FLASH CARDS

4.01 Explain common OS types and their purposes

  • What is an operating system (OS)?

  • Software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs.

  • Name the four main types of operating systems.

  • Business Client OS, Network Operating System (NOS), Home Client OS, Mobile OS.

  • What is a Business Client OS designed for?

  • To work as a client in a centrally managed business network.

  • What is the purpose of a Network Operating System (NOS)?

  • Runs on servers to manage network resources and services within business networks.

  • What is a Home Client OS used for?

  • Meant for standalone use or in small home or office networks.

  • What is a Mobile OS?

  • An OS used on smartphones and tablets, featuring a touch-operated interface.

  • What are some examples of Microsoft Windows OS used in business and home environments?

  • Windows 10 and Windows 11.

  • Which Windows OS versions are designed for use as Network Operating Systems (NOSs)?

  • Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.

  • What is macOS, and what hardware does it run on?

  • macOS is the operating system for Apple desktops and laptops, such as Mac desktops, iMacs, and MacBooks.

  • Can macOS be installed on non-Apple hardware?

  • No, macOS cannot be installed on non-Apple hardware.

  • On what type of kernel is macOS built?

  • UNIX kernel.

  • What type of input device does macOS support?

  • Magic Trackpad for touch input, but it does not support touch screens.

  • Name the current supported versions of macOS (as of 11/30/24).

  • macOS 12 (Monterey), macOS 13 (Ventura), macOS 14 (Sonoma) and macOS 15 (Sequoia).

  • What is UNIX, and when was it developed?

  • A family of operating systems developed in the late 1960s at Bell Laboratories.

  • Describe the kernel architecture of UNIX.

  • The kernel manages system resources like CPU, RAM, and input/output devices.

  • Describe the shell architecture of UNIX.

  • The shell acts as the user interface to interact with the kernel.

  • What is Linux, and who created it?

  • An open-source OS kernel based on UNIX, created by Linus Torvalds.

  • What are Linux distributions (distros)?

  • Variations of Linux that include additional features like a shell, desktop environment, and application packages.

  • Name some popular Linux distros.

  • SUSE, Red Hat, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, and Arch.

  • What are the two main release models for Linux distributions?

  • Standard Release and Rolling Release.

  • What is Chrome OS, and who developed it?

  • An OS based on Linux, developed by Google for specific hardware like Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

  • What is the primary use of Chrome OS?

  • Optimized for running web applications hosted on servers and accessed through a browser.

  • Name the main operating systems for smartphones and tablets.

  • Apple iOS/iPadOS and Android.

  • What is iOS, and what devices use it?

  • An OS based on UNIX, used on iPhones and early iPads.

  • How does iPadOS differ from iOS?

  • iPadOS is a variant of iOS for newer iPads, supporting multitasking and the Apple Pencil.

  • What is Android, and who developed it?

  • An open-source OS based on Linux, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance.

  • What is NTFS, and what are its key features?

  • New Technology File System; supports large volumes and files, journaling, security features, and snapshots.

  • What is FAT32, and what are its limitations?

  • An older file system with a 4 GB file size limit and up to 2 TB volume size, lacks security and reliability features.

  • What is exFAT, and what is it used for?

  • A 64-bit version of FAT for removable drives, supporting large volumes up to 512 TB.

  • What file systems do Linux primarily use?

  • ext3 and ext4.

  • What file system does macOS use, and what are its features?

  • Apple File System (APFS), supports journaling, snapshots, permissions, and encryption.

  • What are some OS compatibility issues to consider?

  • Hardware compatibility, software compatibility, network compatibility, and user training and support.

  • What is the importance of an OS's life cycle?

  • It determines the support phases, including updates, security patches, and when the product reaches end-of-life (EOL).

  • What happens during the "Supported Phase" of an OS life cycle?

  • The OS is actively marketed, receives regular patches, and offers feature upgrades.

  • What is an EOL system, and why is it a risk?

  • End of Life; it no longer receives updates, posing security risks if still in use.