Operating Systems and Software Overview

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to operating systems and software.

System Software

Software designed to control and manage computer hardware and provide a platform for running application software.

Application Software

Programs designed to help users perform specific tasks such as word processing, gaming, or browsing the web.

Operating System (OS)

A collection of programs that manage and coordinate computer activities, acting as an intermediary between user applications and hardware.

Multitasking

The capability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks simultaneously by switching between them rapidly.

Virtual Memory

A memory management technique that uses hard drive space to extend the available RAM in a computer.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface that allows users to interact with the computer using visual indicators such as icons and buttons.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A text-based interface that requires users to input commands via the keyboard.

File Management

The task managed by operating systems to keep track of stored files, enabling users to organize, retrieve, rename, and delete files.

Utility Programs

Software designed to help manage and maintain computer systems, performing specific tasks such as file management and system diagnostics.

Backup

The process of making a duplicate copy of important files for restoration in case of data loss.

File Compression Program

A utility that reduces the size of files to optimize storage and speed up transmission.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user before granting access to a computer system.

Authorization

Determining whether a user has permission to perform a certain action or access specific resources.

Device Driver

A software component that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware peripherals.

Cloud Operating System

An OS designed primarily for use with cloud services, enabling devices to operate primarily over the internet.

Android

A Linux-based operating system developed by Google, designed for mobile devices.

iOS

The operating system developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its mobile devices, including iPhones and iPads.

Disk Management

The process of managing a computer's storage partitioning, formatting, and recovery tasks.