Component |
Purpose |
Operating system |
A set of programs that acts as an interface between the applications that are running on a computer and the computer’s hardware. |
Multiprocessing |
The ability to use multiple processing devices. |
Multitasking |
The ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. |
Multithreading |
The ability to run multiple parts of an application simultaneously. |
Kernel |
The core of the operating system that is loaded into memory when the system boots up. |
Driver |
A type of computer program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices. |
Interface |
What allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities. |
Utilities |
The features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks. |
Application |
A subclass computer program that is designed for end users. |
Part |
Definition |
Kernel |
The kernel is the core of the operating system that is loaded into memory when the system boots up. It is responsible for controlling security, managing the file system, and providing a platform for applications to run on. The user rarely interacts directly with the kernel. |
Driver |
A driver is a type of computer program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices. |
Interface |
An interface is what allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities. There are two main types of interfaces, command line and GUI. In command line interfaces, commands are executed through instructions written into a command line. Examples of command line-based interfaces are MS-DOS and aspects of Linux. In a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the user executes commands by clicking on graphics and symbols. Windows is an example of graphical user interface. |
Utilities |
Utilities are the features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks. Common Windows utilities are Control Panel and This PC. Common Linux utilities are cd, cp, grep, and Is. |
Application |
An application is a subclass computer program that is designed for end users. Examples are database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs. Applications frequently come in suites. |
Component |
Purpose |
Desktop |
The desktop is the working surface that contains icons that access programs, files, applications, and file systems. The desktop is what is seen when all programs and open folders are minimized. Installing an application often adds an icon to the desktop. |
Start Menu |
The Start menu is the easiest way to access the most useful things on your computer.
The Start menu is found in Windows 7 and 10. |
Taskbar |
The taskbar is the bar displayed at the bottom of a Windows desktop (although its position can be changed). The taskbar:
|
Notification Area |
The notification area is a part of the taskbar located on the right side of the taskbar. The notification area:
|
Windows Explorer |
Windows Explorer is a graphical user interface (GUI) for viewing and managing the file system. |
Control Panel |
Control Panel is a compilation of various utilities that change how a computer looks and behaves. Use the Control Panel to configure settings for hardware devices, manage printers and networks, configure personal settings, and manage the system. |
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