Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. Managing Resources

   • Print Spooling
     • Prints documents
     • Keeps a queue of print jobs
   • Peripherals
     • Input and output devices
     • Drivers
       • Software used to map commands to the individual peripherals
   • Backing Stores
     • Storage devices that keep a backup of important files
   • File Compression
     • Stores data using less disk space
     • eeehhhhff = 3e4h2f
   • Disk De-Fragmentation
     • Rearranging file fragments
       • Improves load times
   • RAM
     • Ensures that there is enough space for each running program
     • Split into 'pages'
     • Prevents programs snooping on other data
   • Multi-tasking
     • Multiple programs have instructions alternated so multiple things can happen
     • Has to keeps tasks separate
     • Processes seem to be happening at the same time
   • Managing resources
     • Can execute 4 billion instructions every second

2. Providing an Interface

   • GUI
     • Graphical user interface
     • Graphical representations of the computer's functions
     • eg. Windows
   • CLI
     • Command Line Interface
     • Text-based interface
     • Harder to use but lightweight and robust
   • File Management
     • Allows people to:
       • Copy files
       • Move files
       • Delete files
       • Sort files
       • Search for files
   • System Settings
     • enable the user to easily alter system settings
   • Multitasking
     • See multitasking in Managing resources
   • Error messages and support
     • Displays errors in the most suitable
     • produces consistent error handling
   • Customisation
     • Enables a use to customise the interface
     • eg bg colour
     • Sometimes allow a different desktop environment
   • Task Management
     • Provides the user with an option to quit programs
     • Sometimes allow prioritising