Unit 3

Unit 3

1. peripheral management

   • controlling the hardware, getting input and output
   • coping files from disk to main memory, and then copy data files back to secondary storage

2. print buffer

   • shows status of each print job
   • whether it's printing or in line
   • printing takes place without slowing down CPU
   • special area in memory
     • in hard disk or embedded into computer itself

3. disk and file management

   • the hard disk is a storage peripheral
   • manages where on the disk files are written
   • keeps track of where they are
   • makes sure no file overwrites another

4. access rights

   • users and administators have different rights
   • sometimes you can read things but not edit it
   • may include encryption

5. utility software

   • helps analyse, configure & optimise or maintain the computer
   • 6 main ones
     • encryption
       • scrambles data to keep confidential info safe
     • backup
       • to make sure you don't lose important data, you must use backups
         • you have 2 types of backup
           • incremental
             • only records the changes since last backup
             • a entire chain of backups is required to fully restore files
           • full
             • everything which can be restored independently of any other backup
             • greater time and disk space
     • compression
       • makes file size smaller so you don't have to use as much storage
     • diagnostics
       • a problem will be identified, and the diagnostics decide which exact problem it is
         • it either tries to sort it straight away or give a prompt of what to do to the user
     • defragmentation
       • broken into fragments (in memory sectors)
       • to access one, the read write head moves over hard disk platters locating the pieces
     • system information
       • checks current status of computer
         • e.g. temp, speed, RAM etc

6. multitasking

   • when you have several tasks running at the same time
   • taking it in turns to get processor time to execute instructions
   • OS must manage how the processes get processor

7. memory management

   • dynamically allocate portions of memory to programs
   • freed when no longer needed
   • data used by program is copied into main memory
   • must not overwrite existing programs
   • OS keeps record of where each program is and it's data is located

8. interuppts

   • signals sent to the CPU to external devices to indicate an event that need immediate attention
   • it suspends it's current activities to executes appropriate instructions
   • you can have software or hardware

9. device drivers

   • device drivers translates the OS instruction to get the hardware to follow instructions
   • every peripheral needs one
   • many are already built in

10. user management

    • different types of user settings
    • client server may impose a fixed or roaming profile
    • manage login requests
    • retain individual settings

11. file management

    • tells the OS which application to load file
    • over time hard disk becomes fragmented
    • may present logical structure of files into folders, and allow user to rename, delete, copy and move files
    • users benefit

12. Interfaces

    • GUI: graphical user interface
      • WIMP: windows, icons, menus & pointers
    • menu driven
      • e.g. cash machine
    • CLI

13. phishing

    • emails and phone calls trying to trick people to get details or send a virus

14. operating systems

    • software that manages a computer's hardware and provides user interfaces
    • manages memory, multitasking, peripherals, files & user access rights
    • types of user interfaces
      • GUI
        • graphical user interface
        • WIMP: windows, icons, menu & pointers
        • clear and easy to find icons
        • always being updated
      • menu driven interfaces
        • like a cash machine
        • easy to use, clear instructions
        • bland and boring
      • CLI
        • Command line interface
      • voice activated
        • like siri
        • quick
        • expensive
      • real time
        • no activation needed
        • quick and instant
        • expensive
        • possible it could break
      • a user interface communicates the binary for us and has to suit how it is being used

15. anti-virus

    • blocks the virus from working so your data and information can't be stolen
      • automatic updates as new viruses are always being created
    • a type of software that is programmed to stop viruses

16. jobs of a firewall

    • it checks data coming in from the internet
    • either blocks the data or allows it to pass
      • depending on the settings
    • acts as a barrier between trusted network and another
    • like a filter

17. other protection apart from firewalls

    • password protection should be secure but easy to remember
    • anti virus software

18. data compression software

    • enables users to compress and decompress files or folders
    • such as WinZip
    • makes file space smaller (reduces bandwidth)
    • faster to upload or download - better for carrying out instructions