IBM microcomputers and MS-DOS for IBM-compatible computers.

Windows NT (New Technology)

The first 32-bit version of Windows, created for high-end workstations and servers, which was later replaced by Windows 2000.

Windows 11, version 24

A version of Windows released in 2024 that introduces support for Wi-Fi 7, QR-code sharing of network passwords, and improved File Explorer handling of compressed files.

UNIX

A multiuser, multitasking operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange servers; today refers to a group of similar operating systems based on the original.

Linux

An open-source, UNIX-like operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 that is collaboratively modified by volunteer programmers worldwide.

Chrome OS

The first cloud operating system, which is essentially the Chrome Web browser redesigned to run a computer, available preinstalled on Chrome devices.

Android

A Linux-based, open-platform operating system designed for mobile phones and media tablets, featuring releases such as Android 14 (Upside Down Cake).

iOS

An Apple-designed mobile operating system for Apple mobile devices that supports multitasking and includes apps such as Safari, Siri, FaceTime, and AirDrop.

Utility Program

Software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing or maintaining the computer system.

Diagnostic Programs

Utility programs that evaluate a computer system and recommend fixes for any errors found.

Disk Management Programs

Utility programs that diagnose and repair problems related to a hard drive.

Uninstall Utilities

Utilities that remove installed programs from a computer without leaving leftover files and components behind.

Cleanup Utilities

Utilities designed to delete temporary files, including files left in the Recycle Bin, temporary Internet files, and temporary installation files.

File Compression Utilities

Utilities, such as WinZip and Stuffit, that reduce file size to optimize storage space and transmission time by zipping and unzipping files.

Backup

A duplicate copy of important files, stored on media such as a recordable/rewritable CD or DVD, USB flash drive, or external hard drive.