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Operating Systems_ Introduction_ Introduction to Operating Systems Cheatsheet _ Codecademy

The document provides an overview of operating systems and their key components, including the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, CPU, RAM, hard disks, mainboard, and ports. It outlines the main functions of a computer, which include input, processing, memory, and output. Each component plays a crucial role in managing tasks and facilitating user interaction with the computer.

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4 views

Operating Systems_ Introduction_ Introduction to Operating Systems Cheatsheet _ Codecademy

The document provides an overview of operating systems and their key components, including the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, CPU, RAM, hard disks, mainboard, and ports. It outlines the main functions of a computer, which include input, processing, memory, and output. Each component plays a crucial role in managing tasks and facilitating user interaction with the computer.

Uploaded by

Makkapati Deepthi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5/21/25, 1:10 AM Operating Systems: Introduction: Introduction to Operating Systems Cheatsheet | Codecademy

Cheatsheets / Operating Systems: Introduction

Introduction to Operating Systems

The Operating System

The operating system (OS) is system software that


manages the basic functionalities of a computer and
is responsible for tasks such as process
management, memory management, file system
management, IO management, networking, security,
and providing a user interface.

Control Unit (CU)

The Control Unit (CU) on a CPU receives information Some functions of the CU:
from the software; then, it distributes and directs
- Determine what/where the next
the data to the relevant hardware components.
instruction must go for processing
- Send clock signals to all hardware
to
force synchronous operations
- Send memory taskings if appropriate

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

An Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used Some ALU functions:
to perform arithmetic and logic operations. It is the
- Addition & subtraction
fundamental building block of the CPU.
- Determining equality
- AND/OR/XOR/NOR/NOT/NAND logic
gates and more!

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5/21/25, 1:10 AM Operating Systems: Introduction: Introduction to Operating Systems Cheatsheet | Codecademy

Registers

A register is a volatile memory system that provides Functions of a register:


the CPU with rapid access to information it is
- Store temporary data for immediate
immediately using.
processing by the ALU
- Hold "flag" information if an
operation
results in overflow or triggers
other flags
- Hold the location of the next
instruction
to be processed by the CPU

The CPU

A Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the electronic


circuitry that executes instructions based on an
input of binary data (0’s and 1’s). The CPU consists of
the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic and Logic Unit
(ALU), and registers (Immediate Access Store).

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is additional high-


speed memory that a computer uses to store and
access information on a short-term basis.

Hard Disks

Hard disks, or hard drives, are responsible for the


long-term, or secondary storage of data and
programs.

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5/21/25, 1:10 AM Operating Systems: Introduction: Introduction to Operating Systems Cheatsheet | Codecademy

The Mainboard

The mainboard, or motherboard, is a printed circuit


board that houses important hardware components
via ports.

Ports

A port is a physical outlet used to connect devices


to a computer. A computer typically contains
multiple ports. This connection allows for
communication between the IO device and the
computer.

Main Functions of a Computer

There are four main functions of a computer that - Input is data we give to our
make user interaction possible:
computers through interactions
Input
Processing - Processing is comprised of the
Memory translation of input and the
Output
instructions given for output
- Memory is used to store either
temporary or permanent information
- Output is the information that gets
returned by the computer

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