Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · lesson 23 of 35 · 25 min
What Does an OS Do?
The operating system is the software layer between hardware and applications. It provides a consistent environment for programs to run and manages all system resources.
Key OS Functions
CLI vs GUI
Which OS function allocates RAM to running programs?
- File management
- Process management
- Memory management
- Device management
Answer: Memory management
Memory management allocates and tracks RAM usage by processes.
What is virtual memory?
- Extra RAM installed in the computer
- Disk space used as an extension of RAM when RAM is full
- Memory inside the CPU
- Memory used only for graphics
Answer: Disk space used as an extension of RAM when RAM is full
Virtual memory uses secondary storage (swap space) to extend available memory when RAM is exhausted.
Which interface uses text commands typed by the user?
- GUI
- CLI
- API
- IDE
Answer: CLI
CLI = Command Line Interface; users type text commands.
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