1.5 System Software - Key Vocabulary Flashcards

Front

Operating Systems (OS)

Back

Collections of programs that tell the computer hardware what to do.

Front

User Interface

Back

The means of communication between the user and the computer, typically either command line or GUI.

Front

Command Line

Back

The simplest form of user interface where users type commands into a prompt.

Front

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Back

Most modern computers have a GUI, which uses icons to represent programs and files. The user runs programs through a touchscreen or mouse-controlled pointer.

Front

Voice Command

Back

Users can speak commands to devices such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Front

Memory Management

Back

The OS controls available memory, moving programs to and from secondary storage to RAM.

Front

Multitasking

Back

The OS alternates between programs to make it appear that multiple tasks are running simultaneously.

Front

Peripheral Management

Back

Computers communicate with external devices like printers and scanners. The OS uses drivers to ensure correct function.

Front

Drivers

Back

Software that provides communication between the CPU and a peripheral device.

Front

User Management

Back

Multiple users can have accounts on the same computer, each with their own files and settings, protected by passwords.