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A Level Computer Science Paper 1: 1.2.1 System Software Part 2

Information Technology12 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

This flashcard set outlines various types of operating systems, including distributed, multi-tasking, multi-user, and embedded OS. Each type is explained by its function and typical usage, from coordinating across multiple computers to managing specific tasks on dedicated hardware.

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Distributed Operating System

Can coordinate the processing of a single job across multiple computers but looks like one OS to the user

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Key Terms

Term
Definition

Distributed Operating System

Can coordinate the processing of a single job across multiple computers but looks like one OS to the user

Multi-Tasking Operating System

A single processor can appear to be doing more than one job at once by scheduling processor time
e.g. desktop computers/ mobile phones

Multi-User Operating System

A very powerful CPU called a mainframe giving many users with their own terminals a time slice to access the mainframe’s CPU

Embedded Operating System

System software that is used to manage the device that is built into the device and stored in ROM. It is specific to the hardware
Catered toward...

Real Time Operating System

Must respond extremely quickly to inputs, may need to cope with many simultaneous inputs
e.g. car brakes (safety critical environments)

Real Time OS hardware

Must have a failsafe to determine if a hardware component fails
Hardware redundancy - crucial components are duplicated in case one fails

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A Level Computer Science Paper 1: 1.2.1 System Software Part 2
TermDefinition

Distributed Operating System

Can coordinate the processing of a single job across multiple computers but looks like one OS to the user

Multi-Tasking Operating System

A single processor can appear to be doing more than one job at once by scheduling processor time
e.g. desktop computers/ mobile phones

Multi-User Operating System

A very powerful CPU called a mainframe giving many users with their own terminals a time slice to access the mainframe’s CPU

Embedded Operating System

System software that is used to manage the device that is built into the device and stored in ROM. It is specific to the hardware
Catered towards specific tasks for a specific device

Real Time Operating System

Must respond extremely quickly to inputs, may need to cope with many simultaneous inputs
e.g. car brakes (safety critical environments)

Real Time OS hardware

Must have a failsafe to determine if a hardware component fails
Hardware redundancy - crucial components are duplicated in case one fails

BIOS

Basic Input Output System
Stored in CMOS in ROM (ROM makes it non-volatile, CMOS makes it writable)
Boots the computer at start up (initialises and tests hardware, loads OS onto RAM)
Also loads the boot loader that starts the initialisation of the OS

POST

Power On Self Test

Checks everything is working as you boot up, info on screen

OS Kernel

The central component of the OS, bridge between applications and data processing. Manages system’s resources

Device Drivers

A program that provides an interface for the OS to interact with a device, communicates a request from a device to the OS
Hardware dependent and OS specific
Needed to allow the OS to control hardware devices

Links through the system

User -> applications -> OS -> device drivers -> hardware

Virtual machine

A system that runs software allowing other software to behave as if it was on a hardware system