SLR04 Operating Systems/System Software

Define the key term 'operating system'

Describe the role of an operating system

Describe why is is necessary to manage memory

Understand the key concepts of paging and segmentation

Compare the behaviour, merits and drawbacks of paging and segmentation

Understand the need for interrupts

Describe how an interrupt service routine is handled

Understand the need for process scheduling techniques

Compare the operation of a variety of scheduling techniques

Describe the need for different types of operating system

Consider appropriate operating systems for different scenarios

Understand the role of the BIOS in a computer system

Describe the importance of the start-up sequence of a computer system

Define what is meant by a virtual machine

Describe the need for virtual machines

Explore the use of some existing virtual machines

Describe the need for device drivers in a computer system