Operating Systems Terminology
| Term |
Definition |
| Operating System |
The software that controls the overall operation of a computer. |
| Job Queue |
A storage organization in which objects are ordered in first-in, first-out fashion. |
| FIFO |
First In, First Out |
| Interactive Processing |
A feature that allowed a program beign executed to carry on a dialogue with the user through remote terminals. |
| Time-Sharing |
A feature that provided service to multiple users at the same time. |
| Multiprogramming |
Time is divided into intervals and then the execution of each job is restricted to only one interval at a time |
| Application Software |
Consists of the programs for performing tasks particular to the machine's utilization. |
| System Software |
Performs those tasks that are common to computer systems in general. |
| Utility Software |
Consists of programs for performing activities that are fundamental to computer installations but not included in the operating system. |
| Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
Objects to be manipulated, such as files and programs, are represented pictorially on the display as icons. |
| Shell |
Older user interfaces comunicated with users through textual messages using a keyboard and a monitor screen. |
| Kernel |
The internal part of an operating system that contains those software components that perform basic functions required by the computer installation. |
| Device Driver |
The software units that communicate with the controllers to carry out operations on the peripheral devices attached to the machine. |
| File Manager |
Coordinates the use of the machine's mass storage facilities. |
| Memory Manager |
Coordinating the machine's use of main memory. |
| Virtual Memory |
Large "fictional" memory space created by paging. |
| Boot Strapping |
Transfers the operating system from mass storage into main memory |
| ROM |
A small portion of a computer's main memory where the CPU expects to find its initial program is constructed from special nonvolatile memory cells. |
| Deadlock |
The condition in which two or more processes are blocked from progressing because each is waiting for a resource that is allocated to another. |
| Spooling |
Olding data for output at a later more convenient time. |
| Super User (or Adminstrator) |
A created user that has high privelage access to the operating system. |
| Multi-Factor Authentication |
A combination of two or more independent credentials in order to gain access to something. |