System Software

Question 1

What is system software?

Answer 1

Software that controls, supports, or operates a computer,
e.g., Operating Systems (OS X, Linux, Windows), Utility software (anti-virus, backup programs).

Question 2

What happens when a computer is switched on?

Answer 2

CPU checks ROM for startup instructions → hardware tests → locates OS → loads OS into memory → hands control to OS (booting).

Question 3

Role of the operating system?

Answer 3

1. Provides user interface (GUI)
2. Manages programs & multitasks
3. Manages hardware (disk, memory, I/O devices)
4. Provides basic security (user/access control, basic protection).

Question 4

What is multitasking?

Answer 4

OS can load/process multiple programs at the same time, allocating CPU & memory resources fairly

Question 5

How does OS manage hardware?

Answer 5

• Disk management - organizes storage & access
• Memory management - prevents conflicts between programs
• Input/output management - controls which programs use devices.

Question 6

Single-user vs multi-user OS?

Answer 6

Single-user: one person at a time (Windows PC)
Multi-user: multiple users simultaneously (Linux, Windows Server).

Question 7

Task Manager functions?

Answer 7

• Check performance
• view running apps/processes
• terminate non-responding programs.

Question 8

What are file names, extensions, and paths?

Answer 8

File name = identifier, extension = file type & default program, path = folder location on drive.

Question 9

What is metadata?

Answer 9

Extra info about a file describing contents, e.g., author, album, camera, date, used for search & indexing.

Question 10

File manager functions?

Answer 10

Search, Compress/Zip, Decompress/Unzip, Export/Import (convert file formats).

Question 11

What is a scheduler and why is it useful?

Answer 11

Runs programs at set times, checks updates, performs housekeeping tasks, runs during off-peak hours.

Question 12

What is spooling in printer management?

Answer 12

Sends print tasks temporarily to disk until printer ready; managed in printer queue (pause, restart, delete jobs).

Question 13

Why is backup important and how should it be done?

Answer 13

Protects against deletion, hardware failure, theft, disasters, malware. Use external/cloud media, off-site storage, encrypted/compressed files, automated scheduling.

Question 14

: What security tools does an OS provide?

Answer 14

Access control - prevent unauthorized installations
Firewall - controls internet access
Windows Security - antivirus, account/device protection, updates, health checks.

Question 15

What factors influence computer performance?

Answer 15

Memory (RAM) - more multitasking = more RAM
CPU - speed (GHz), cores, cache size
GPU - graphics-heavy tasks
Hard drive/SSD - faster storage improves performance.

Question 16

How does malware affect computer performance?

Answer 16

Uses RAM & storage, slows internet, may turn computer into a botnet zombie.

Question 17

How can utility software help troubleshoot a computer?

Answer 17

Disk scanning - checks/fixes errors
Disk defragmentation - reorganizes files for speed
Disk Cleanup - frees space by removing temp files, unused programs.

Question 18

Where are startup instructions stored?

Answer 18

ROM chips, which retain contents when computer is off.

Question 19

What is meant by the OS platform of a computer?

Answer 19

The operating system your computer runs on, e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux.

Question 20

What are examples of operating systems on smartphones?

Answer 20

iOS (Apple), Android (Google).

Question 21

What is the difference between system software and application software?

Answer 21

System software - runs/controls computer (OS, utilities)
Application software - helps user perform tasks (Word, Photoshop).

Question 22

What are best practices for backing up files?

Answer 22

Automate backups, use external/cloud media, keep off-site, back up data only, check backups regularly.

Question 23

What are key OS security practices for users?

Answer 23

Use standard account, enable firewall, check Windows Security, avoid admin for daily use, update software.

Question 24

What is the purpose of cache memory?

Answer 24

Stores frequently/recently accessed data for faster retrieval → boosts performance.