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OS-terms
Study these important terms relating to Operating Systems
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Kernel | The central part of the operating system. It controls all actions of the OS, including input and output, which processes get to use the CPU and memory, and translating between hardware and software components in the computer. |
| Version | A particular revision of a piece of software, normally described by a number that tells you how new the product is in relation to other versions of the product. |
| Source | The actual code that defines how a piece of software works. |
| Shell | A program that runs on top of the OS and allows the user to issue commands through a set of menus or other interface (which may or may not be graphical). Shells make an OS easier to use by changing the user interface. |
| Graphical User Interface (GUI) | A method by which a person communicates with a computer using graphical images, icons, and methods other than text. GUIs allow a user to use a mouse, touchpad, or another mechanism to interact with the computer to issue commands. |
| Cooperative Multitasking | A multitasking method that depends on the application itself to be responsible for using the processor and then freeing it for access by other applications. This is the way very early versions of Windows managed multiple applications. |
| Preemptive Multitasking | A multitasking method in which the OS allots each application a certain amount of processor time and then forcibly takes back control and gives another application or task access to the processor. |
| Multithreading | The ability of a single application to have multiple requests in to the processor at one time. This results in faster application performance because it allows a program to do many things at once. |
| 32-bit | An operating system that is 32-bit is one that can not only run on 32-bit processors but can also fully utilize the capabilities of the processor. |
| 64-bit | A 64-bit operating system is one that is written to utilize the instructions possible with 64-bit processors. Originally, these were more common with servers than desktops, but with prices dropping, 64-bit processors have become common on the desktop. |
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