Embedded Files
What you need to know:-
What you need to know:-
Managing resources
Managing resources
Describe the purpose and functionality of the operating systen in managing resources, including peropherals, processes, memory and backing store
Providing an interface
Providing an interface
Describe the purpose and functionality of the operating system in providing a user interface
An operating system is software that manages a computer system.
It is loaded into the bootstrap loader (which resides in ROM i.e. it is non-volatile so is always available)
Purpose of an operating system
To manage a computers resources
The operating system manages:-
Peripherals - input and output devices
Security
Printing using spooling
Backing storage
Random Access Memory
(RAM)Processes
Managing peripherals
Communicates with and sends data output to a printer/monitor etc
Communicates with and receives data input to a keyboard/mouse etc
Managing security
Allows creation and deletion of user accounts
Allows users to logon and change passwords
Managing printing using spooling
Data is stored on a hard disk/in memory in a queue
Document is printed when printer is free/in correct order
Benefits
User can carry on working
User can log off when waiting for job to print
Managing backing store
Ensures data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
Creates and maintains filing systems such as file allocation table (FAT) or new technology file systems (NTFS)
Ensures files are not overwritten
Organises files in a hierarchical directory structure
Managing RAM
Ensures programs and data do not corrupt each other
Ensures that all programs and data, including itself, are stored in correct memory locations
Managing processes
Ensures that different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash
On a multi-tasking operating system, ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously i.e. processes at the same time.
New tasks can interrupt already stated tasks before they finish
User Interface
User Interface
The operating system also provides a user interface. The user interface provided by the operating system does the following tasks
Allows copying, deleting, moving, sorting and searching of files and folders
Allows access to system settings such as hardware
Provides a command line interface
Allows users to have more than window open
Provides a graphical user interface (Windows, Icons, Menu, Pointer)
Provides user with error/help messages
Allows you to customise your desktop
Allows you to switch between tasks e.g. copying from internet to document)
Graphical User Interface
A graphical user interface is one which has Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers such as using your computer
Advantages
Easy to navigate around
Intuitive i.e. obvious what to click on or where to go
Have help guides for users who are not sure but also shortcuts for experts
Don't need to learn complicated commands
Disadvantages
Takes up a lot of memory and processing power
Slower for experts
Takes up a lot of hard disk space
Menu driven Interface
A menu driven interface involves selecting from different menus e.g. click on main meal - select burger - select with no gherkinsÂ
Advantages
Ideal for beginners as everything in a logical place
Takes up little processing power
Step-by-step options so no need to remember everything
Disadvantages
If poorly designed can be really slow to use
Can have lots of screen and become annoying
Voice Recognition
Voice recognition involves using your voice to interact with a piece of hardware such as speaking to your mobile phone or Alexa
Advantages
Much faster than keyboard input
No need to learn to type
Reduces typing mistakes
Disadvantages
You have to train your device to act to your voice which can take time
Will not understand if you have a sore throat or speech impediment
Can't use in quiet location such as library
Command Line
A command line interface requires the user to type commands to perform various tasks.
Advantages
Quicker to type commands
Little memory required
No need for expensive hardware
Disadvantages
Commands have to be typed in correctly to work
Large amount of commands have to be learnt
Have to know the commands so can be confusing if not use it to
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