RAM is volatile and used for both read and write. ROM is non-volatile and only used for reading. Memory on the RAM is erased when the computer is switched off. Both Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM) are primary storage devices. RAM is a part of hardware that stores operating system’s application programs and currently running processes. ROM, on the other hand, stores critical programs which are used for the basic computer commands, such as start-up. Both types of memory allow random access, so in order to be precise, RAM should be referred to as read/write RAM and ROM as read-only RAM.
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1: Revise Operating Systems and user interfaces 2: Show evidence of revision and use of key words in your answers Questions 1. An Operating System controls all input and output devices. Also, it manages storage and memory as well as handling errors or crashes. 3. An advantage of a GUI is that it makes multi-tasking easy, can organise and arrange many windows. 4. A disadvantage of a GUI is that it takes up a lot of space in memory and storage. 5. A command line interface works by the user interacting with the device by typing written instructions/commands. 7. Mainframe is the odd one out of laptop, desktop and netbook because it performs more difficult calculations at high-speed. 12. A mainframe computer is a data processing system employed mainly in large organizations for various applications, including bulk data processing, process control, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing. A cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor is an analog computer display or television set with a large, deep casing. This type of monitor uses streams of electrons that activate dots or pixels on the screen to create a full image. These are the more older style ones. Advantages and disadvantage Cheap to buy. Produces good colors. Large footprint so takes up lots of desktop space. Very heavy compared to other monitor types. Screen is generally convex and this makes output at the edges slightly distorted. A thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD) is a variant of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) that uses thin-film transistor (TFT) technology to improve image qualities such as addressability and contrast. A TFT LCD is an active-matrix LCD, in contrast to passive-matrix LCDs or simple, direct-driven LCDs with a few segments. These are more of the newer style ones. Advantages and disadvantages Thinner and lighter then CRT monitors making them suitable for portable products. The back lighting does not evenly light the screen causing dark and light patches. Narrow viewing angle - Picture quality changes as the viewer moves around. Operating System RevisionDefinition:
An operating system is a piece of software which is used to control all hardware, software, input, output and user interactions. It does the following things: Controls the operation of: Input devices Output devices Backing Storage RAM Manages resources such as Memory, CPU time, storage devices Enables the loading, running and storage of software Handles errors that occur in software being used Allows communication between the user and computer through an interface There are TWO main parts to an OS: 1. Kernel The Kernel is a core piece of the operating system. It is responsible for low level control of hardware. The user never “sees” or interacts with the Kernel. 2. Interface The interface is the point at which users can interact with a system. The interface allows users to input information, to control the system and to see the outcomes of their actions through output. There are SEVERAL types of Interface, you need to know TWO: GUI – Graphical User Interface CLI – Command Line Interface GUI A GUI has 4 main components Windows, Icons, Menus and a Pointer (WIMP) Advantages: Intuitive – using a WIMP interface is a natural way of working – you shouldn’t need help or training Multitasking – Windows enable users to open many programs, to move between them easily and transfer data between applications Icons – Make it obvious what a program, file or folder is with a graphical representation Pointers – Pointing is a natural way of selecting things Disadvantages: Resource intensive – requires a lot of processing power/time and memory Can become confusing – users may find interfaces cluttered with icons or open programs difficult to navigate CLI A command line interface is used to control a computer system solely through the use of text commands, entered by the user. The computer only responds in the form of text based messages and information. They are used by technicians, programmers and power-users. Advantages: Extremely fast – CLI’s take up little system resources and CPU time, can run on old or limited hardware Can use “scripts” – scripts are files which contain many commands and can be used to perform repetitive tasks very quickly or to automate tasks such as daily backups Disadvantages: Can be very confusing to new or untrained users Sometimes do not provide detailed error messages or feedback to help users |
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