Operating Systems and Computer Networks: A Comprehensive Guide
1. What is an Operating System and its Key Components?
An operating system is a program or set of programs that manages the basic processes of a computer system, enabling the execution of other operations. Its key components include:
- Kernel: Controls the rest of the operating system modules. It’s a fundamental part that manages requests from other components that want to communicate with the processor.
- Memory Manager: Assigns areas of RAM to each process for storing results or temporary data.
- Input/Output (I/O) System: Controls the various devices connected to the computer, managing their simultaneous operation and varying speeds using queues.
- File Manager: Responsible for creating, modifying, deleting, and locating files. It also manages user access privileges.
2. What are Drivers?
Drivers are specific programs that facilitate communication between devices and the operating system. Each operating system and peripheral requires a specific driver.
3. What is the Root Directory?
The root directory, represented by the symbol “/”, is the top-level directory from which all other folders branch out.
4. How are Users Managed in an Operating System?
Users belong to groups that inherit permissions:
- Administrators: The default system group with permissions to modify system settings, install/uninstall applications and hardware.
- Power Users: Can install and uninstall certified applications.
- Guests: Limited access, primarily for network folder access.
5. How Can an Operating System Run?
Operating systems can run in different modes:
- Batch OS: Tasks are processed one at a time.
- Multiprogramming OS: Supports two or more parallel processes.
- Multi-user OS: Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously.
6. Do All Operating Systems Allow User Creation?
Yes, to enable multiple users and protect individual data.
7. What is the Most Used Operating System and Why?
Windows is the most used operating system due to its user-friendliness and variety of versions for home and business use.
8. What Commands are Available in Terminal Mode?
- ls: Lists files in a folder.
- mkdir: Creates folders.
- rmdir: Deletes folders.
- cp: Copies files.
- mv: Moves files.
- passwd: Changes a user’s password.
- adduser: Creates a new user.
9. What Hardware and Software are Necessary for a Computer to Work?
Hardware: Motherboard, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Software: Operating System, BIOS.
10. What is a Partition and its Importance?
A partition is a way to organize a computer’s hard drive, dividing it into separate sections for storing files.
11. How are Computer Hard Drives Organized?
They are organized into partitions.
12. Can Linux be Installed on a System with Windows?
Yes.
13. What Tasks Does an Operating System Perform?
An operating system controls the hardware, manages application installations, and controls user access.
14. What is the Control Panel?
The Control Panel provides access to various system settings, including System and Maintenance, Security, Network and Internet, Hardware and Sound, Programs, User Accounts, Appearance and Personalization, Clock, Language, and Region.
15. How Do I Uninstall a Program?
- Open the Control Panel and select “Programs and Features” or “Uninstall a program”.
- Select the program you want to uninstall and click “Uninstall”.
- Confirm the removal.
16. Where are System Files Stored in Windows?
On the local disk C:
17. What is the BIOS and How Can I Access It?
The BIOS is basic software on the motherboard that handles hardware configuration and boot processes. It can be accessed by pressing DEL during startup.
18. How Do I Manage Internet Settings?
Through the Control Panel -> Network and Internet.
19. Where Can I Store Frequently Used Websites?
In the bookmarks or favorites menu of your web browser.
Local Area Networks (LANs)
1. What is a Local Area Network?
A LAN is a set of computers and devices connected to share resources within a limited geographic area.
2. How is a LAN Planned and Designed?
Considerations include network architecture, devices, management, broadcast media, available resources, and data usage.
3. What is the Role of a Router?
A router connects networks and determines which data leaves the LAN.
4. What Types of Network Management Devices Exist?
Three main types: Network adapters, hubs, and switches.
5. What are Network Adapters?
Network adapters direct network traffic.
6. What is the Difference Between a Hub and a Switch?
A hub transmits data to all ports, while a switch reads the data and directs it only to the intended recipient.
7. What Media are Used to Transmit Data in LANs?
Common media include twisted-pair copper wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, and wireless.
8. How Do I Create a Mixed Network (Wired and Wireless)?
By using a router, a hub, and a wireless access point.
9. How Do I Create a Wireless Network?
By setting up a wireless router, which also acts as a wireless access point.
10. What are Physical Networks?
Physical networks refer to devices connected through a physical medium.
11. What is a Communication Protocol?
A communication protocol is a language used by network devices to communicate.
12. How are Computers Identified on the Internet?
By their IP address.
13. What is a Gateway?
A gateway connects two networks with different technologies.
14. What is a Repeater?
A repeater extends the range of a network signal.
15. What Types of Network Architectures are Used in LANs?
Bus, ring, star, and mesh topologies.
16. What Does a Print Server Do?
A print server allows network users to share a printer.
17. What is an Access Point?
An access point acts as a hub for wireless networks, connecting wired and wireless devices.
18. What is a Host?
A host is any device connected to a network, such as a router or signal amplifier.
19. Where Can I Find My Computer’s Network Address?
In the IP address, which can be found by typing “ipconfig” in the command prompt (cmd).
20. What Can I Check with the “ping” Command?
The “ping” command checks network card configuration and communication with the router.
21. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Wireless Network?
Advantages: No wiring needed, simple installation, and lower cost.
Disadvantages: Less effective for video streaming and high-quality media transmission.
22. What is a Private Network Address?
A private network address is not accessible from the internet.
23. What is a Bridge?
A bridge divides a network into segments or merges networks using the same communication protocol to improve performance and reduce traffic.