1.5 – Systems software
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What is an operating system?
Software that manages and controls a computer - examples include Windows
What is a GUI?
Graphical User Interface - allows users to interact visually using icons
What is a CLI?
Command Line Interface - allows users to interact by typing text commands
What is memory management?
OS allocates sections of RAM to applications - keeps track of which parts of memory are in use
What is multitasking?
OS runs multiple programs simultaneously by switching rapidly between them - gives each program a slice of processor time
What is peripheral management?
OS manages devices connected to the computer like keyboards
What is a driver?
Small program that acts as a translator between OS and hardware device - required for OS to communicate with hardware correctly
What is user management?
OS creates and manages user accounts - sets usernames
Why is security important in user management?
Ensures users can only access their own files - keeps data private - enforces strong passwords and lockouts after failed attempts
What is file management?
OS handles creating
How does the OS keep track of file locations?
Maintains a map of where each file is stored on disk - prevents unintentional overwriting
What is utility software?
Software performing additional system tasks not done by the OS - often pre-installed
What is encryption software?
Converts data into coded format - only authorised users with decryption key can read it - can encrypt files or whole hard disk
What is defragmentation software?
Reorganises files on HDDs so they occupy fewer fragments - improves access speed and efficiency
Why is defragmentation not needed for SSDs?
SSDs have no moving parts - access time is the same regardless of file location
What is data compression software?
Reduces file size - saves storage space - speeds up transmission - covered in Topic 1.2