1.5 Systems Software (1.5.1 Operating systems, 1.5.2 Utility software)

Question 1

What are the main functions/purposes of operating systems?

Answer 1

• User interface
• Memory management
• Multitasking
• Peripheral management and drivers
• User management
• File management

Question 2

User interface

Answer 2

• Allows the user to interact with a computer system
• GUI (graphical user interface) is the most common type, featuring pointers, windows, menus etc
• Command-line interface is text-based, not suitable for everyday users but can be more efficient/powerful

Question 3

Memory management

Answer 3

To run a program, the operating system must copy the program from storage into main memory

Question 4

Multi-tasking

Answer 4

• Where an operating system manages many tasks happening at the same time
• The OS decides which process will next run and for how long and the CPU will allocate a short amount of time to each task in turn

Question 5

Peripheral management and device drivers

Answer 5

• The OS manages getting inputs and sending outputs to peripheral devices
• Peripherals include input and output devices eg display, keyboard and storage devices eg USB sticks
• Device drivers are programs that control peripherals

Question 6

User management

Answer 6

• The OS maintains security via user logins and passwords
• Handles the administration of user accounts
• Manages access rights assigned to users

Question 7

File management

Answer 7

The OS can name, move, save, copy, delete files and allocate them to folders

Question 8

What is utility software?

Answer 8

• Utility software performs extra functionality and housekeeping tasks that keep computers running efficiently.
• Can be packaged as part of the OS or bought separately

Question 9

What are the types/examples of utility software?

Answer 9

• Encryption software
• Defragmentation software
• Data compression
• Anti-malware software

Question 10

Encryption software

Answer 10

Used to encode text so that it cannot be uncoded without knowing the key

Question 11

Disk defragmentation

Answer 11

• Large files many not fit on the hard drive in consecutive memory locations
• File is fragmented, therefore slower to access
• Defragmentation reorganises files so that they are stored together, increasing read times

Question 12

Data compression software

Answer 12

• Utilities eg winzip enables users to compress and decompress files or folders