1.2.1 Operating Systems

Collection of systems software that manages the computer.

Organising the flexible use of main memory

Where memory is split into equal sized sections called pages

The splitting of a large programs into smaller programs or segments. Each segment is a complete program that is executed separately.

Used when there is insufficient immediate access storage. Part of the disk drive is allocated to be used as if it were main memory.

Signals generated by software or hardware to indicate to the processor that a process need attention

A software routine that hardware invokes in response to an interrupt.

The allocation of central processor time to a multi-access system

A scheduling algorithm that allocated each task/user a set amount of CPU time to use.

The first task/user in the queue is processed until complete then it moves onto the next in the queue

Each job is given a priority by the scheduler when it arrives. The high priority queue is completed first then the lower level queues

Completes the smaller processes first. If a smaller process joins the current process is interrupted

Orders jobs by how much time they have remaining

An operating system where software is spread over a collection of nodes

Is built to perform a range of specific tasks and catered towards a specific device

Allows more that one program to run at the same time

Allows multiple users on different workstations to access a single, powerful computer via a network

Is designed to perform tasks with a guaranteed time frame

Basic Input Output System A small program that is responsible for booting up the computer

It enables the operating system to control and communicate with the device

A virtual machine is a program designed to simulate a fully functioning computer, but in software

Code that is halfway between machine and object code