Operating Systems (Management)

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  • Created by: Noye
  • Created on: 24-04-13 23:28
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  • Operating Systems (Management)
    • Peripheral Management
      • DEFINITION: A peripheral is any hardware component that is NOT PART OF THE CPU
        • Storage peripherals are not as obvious as input and output devices e.g. the HARD DISK IS A PERIPHERAL because it is outside the CPU (processor, main memory and cache)
      • The OS uses BUFFERS (QUEUES) to make sure data is not lost during the slow process of moving it to and from peripherals
      • If the processor is WAITING FOR USER INPUT (such as pressing 'enter' or clicking 'OK') the OS may allow other programs to use the processor
    • Memory Management
      • When a program runs, it must be in the MAIN MEMORY
        • The memory has a finite size and the OS must MANAGE WHERE IN THE MEMORY programs will go
        • When a program is started the OS LOADS IT FROM THE DISK to the MAIN MEMORY and GIVES THE PROCESSOR THE ADDRESS
          • Each location in memory has a UNIQUE NUMERICAL ADDRESS. These are USED IN ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE and are referred to in HEX
            • The memory has a finite size and the OS must MANAGE WHERE IN THE MEMORY programs will go
    • Multi-tasking/ Process Management
      • The OS has to run lots of programs at once as well as BACKGROUND TASKS just to manage the computer
        • It has to make sure each program gets enough processor time, as only one instruction can be executed at once
          • Programs also have to be PRIORITISED
            • e.g. A program dealing with a hardware error is more important that trying to italicise text in Word.
      • A program is called a PROCESS while it is running in main memory
    • DEFINITION: The Operating System is the system software. It is a group of programs that manage the computers hardware resources

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