Brainlag PlusWhat an operating system does, the utility software that keeps a computer running well, and how code reviews and audit trails make software robust.
The operating system
The operating system (OS) manages the hardware and runs the other software.
- User interface: a graphical user interface (GUI: windows, icons, menus and a pointer or touch), which is easy to learn, or a command line, which experts use for fast, powerful and scriptable jobs.
- Memory management: gives each program space in RAM, keeps programs apart and uses virtual memory when needed.
- Multitasking (process management): shares the CPU's time between programs so they seem to run at once.
- Peripheral management: uses device drivers to talk to printers, keyboards and other hardware.
- User management: creating accounts, checking usernames and passwords at log-on, and setting what each user may do.
- File management: organising files into folders, naming, saving, moving, copying and deleting them, and setting access rights such as read-only.
System software (the OS and utilities) runs the computer; application software does a task for the user.
The rest of this lesson and its 13 practice questions are in Plus.
Screen 1 of 4, free to read.
- 13 exam-style questions, marked as you go, each with a worked solution
- Anything you get wrong is saved to your flashcards