Unit 4.1- Software

Question 1

What are the two types of software

Answer 1

1. Application software
2. System Software

Question 2

What are system softwares? [3]

Answer 2

1. the sevice that the computer provides
2. manages and controls the computer hardware
3. acts as a platforms to run application software

Question 3

examples of system software [4]

Answer 3

1. Operating systems (OS)- macOS
2. Utility Programs
3. Device drivers
4. Firmware

Question 4

What are compilers

Answer 4

computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language into machine code

Question 5

What are utility programs

Answer 5

Programs designed to help maintain, enhance, and troubleshoot a computer system
- antivirus, backup software, security

Question 6

What do device drivers do?

Answer 6

softwares that allow OS to communicate with hardware

Question 7

What do firmware do?

Answer 7

built-in software controlling hardware (eg. BIOS)

Question 8

What are application softwares

Answer 8

they provide services that the user requires

Question 9

examples of application softwares [3]

Answer 9

1. word processors
2. web browsers
3. games

Question 10

What is a human computer interface (OS)? [2]

Answer 10

it is necessary for human beings to communicate with a computer
- there are two types

Question 11

What is the command line interface (OS) [3]

Answer 11

1. User is in direct communication with computer.
2. user needs to learn commands and must type them in
3. time consuming, error prone

Question 12

What is graphical user interface (OS) [4]

Answer 12

1. User limited to icons shown on the screen
2. User only needs a pointing device
3. excellent interface for users with little knowledge
   (WIMP- windows, icons, menu and pinting devices)

Question 13

What is memory management (OS) [3]

Answer 13

1. management of the primary storage and the data being moved between RAM and HDD/SSD.
2. prevents two competing apllications from using same memory locations
3. it could elad to a crash or loss of data

Question 14

What is Security Management (OS) [2]

Answer 14

1. maintains and ensures the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data
2. makes sure latest vers of software is run, running antivirus software

Question 15

What is Hardware Peripheral management (OS)? [2]

Answer 15

1. uses device drivers to allow input and output to take place
2. manages queues to ensure data is managed correctly

Question 16

What is File management (OS) [2]

Answer 16

1. Performs file maintenance tasks- open/close/rename
2. it also maintains the access rights and memory allocations when being moved around

Question 17

What is Multitasking (OS)?

Answer 17

1. allows the computer to cary out more than one task simultaneously
2. makes use of priorities and interrupts

Question 18

What is Management of user accounts (OS)? [2]

Answer 18

1. allows more than one user to log into thecomputer by ensuring each user’s data is stored separately
2. an administrator oversees the management of accounts

Question 19

What is a BIOS

Answer 19

1. basic input output system
2. type of firmware (ROM)- low-level control of devices
3. tells CPU where the OS is found

Question 20

Where is the BIOS and its settings stored

Answer 20

1. BIOS stored in EEPROM
2. BIOS settings stored in CMOS

Question 21

What is the Harware’s roles in running an application [2]

Answer 21

1. CPU/RAM/Storage
2. only understands machine code and cannot directly run high-level apps

Question 22

What is the firmware’s roles in running an application

Answer 22

1. firmware is permanent software stored in non-volatile memory (ROM) runs when computer is powered on
2. starts the bootloader process

Question 23

What does the bootloader do?

Answer 23

1. checks that the hardware is working correctly
2. loads operating system onto the memory

Question 24

What is the OS’s roles in running an application [2]

Answer 24

1. Software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for running applications.
2. Allows applications to work without needing to control hardware (bridge)

Question 25

Steps to running an application [4]

Answer 25

1. the computer is switched on and the hardware powers up 2. firmware runs, performs initals checks and loads the OS on to RAM from storage 3. the OS starts and systen starts and provides services for application 4. applicatiosna dn launches on the OS (handles the communication)

Question 26

What is an interrupt

Answer 26

a signal sent to the processor that indicates an event needs immediate attention

Question 27

How is an interrupt generated (hardware) [2]

Answer 27

hardware devices (keyboards/mouses) can send interrupt signal when an action occurs - pressing a key on the keyboard

Question 28

How is an interrupt generated (software) [2]

Answer 28

software conditions- error or special instruction- can also generate and interrupt - battery needing charge

Question 29

Interrupt service routine [4]

Answer 29

1. CPU finishes current instructions 2. CPU saves current state (content of registers) to memory (to resume later) 3. CPU identifies correct interrupt service routine- deals with it 4. CPU restores saved state, continues with task

Question 30

What are results of an interrupt [3]

Answer 30

1. Urgent tasks are dealth with promptly 2. system responsiveness improves 3. some interrupts may change the program flow completely