9618 · 16.1
Purposes of an Operating System (OS) flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9618 Purposes of an Operating System (OS) (syllabus 16.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is the primary purpose of an Operating System?
To act as an intermediary between the user/applications and the computer hardware, managing resources and providing a platform for software to run.
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What is 'resource management' in the context of an OS?
The management of all hardware and software components, including CPU time, memory, storage space, and peripheral devices, ensuring efficient and fair allocation.
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What is a device driver?
A specific piece of software that allows the operating system to communicate with and control a particular hardware device (e.g., a printer driver, a graphics card driver).
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What is the difference between a CLI and a GUI?
A Command Line Interface (CLI) is text-based and requires users to type commands. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is visual, using icons, windows, and menus (WIMP).
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What is process management?
The OS function that involves creating, scheduling, executing, and terminating processes (running programs), ensuring they do not interfere with each other.
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How does an OS provide a 'platform for software'?
It provides a consistent Application Programming Interface (API) and handles the underlying hardware complexity, so developers can write software without needing to know the specifics of every hardware component.
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What is memory management?
The OS function of allocating and managing the computer's main memory (RAM). It ensures processes have enough memory and do not overwrite each other's data, often using techniques like paging and virtual memory.
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What is the role of the OS in file management?
The OS is responsible for the creation, deletion, organisation, and access control of files and directories on secondary storage devices.
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Common Trap: Is a web browser part of the operating system?
No. A web browser is an application program that runs *on* the operating system. The OS provides the resources (network access, memory, CPU time) that the browser needs to function.
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What is an interrupt?
A signal sent to the CPU from a hardware device or software, indicating an event that needs immediate attention. The OS manages an interrupt service routine to handle these events.
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What is the kernel of an OS?
The kernel is the central, core component of the operating system. It manages the most low-level and critical tasks, such as memory management, process scheduling, and hardware communication.