Operating Systems
A program which acts as a boundary between a computer user and the computer itself.
What is an operating system?
A powerful, multi-user computer; can support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
What is a mainframe?
A worldwide, publicly accessed network.
What is internet?
A machine which can be programmed to control symbols.
What is a computer?
A system for communication between two or more computers.
What is a network?
Allows users to do only one thing at any given time.
What is a single-user single-task operating system?
A small, single-user computer; used in homes and businesses.
What is a personal computer?
A physical and mechanical components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, chips, keyboard, etc.
What is hardware?
A person who designs, writes and installs computer programs and applications.
What is a computer programmer?
Local, privately owned networks.
What is Local Area Network (LAN)?
Allows the user to run several computer applications at the same time.
What is a single-user multi-tasking operating system?
A powerful, single-user computer; more powerful microprocessor than PCs.
What is a work station?
The programs which direct the operation of computers; instructions for a computer.
What is software?
Allows users to send messages from one computer to another through the Internet.
What is network messaging?
The network which provides connections between computers in multiple locations.
What is Wide Area Network (WAN)?
Allows multiple users to simultaneously use the programs on a single computer.
What is a multi-user operating system?
What is a minicomputer?
Connects computers without the use of cables or wires.
What is wireless connection?
Allows equipment such as fax machines, printers and files to be "served" to multiple computers.
What is a server?
Covers the small area around a user's workspace.
What is personal area network?
Used for real-time applications such as thermostats, mobile phones, spacecrafts, etc.
What is a real-time operating system?
An extremely fast computer; can perform hundreds of millions of instructions every second.
What is a supercomputer?
Allows users to operate computers without knowing the language used to communicate with an operating system.
What is graphical user interface (GUI)?
Serves as a security device between a computer and Internet sites or between multiple computer networks.
What is a firewall?
Used for real-time control operations.
What is controlled area network?