Operating Systems Essay

Interfaces that ar graphical in nature atomic number 18 known twain as Graphical User Interfaces(GUI) or weakly interacting massive particle interfaces (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointer). Typically, these types of interfaces be gaintable in multi-programming purlieus or in applications softw argon that use up a considerable degree of coordination compoundity. In a GUI, in that respect ar A window for each open application. Many windows nookie be open at the same period but unless mavin window gage be expeditious at any atomic number 53 time. There may be some way of indicating which ane is active (perhaps by making the bar at the top of the active window blue).Menus and icons. Available functions can be selected in one of two ways, either by using pop-up menus or drop-down menus, or clicking on icons. An icon is scarcely a small picture that represents a specific function- clicking on it selects that function.  A pointing device, usually a mouse but in cer tain caboodle a graphical tablet and pen can be used. These are used to make selections.  The use of the keyboard to navigate through the application is minify because it is relatively time-consuming way of working.  Natural language.Natural language interfaces are those that allow the user to communicate in their native language, such as English. It allows the user to instruct the computing machine with let on need for a particular syntax. The trunk needs to be able both to interpret inputs in native language from the user, and to act upon them, and, also preferably to generate natural language statements in response to user input. Sometimes it is also referred as a conversational interface. The forefronts are displayed on the VDU and the resolutenesss are entered via the keyboard. For example, deem a user has initiated a save record request.The conversation baron be COMPWhats the file name? drug user chapter1. txt COMPwhat folder? USER userguide COMPFile already exists. Overwrite? USERYes COMP feigne. This kind of interface can be found on data en prove total terminals and other types of dull terminals connected to a network where non-experts users are guided through the complex tasks they need to perform by the reckoner.  Command line Command establish interface is one where the user types a series of holds at the keyboard which distinguish the computer what their intentions are. It is also known as linguistic manipulation.The characteristics of a command establish interface are  the user needs to know what commands are available  the user needs to understand the commands Characteristics of a command found interface 1) The governing body is genuinely much more open than in the other types of interface. Other interfaces restrict the options that the user has available to them. This can be particularly important for the dodging manager because diverse users can plainly be allowed to have rile to specific parts of t he system. 2) Command based interfaces can only be used by computer literate person people because the user need to understand the commands and their uses.1. Define what is meant by the term direct system. (2) 2. Give two reasons why an operating system is believably to be stored on backing terminal rather than in the retention of the computer. (2) 3. Distinguish between a multi-programming and a multi-access operating system. (2) 4. State what is meant by a distributed system, and result an advantage of this type of multi-access system over a simple network of machines. (2) 5. A computer operator takes phone calls from the existence who ring up asking whether a particular item in a catalogue is available.The operator needs to type in a series of responses to questions put to the caller, so that the computer can check the file and determine whether there are any of that item available. Design a screen interface that would be suitable for the operator to use. (4) 6. The techni cian responsible for maintaining the system in question 5, uses a command line interface. a) Explain what is meant by a command line interface. (2) b) Give two advantages and one discriminate to the technician of using a command line interface rather than a menu based interface. (3)Answers 1 A. -A (suite of) programs-which run the basic functions of the computer -giving an environment in which to run application software. A question which begins with the word define, leaves very little room for manoeuvre because it is asking for a standard decide. This is non an opportunity to show your prowess by making up an answer that is original- there arent any. Note, also, the fact that three answers have been given. Always try to give one more answer than seems to be required by the question. If you look at a remark scheme for an examination paper, the mark points are listed as a set of bullet points so there is no reason why you should not do the same.This style of answer helps you to w rite down your thoughts easily with forbidden getting confused by the language. The finding of this examination is not to test your ability with English, rather to test your familiarity of computing. 2 A. A full operating system requires a volumed amount of storage space that is better utilised in the computer memory for applications Storage of the operating system on backing storage allows for easy upgrading or changing from one system to a different one. Note that the temptation to call the operating system the O. S. has been resisted in the answer.In general, do not use abbreviations in your answers. There are exceptions, where the abbreviation is the accepted form, but your own versions may be ambiguous or, even, not understood by the examiner. If you do need to use an abbreviation, because the term is to be used a number of times, give the term in full with the abbreviation that you want to use in brackets after it. For example, the first time that you use the term operati ng system write operating system (OS) you can then use OS as often as you like in the rest of your answer. 3. A. A multi-programming operating system is one where the user of the machine is given the impression that they can carry out more than one task at a time. A multi-access operating system is one where it is possible for more than one user to access the system apparently at the same time. Note that there are a large number of points that could have been made about both of these operating systems, but most of them would not answer the question. It is important when respond a question starting with distinguish to choose facts that show a comparison. 4 A. A distributed system is one which uses many storage locations on different machines to store software and files. Access to files can be speeded up because more than one file command can be carried out at a time. When an advantage is asked for it is normal to state in the question, either explicitly or implicitly, with what the comparison should be made. Be careful to give an advantage using this comparison and not a more mouth one. 5 A. Form type interface Catalogue number piazza for the description of goods which will be filled in by the computer itself Spaces for computer to produce availability and price Laid out with spaces for input. What is except as important here are the things that would not be on the screen. The question makes it quite clear that there is no ordering discharge on, so spaces for name and address, or method of payment, are not only going to score no marks, but will probably be penalised because they demonstrate that the candidate has not understood the question. In this type of question it is important to demonstrate that you have taken the situation into account. 6 A. a)-Series of commands typed at a screen prompt -which give specific instructions to the computer. b)Advantages-Entire system is available to the technician -Access to the particular part of the system re quired is gained more right away than using other types of interface. Disadvantage -The technician needs to know the commands that are available -The technician needs to understand the way the system is designed so that it can be navigated efficiently. Note. The language used in this answer is not the shield of language that a candidate will use in an examination. Dont worry about this. Answers like so that you can get around the system are perfectly acceptable. System Software pile Leong Mook Seng.