System Software Key Words
Operating System: Software that manages computer hardware and provides services for application software.
Device Driver: A specific type of software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware peripherals.
Kernel: The core component of the operating system that manages system resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software.
Utility Software: Type of software that is designed to help users manage, maintain, and optimize their computer systems. Utility software includes a wide range of tools and applications that perform specific tasks to improve the performance, security, and functionality of a computer system.
File Management: A system software component that allows users to organize, store, retrieve, and manage data files on a computer, ensuring efficient access and easy navigation.
Memory Management: The process of coordinating and handling computer memory resources, ensuring that each application has sufficient memory to operate efficiently while also optimizing the overall memory usage to improve system performance.
Process Management: The method by which the operating system handles and schedules the execution of processes, ensuring that each process receives adequate CPU time and resources to function correctly while maintaining system stability and responsiveness.
User Interface: The means by which users interact with the computer system, encompassing graphical interfaces, command-line interfaces, and other input methods that enhance user experience and accessibility.
Command Line Interface: A text-based user interface that allows users to interact with the operating system and execute commands by typing them in, providing greater control and flexibility for advanced users.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): A visual interface that allows users to interact with the computer system through graphical elements such as windows, icons, and menus, making it easier for non-technical users to navigate and perform tasks.
Virtual Machine: An emulation of a computer system that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine, providing the ability to test software in different environments and facilitating resource management.
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System that initializes and tests hardware components when the computer is powered on, providing essential instructions for booting the operating system.
Boot Loader: A small program that loads the operating system into memory during the startup process, ensuring that the system is ready for user interaction.
System Call: A programming interface that allows a user program to request services from the operating system, such as file manipulation, process control, and network communication.
Interrupt: A signal that prompts the operating system to stop its current activities and execute a designated routine, commonly used for handling events such as user input or hardware malfunctions.
Firmware: A specialized software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware, enabling the device to communicate with other systems and perform crucial functions.
Scheduler: A component of the operating system that manages the execution of processes by determining their order and allocation of CPU time, ensuring efficient use of system resources.
Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to execute multiple processes or tasks simultaneously, allowing for better resource utilization and improved system responsiveness.
Multithreading: A programming paradigm that allows multiple threads to be executed concurrently within a single process, enabling more efficient execution of tasks and improved performance on multi-core processors.
Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): An operating system designed to serve real-time application requests with a high degree of responsiveness, ensuring that critical tasks are completed within a defined time frame.