FCCS | Topic 3a

Topic 3a
OS Fundamentals

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic students should be able to:

Given one of the following vocabulary words, give a brief definition of the term and how the item applies in the normal operation of an operating system.

Job
Queue
First-in, first out (FIFO)
Interactive Processing
Real-time processing
Time-sharing
Multiprogramming
Multitasking
Application software
System software
User Interface (Graphical User Interface)
Shell
Kernel
Window manager
File manager
Memory manager
Directory (folder)
Device driver
Scheduler
Dispatcher
Read-only memory
Boot Loader (Boot-strapping)

Explain how a historical batch processing system functioned, using the appropriate vocabulary terms from the chapter.
Explain how a modern multi-tasking system functions, using the appropriate vocabulary terms from the chapter.
Given a particular task performed by the computer, identify which part(s) of the operating system would be responsible for the task.

Learning Materials

Readings

Section 3.1-3.2, pp 150-162 in your book

Videos
- Dr. Diesburg explains Operating Systems
- Dr. Diesburg explains the boot loader

Checking for Understanding

Answer the following questions from your textbook. The answers to all Q&E questions are in the back of your book in Appendix F.

p 154, #2
p 154, #3
p 154, #4
p 162, #1
p 162, #2
p 162, #4

Answers & Guidance

The answers to the CFU questions above are provided in the back of the book. We do not feel that additional video explanations are helpful for these questions. However, if you are still confused or have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Further Information

If you understand this material and are using this in your own courses, you might find the following material beneficial. This material is a supplement to this course and your understanding of this is not assessed.