IT work
What is a storage device?
Peripheral device used for storing, backing up and sharing data.
What are USB Memory Sticks?
Small flash memory sticks that connect via USB. Ectremely portable. Compatible with most computer systems via usb. Only a finite numer of writes before they break. As they are small can be lost easily.
What are the characteristics of a single-user multitasking operating system?
One user can use the system at a time. But can have multiple applications open at the same time (e.g. a laptop, or a Macbook)
Operating system role - Memory management.
The Operating System manages the computers resources such as memory. It decides and tracks: - which processes to allocate memory to. How much memory to allocate to each program. When to un-allocate memory.
Describe the Menu-based interface
Simple menu that give options to choose from. E.g. Parking machine or ATM. Limited number of options make it easy to use. Usually simple enough to not need instructions.
What are Hard Disk Drives? (HDD)
Magnetic storage devices, large capacity, low cost, very reliable, slower than SSD, not as portable as have moving parts than can be damaged.
What is Magnetic Tape?
Used for large data backups. Cheap, very large storage capacity (15TBs) requiroes specalist equipment for recording and reading data. Data is accessed serially, which is very slow.
What are the characteristics of a multi-user operating system?
Many users can use the system at the same time and can run many applications simultaneously. E.g. web servers.
Operating system role - Device Drivers.
Small programs to make the hardware on a computer work.
What are the main types of utility software?
Disk utilities. Network utilities.
What are the 6 different types of storage devices?
Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), SD Cards, USB Memory sticks, Optical Disks (CDs DVDs), Magnetic Tape
What are the 4 types of operating systems?
Real-time operating system (RTOS), Single-user single task operating system, single-user multitasking operating system, multi-user operating system.
What are the 5 roles of the operating system?
Networking, security, memory management, multitasking, device drivers.
What are the 3 types of user interfaces?
CLI - Command Line Interface, GUI - Graphical User Interface. Menu-based interface.
What are disk utilities?
Designed to maintain performance of computer's disk drive. File compressors. Backup. Disk defragmenter.
What are Solid State Drives? (SSD)
Very fast read/write speed. Low power consumption, extremely reliable as there are no moving parts that can break. Higher cost that HDD. Only a finite number of writes.
What are the characteristics of a Real-time operating system? (RTOS)
Inputs are processed and responded to instantaneously. (fast response) e.g. automatic braking system in a car.
Operating system role - Networking.
Operating systems simplify networks. They implement networking technologies such as network utility programs. ICP/IP Stack.
Describe the Command Line Interface (CLI)
Experienced users find it quick and eaier to complete tasks. It requires less memory than GUI. BUT users require training to learn the specific commands for performing function.
What are network utilities?
Designed to maintain good network traffic. Includes 'Firewalls' and 'Antivirus'.
What are SD Cards?
Small flash memory cards. Very small and potable. Small storage. If you go highstorage they are very expensive.
What are the characteristics of a 'Single-user Single Task operating system?
One user can use the system at one time. They system only does 1 task at a time (usually only designed to do one main task) E.g. parking ticket machine.
Operating system role - Security.
Features such as user authentication, antivirus and firewall software, backup facilities.
Describe the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
What we are used to. A computer with a point and click mouse. E.g. windows. Benefits - simple and intuitive way to use a computer. Does not require learning any complex commands/ Downside is requires a lot more processing power and memory.
What is a firewall?
open networks are at risk from threats like hackers and worms. Firewalls prevent unauthorised access by monitoring and blocking suspicious traffic.