| Question | Answer |
| system software | works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details. |
| computer support specialist | provide technical support to customers and other users. |
| operating system | coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the computer, and run applications. |
| tile | displays active content linked to an application. |
| cold boot | Starting a computer that has been turned off |
| network operating system (NOS) | used to control and coordinate computers that are networked or linked together. |
| Optimize Drives | utility program that locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations |
| UNIX | operating system was originally designed in the late 1960s to run on minicomputers in network environments |
| menu | provide a list of options or commands that can be selected. |
| Cortana | This unification has brought several mobile OS innovations to the desktop OS; a digital assistant that can accept commands through text or speech, and Windows apps, such as Office, that can run on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. |
| iOS | formerly known as iPhone OS, was originally developed in 2007 by Apple. It is based on Mac OS and is used as the platform for Apple’s iPad and iPhone. |
| open source | free distribution of the operating system code and allows others to modify and further develop the code. |
| OS X Yosemite | released in 2014, provided a new user interface similar to the iOS interface. Other innovations include greater use of Apple’s cloud storage service, iCloud, and greater compatibility with Apple mobile devices. |
| fragmented | file has to be broken up into small parts that are stored wherever space is available |
| foreground | The program that you are currently working on is described as running in |
| multitaksing | the ability to switch between different applications stored in memory |
| icon | graphic representations for a program, type of file, or function. |
| gesture control | ability to control operations with finger movements, such as swiping, sliding, and pinching. |
| virtualization software | When a single physical computer runs a special program; operates as though it were two or more separate and independent computers known as virtual machines |
| guest operating system | operating system for each virtual machine |
| language translator | convert the programming instructions written by programmers into a language that computers understand and process. |
| Linux | operating system that extended one of the UNIX versions. It was originally developed by a graduate student at the University of Helsinki, Linus Torvalds, in 1991. |
| troubleshooting program | recognize and correct problems, ideally before they become serious, also known as diagnostic programs. |
| software enviroment | operating system is often referred to, also known as software platform. |
| desktop operating system | control a single desktop or laptop computer, also known as a stand-alone operating system. |
| sector | Each track is divided into wedge-shaped sections |
| OS X Mavericks | announced in 2013 and introduced several improvements, including better power management for longer laptop battery life, enhanced workflow options for multiple monitor setups, and better integration with cloud computing. |
| background | The other program or programs are running in |
| booting | Starting or restarting a computer |
| file compression program | reduce the size of files so they require less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet. |
| Chrome OS | is based on Linux; integrates with web servers to run applications and to perform other traditional operating system functions. |
| Windows | rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs; is the most widely used personal computer operating system |
| Disk Cleanup | troubleshooting utility that identifies and eliminates nonessential files. This frees up valuable disk space and improves system performance. |
| antivirus program | guard your computer system against viruses or other damaging programs that can invade your computer system. |
| file | used to store data and programs. |
| virtualization | way in which a single physical computer can support multiple operating systems that operate independently. |
| network server | this computer coordinates all communication between the other computers |
| pointer | controlled by a mouse, trackpad, or touch screen, the pointer changes shape depending on its current function. For example, when shaped like an arrow, the pointer can be used to select items such as an icon. |
| Android | was introduced in 2007. It was originally developed by Android Inc. and later purchased by Google. |
| Windows 10 Mobile | was introduced in 2015 to replace Windows 8. It can run many powerful programs designed for laptop and desktop computers. |
| Mac OS | Designed to run only with Apple computers; is not as widely used as the Windows operating system. |
| desktop | provides access to computer resources. |
| backup program | make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or damaged. |
| Windows Phone 8 | introduced in 2012 by Microsoft to support a variety of mobile devices. In 2015 Microsoft introduced a new mobile operating system,also referred to as Windows 10 Mobile to replace Windows Phone. |
| Windows 10 | It merges Windows’ desktop and mobile operating systems; runs on all Windows devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. |
| Mac OS X | is the most widely used Mac desktop operating system. |
| graphical user interface (GUI) | uses graphical elements such as icons and windows; most operating systems use |
| utility suite | combine several programs into one package |
| track | concentric ring |
| warm boot | occurs when the computer is already on and you restart it without turning off the power. |
| device driver | are specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system. |
| mobile operating system / mobile OS | type of embedded operating system; less complicated and more specialized for wireless communication. |
| Help | provides online assistance for operating system functions and procedures. |
| utilities | perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources. |
| Host operating system | operating system of the physical machine is known |
| dialog box | typically provide information or request input. |
| tab | divide menus into major activity areas such as format and page layout. |
| Windows RT | is a version of Windows 8 designed to run with tablets using a particular microprocessor from ARM. |
| File History | utility program included with Windows 10 that makes a copy of all files that are in the libraries, contacts, and favorites and on the desktop |
| virtual machine | operates as though it were two or more separate and independent computers; appears to the user as a separate independent computer with its own operating system |
| Windows 8 | was released in 2012 and was created to better integrate Microsoft’s desktop operating systems with its mobile operating systems. |
| user interface | Operating systems allow users to interact with application programs and computer hardware |
| folder | Related files are stored within |
| start screen | offered by Windows 8 consisting of tiles |
