Fundamental Computer Concepts
Mobile Computing
It is a form of human-computer interaction where the computer is expected to be transported during normal usage. It is a generic term describing the ability to use technology that is not physically connected or is in remote or mobile environments.
Mobile computing works based on three types: Mobile Communication, Mobile Hardware, and Mobile Software.
Computer Architecture
It refers to the definition of the basic attributes of hardware components and their interconnection in order to achieve certain specified goals in terms of function and performance. The architecture basically defines the logical structure of a computer system.
Memory Hierarchy
The hierarchical arrangement of memory in a computer in such a way that the smallest and fastest memory is placed near the CPU and the largest and slowest memory is placed far from the CPU is called the memory hierarchy.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a supplementary primary memory system that temporarily stores frequently used instructions and data for quicker processing by the computer’s processor. Cache memory is high-speed memory that resides between the CPU and RAM.
Secondary Memory
Computers require stable, non-volatile memory to store data and instructions even after being turned off. This type of memory is known as secondary memory.
Software
It is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures, and documentation that perform tasks on a computer system.
System Software
It is a group of programs that direct the internal operations of a computer system, such as controlling I/O devices and managing the storage area within the computer.
Operating System
An operating system is an integrated set of programs that is used to manage the various resources and overall operations of the computer system.
Computer Virus
It is a program, script, or macro designed to cause damage, steal personal information, modify data, email messages, display messages, or some combination of these actions.
Antivirus
Antivirus software is a utility that detects, prevents, and removes viruses, worms, and other malware from a computer.
Objectives of Operating Systems
- It makes the computer system convenient and easy for the user to use.
- To use the computer hardware effectively by handling the details of the hardware’s operation.
Types of Operating Systems
- Single-user OS
- Multi-user OS
- Multitasking OS
- Multiprocessing OS
- Real-Time OS
- Embedded OS
Functions of Operating Systems
- Process Management
- User Interface
- Protection and Security
- Device Management
- File Management
- Memory Management
Process Management
The process management function of an operating system involves the execution of various tasks such as the creation of processes, scheduling of processes, and management of deadlock and termination of processes.
Deadlock
A deadlock is a situation when a process waits endlessly for a resource, and the requested resource is being used by another process that is waiting for some other resource.
Conditions for Deadlock
- Mutual Exclusion
- Hold and Wait
- No Pre-emption
- Circular Wait
Memory Management
It is one of the most important functions of an operating system because it directly affects the execution time of a process.
Virtual Memory
In the memory management schema discussed previously, the whole process is kept in memory before execution starts. Virtual memory allows the execution of processes that are not entirely in memory.
Open Source Operating Systems
It is any operating system that is free to use and provides the original code where the source code is available to the public, enabling them to use, modify/enhance the operating system, and redistribute the modified operating system.
Examples of Open Source OS
- Linux
- Cosmos
- FreeDOS
- Genode
- Ghost OS
- ITS
- OSv
- Phantom