Unit 5.1 Operating Systems

Flashback cards for Unit 5.1 Operating Systems

Operating System Software

Operating System Software

Manages and operates hardware, controls hardware & software, and provides a user interface for use and input to hardware.

Utility Software

Performs general housekeeping tasks to monitor, manage, and maintain a computer, can only perform 1 or 2 tasks.

Software Library

Sections of code previously written by other authors containing useful routines for common tasks.

Memory Management

Task performed by the OS involving moving data between RAM, secondary storage, and virtual memory.

File Management

Task performed by the OS involving searching, copying, moving, renaming files and folders, and storing in secondary storage.

Hardware Management

Task performed by the OS involving communicating with peripheral devices, installing drivers to allow communication with devices.

Process Management

Task performed by the OS involving creating, terminating processes, allocating tasks to the CPU, and handling interrupts.

Security Management

Task performed by the OS involving controlling system access and resource access on the computer.

Disk Formatter

Utility software provided by the OS that wipes all contents of a storage device and prepares it for new data.

Virus Checker

Utility software provided by the OS that detects, prevents, and removes malware and viruses.

Defragmentation

Utility software provided by the OS that puts separate files back together and stores in consecutive storage locations

Disk Repair

Utility software provided by the OS that attempts to correct corrupted files and restore them to original working state.

File Compression

Utility software provided by the OS that uses algorithms to reduce required storage space in files.

Back-Up

Utility Software provided by the OS that keeps copy of data on another storage device so data can be recovered in case its stolen/lost/damaged.

Dynamic Link Library (DLL)

Stores collection of self contained/library of programs already compiled of common tasks.

Dynamic Link Library (DLL) Pro 1

Only need to be loaded into memory when required so they dont need to be stored throughout program execution.

Dynamic Link Library (DLL) Pro 2

Made available to several programs simultaneously so no need for duplicate code

Dynamic Link Library (DLL) Pro 3

If file is updated, all programs linked to that file can run the update.

Software Library Pro 1

Saves time as less code needs to be written

Software Library Pro 2

Less specialist knowledge needed as others expertise can be used.

Software Library Pro 3

Code has already been tested so programmers don’t need to test it

Software Library Con 1

Can increase program size as many contain unused lines of code

Software Library Con 2

Efficiency is unknown as the programmer may not know how the code works as it will be hidden (black-boxed)

Software Library Con 3

Code may be unchangeable so it becomes difficult to tailor it for programmers needs