Connecting with Computer Science Chapter 9 Review:
Chapter Summary:

Operating systems are essential to the operation of computers.

Operating systems are special programs designed to manage overall computer operation.

An OS is the software control center of a computer system.

Applications interface with a computers' hardware through the OS.

Operating systems consist of a core program called a kernel and other operating system components
that support and extend the kernel.

Operating systems provide a user interface. The two main OS interface types are graphical [GUI] and
command line [Console].

The OS is loaded as a result of the loader program in the system BIOS.

The OS normally resides on the system's hard drive and is loaded into memory.

The OS running on a computer is often referred to as the system's platform.

Operating systems can be single-tasking or multitasking.

Operating systems provide a: user interface, manage processes, manage resources and provide
security for the system.

Operating systems are responsible for: loading, starting, running and stopping processes.

Operating systems allow for multiple processes to share the CPU through a procedure called time
splicing.

Some operating systems use Plug and Play (PnP) technology to detect and configure I/O devices
automatically.

The most popular operating systems are Windows and Linux.

Operating systems also provide for managing and organizing disk folders and files.

Commands can be modified by using switches or parameters.

Disks can be organized into folders (directories) and files.

Learning to use OS file management functions can help you work more efficiently.
Key Terms:
Booting (322)
Cmd-line Interface(328)
Command Prompt (329)
Deadlock (333)
Directory (334)
DOS (324)
Driver (322)
Folder (334)
Format (336)
GUI (328)
Interrupt Handling (332)
Kernel (323)
Linux (324)
Multiprocessing (237)
Multitasking(327)
Network OS (327)
Open Source (325)
OS (321)
Partition (336)
Platform (326)
PnP (332)
POST (322)
Process (330)
Resources (332)
Root Level (334)
Single-Tasking (327)
Time Slicing (331)
UNIX (324)
Wildcard (341)
Windows (324)
The process of starting a computer.
A method of communicating with the OS by typing commands and receiving responses in
the text format.
Words and symbols displayed on screen that indicate the OS is waiting for user input.
A rare situation in which I/O devices and/or processes are waiting for each other for use of
resources; this situation would continue indefinitely without intervention by the OS.
Same as folder; "folder" is often used in Windows and "directory/subdirectory" is more
often used in DOS and Linux.
A single-user, single-tasking, command line operating system; the Micosoft predecessor to
Windows.
A special program that provides an interface to a specific I/O device.
Structure on a formatted disk that enables storage and organizing files aka a directory or
subfolder.
Organizing the disk's surface in a way that allows writing folders and files to it.
A method of interacting with the OS, in which information is displayed in a graphical
format and the user can select items by using a pointing device such as a mouse.
A method of allowing processes and hardware I/O devices to interrupt the processor's
normal executing so that it can handle specific tasks.
The core of an operating system; controls processor, disk, memory and other central
functions. It is loaded first and remains in memory while the computer is on.
A multitasking, multiuser, open-source variation of the UNIX operating system.
Coordinated execution of a process, using two or more CPUs at the same time.
An OS's capability to effectively support more than one process running at a time.
An OS designed to provide strong network services.
Computer programs including operating systems, developed as a public collaboration and
made available free for use or modification.
The program responsible for managing the user interface, system resources, and processes
An area of a hard disk reserved to hold files of a particular OS type.
The OS running on a computer.
A technology that allows the OS and hardware to work together to detect and configure
I/O devices automatically.
A procedure performed by the computer boot routine to check hardware devices.
A small program running on a computer. Can be part of a larger program.
Devices connected to the CPU such as the main memory, hard disk and CD/DVD-ROM
drive. All running processes have to share these devices.
The main folder/directory level on a drive.
An OS that allows running only one process (task) at a time.
A method of allocating fixed time units to running processes so that it appears to users that
all processes are running simultaneously.
A multitasking, multiuser, command line operating system known for its stability and
reliability.
A symbol that stands for one or more characters, used in selecting files or directories.
A popular Microsoft GUI operating system for intel based systems.
Test Yourself:
1.) What is the first program loaded into memory when a computer is started?

The operating system is the first program loaded into memory when a computer is started.
2.) Special programs designed to allow the computer to communicate with peripheral devices are called what?

Drivers are special programs designed to allow the computer to communicate with peripheral devices.
3.) What is the CORE program of an OS called?

The CORE program of an OS called the Kernel.
4.) What is multi-tasking?

Is an operating system‘s capability to effectively support more than one process running at a time.
5.) What is multi-processing?

Is the coordinated execution of a process, using two or more CPUs at the same time.
6.) What are the four main categories of OS functions?

The four main categories of operating system functions are:
 Providing a user interface
 Managing processes
 Managing resources (inc memory)
 Providing security
7.) What are the two basic types of user interfaces in an OS?

The two basic types of user interfaces in an operating system are:
 Command-Line Interface
 Graphical User Interface [GUI]
8.) What is a process in an operating System?

A process in an Operating System is each program you run. Processes might then start other processes
to support them.
9.) What method allows multiple processes to share the CPU?

The method allows multiple processes to share the CPU is called Time Slicing.
10.) What is the purpose of an interrupt handler?

The purpose of an interrupt handler is to allow processes and hardware I/O devices to interrupt the
Processors’ normal executing so that it can handle specific tasks.
11.) Folders and files in an operating system are organized into what type of structure?

Folders and files in an operating system are organized into treelike structure.
12.) In Linux, how do you access information on operating system commands?

In Linux, you access information on operating system commands by using the ls command.
13.) What is the purpose of formatting a disk?
 The purpose of formatting a disk is to arrange the disk surface into addressable areas and to set
up the basic directory tree structure on the disk.
14.) Give an example of a case-sensitive operating system.

Linux is a case-sensitive operating system.
15.) What command is used in Linux to create a folder?

The command that is used in Linux to create a folder is: mkdir directory name
16.) What command is used in Linux to list folders and files on a drive?

The command is used in Linux to list folders and files on a drive is: ls
17.) In an operating system, what is a wild card?

A wild card is a symbol that stands for one or more characters, used in selecting files or directories.
18.) In Windows, what key is used to rename a file?

In Windows, the key used to rename a file is F2
19.) For what task is Plug and Play used in an OS?

PnP is a technology that allows the OS and hardware to work together to detect and configure I/O
devices automatically.
20.) Do PDA devices require an OS?

PDA devices DO require an operating system.
Practice Exercises:
1.)
DOS stands for:
 Disk operating system
2.)
Multitasking operating systems can service many different:
 Program tasks
3.)
The ________ portion of an OS remains in memory the entire time the computer is on.
 Kernel
4.)
Which of the following IS NOT a multi-tasking OS?
 DOS
5.)
An OS method of allowing multiple processes to share the CPU is:
 Time Slicing
6.)
Deadlocks are resolved by:
 Interrupts
7.)
Graphical interfaces can be added to the Linux OS.
 True
8.)
Command-Line switches are used to:
 Modify the command’s operation
9.)
Before a disk can be used, it must be:
 Partitioned and formatted
10.)
The process of __________ arranges the disk’s surface into addressable areas and sets up the disk’s
basic directory tree structure.
 Formatting
11.)
The main level of a disk is called the:
 root
12.)
Windows is case-sensitive.
 False
13.)
In Windows, the md command must be used to create a folder.
 True
14.)
What is the Linux command to list files and folders on a disk?
 ls
15.)
Which of the following is the Linux command to rename files?
 mv
16.)
The Linux command for deleting a folder is:
 rmdir
17.)
In Windows Explorer you can select multiple folders and files by using the left mouse button
combined with which of the following:
 Shift key
18.)
The Linux wildcard ___________ can be used to match multiple characters.
 *
19.)
The Linux command to delete a file is:
 rm
20.)
The Windows Explorer can be used to drag and drop both files and folders.
 True