Operating Systems
Essential terms that explain how an operating system works and manages hardware and software.
Kernel
The core part of an operating system that controls hardware and system resources.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
A visual interface that allows users to interact with the system using windows, icons, and menus.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
A text-based interface where users control the system by typing commands.
Process
A program that is currently running on the computer.
Thread
A smaller unit of a process that allows tasks to run more efficiently.
File System
The method an operating system uses to organize and store files on a device.
Driver
Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices.
Virtual Memory
A memory management system that uses storage space as additional RAM when needed.
Booting
The process of starting a computer and loading the operating system.
Scheduler
A system component that decides which processes run and for how long.
System Call
A request made by a program to the operating system for a specific service.
Resource Management
The way an operating system controls and distributes hardware resources like CPU, memory, and storage.