Introduction to Operating Systems

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on operating systems and computer systems.

Operating System

A system software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of computer programs.

Software that understands the device controller and provides the rest of the operating system with a uniform interface to the device.

Device Driver

Interrupt

A signal emitted by a device or program indicating that it requires the operating system to stop and determine what to do next.

Maskable Interrupt

A hardware interrupt that can be ignored by setting a bit in an interrupt mask register.

Non-Maskable Interrupt

A hardware interrupt that cannot be ignored and is used for high-priority tasks.

Sequential Storage Structure

A data structure in which data is stored in a sequential order.

Direct Storage Structure

Data is stored in a direct order.

Indexed Storage Structure

Data is stored in a way that allows for indexed access.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators.

Abstraction

A technique that allows hiding the details of hardware from the user.