Chapter 4: System Software Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Chapter 4 System Software text covering key concepts, operating system categories, utility programs, and IT terminology.

System software

Software that works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle technical details without requiring direct user intervention.

Operating systems

A collection of programs that coordinate computer resources, provide a user interface between users and the computer, and run application software.

Utilities

Specialized programs designed to perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources and making computing easier.

Device drivers

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

Language translators

Programs that convert programming instructions written by programmers into a language that computers can understand and process.

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to switch between different application programs stored in memory.

Foreground

The state of the application program that a user is currently working on while multitasking.

Background

The state of application programs that are running in memory while the user works on another program in the foreground.

Warm boot

The process of restarting a computer that is already turned on without shutting off its power.

Cold boot

The process of starting up a computer that has been completely turned off.

Embedded operating systems

Operating systems, also known as real-time operating systems (RTOS), that are completely stored within a device to control small electronic systems.

Stand-alone operating systems

Operating systems, also called desktop operating systems, located on a computer's hard disk that control a single desktop or laptop computer.

Network operating systems (NOS)

Operating systems typically located on a network server used to control and coordinate computers linked together in a network.

Network server

A computer on a network that coordinates all communications between other connected computers.

Software platform

The operating system environment required for specific application programs to run.

Mobile operating systems

Specialized, embedded operating systems optimized for wireless communication on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Android

A mobile operating system introduced in 2007, originally developed by Android, Inc. and later acquired by Google.

iOS

A mobile operating system developed by Apple in 2007 (formerly iPhone OS) based on macOS for use on iPhone and iPad devices.

Windows 10 Mobile

A mobile operating system introduced by Microsoft in 2015 to run powerful laptop/desktop-style programs on smartphones and tablets.

Windows 10

A desktop operating system announced by Microsoft in 2015 that unifies desktop and mobile OS environments to run across all Windows devices.

macOS Sierra

A version of Apple's desktop operating system announced in 2016 featuring new advanced utilities, Siri, and improved integration with iOS and cloud computing.

macOS High Sierra

A version of Apple's desktop operating system announced in 2017 featuring a new file system, virtual reality support, and enhanced video compression.

UNIX

An operating system originally designed in the late 1960s for minicomputers in network environments, now widely used on web servers, mainframes, and powerful PCs.

Linux

An open-source operating system extending UNIX, originally created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.

Open source

Software code made available for free distribution, modification, and community development.

Chrome OS

A Linux-based operating system developed by Google that relies on web servers, cloud computing, and cloud storage to run applications.

Virtualization

A technique using specialized software that allows a single physical computer to run multiple independent operating systems simultaneously.

Virtual machines

Separate and independent virtual computer environments created on a single physical machine via virtualization software.

Host operating system

The operating system running directly on the physical computer during virtualization.

Guest operating system

The operating system running inside a virtual machine during virtualization.

Troubleshooting programs

Utility programs (also called diagnostic programs) that recognize and correct technical errors or problems before they become severe.

Antivirus programs

Utilities that scan and protect computer systems against malicious viruses and damaging software.

Backup programs

Utility programs that create duplicate copies of files to protect against loss or damage to original files.

File compression programs

Utilities that decrease file sizes to reduce required storage space and speed up transmission over the Internet.

Virtual assistants

Utilities that process spoken or text commands to interact intuitively with devices and manage personal data across software applications.

File History

A Windows 10 utility tool that makes backup copies of files located in libraries, contacts, favorites, and on the desktop.

Disk Cleanup

A Windows troubleshooting utility that identifies and removes unnecessary files to free up disk space and boost performance.

Storage

A Windows 10 utility that helps users examine hard drive usage and eliminate unused applications and files.

Utility suite

A bundled software package combining several distinct utility programs into a single product.

Computer support specialist

An IT professional who manages daily technical issues, provides user support, and resolves network or system errors, typically earning an annual salary of $35,000 to $51,000.

Autonomic computing

A self-maintaining and self-correcting computing model modeled after biological systems that operates with minimal human intervention.

Neuromorphic computer chip

A computer chip designed with a brain-like architecture using neurons and synapses to execute artificial intelligence tasks using analog voltages.