1.2.2. Applications Software

Question 1

What is the difference between applications and systems software?

Answer 1

applications software is utilised directly by the end-user where as systems software ensures the high performance of the computer

Question 2

What are 3 examples of utilities?

Answer 2

1. compression<br></br>2. disk defragmentation<br></br>3. antiviris

Question 3

What are 3 advantages of using closed source code?

Answer 3

1. thorough, regular and well-tested updates<br></br>2. expert support and user manuals from company<br></br>3. high levels of security as it is developed in a professional, controlled environment

Question 4

What are 3 features of open source code?

Answer 4

1. does not require a license to be used<br></br>2. can be modified and sold<br></br>3. distributed with the source code

Question 5

What are 2 advantages of using compiled code over interpreted code?

Answer 5

1. faster to execute<br></br>2. does not require a compiler to run

Question 6

What are 3 advantages of using interpreted code over compiled code?

Answer 6

1. it is platform independent<br></br>2. runs instantly without having to wait for compilation<br></br>3. useful for debugging

Question 7

What is an assembly language? (2 things)

Answer 7

• a low-level language, that almost has a one-to-one relationship with machine code<br></br>- it is platform specific

Question 8

What are the 4 stages of compilation in order?

Answer 8

1. lexical analysis<br></br>2. syntax analysis<br></br>3. code generation<br></br>4. optimisation

Question 9

What 4 things happen during syntax analysis?

Answer 9

1. tokens are compared to the rules of the programming language<br></br>2. syntax errors are identified<br></br>3. symbol table is updated with more details<br></br>4. semantic field analysis (finding logic errors)

Question 10

What is a similarity between static and dynamic linkers?

Answer 10

they link external modules and libraries to main program

Question 11

What is a difference between static and dynamic linkers?

Answer 11

for static linkers: <br></br>- library code is copied into the file. <br></br>- the file size increases<br></br><br></br>for dynamic linkers: <br></br>- addresses of libraries are included within file. <br></br>- external updates are automatically fed through to main program

Question 12

What are 3 advantages of using libraries?

Answer 12

1. error- free<br></br>2. save time<br></br>3. reusable

Question 13

What is the function of a loader?

Answer 13

provided by the OS, a loader retrieves the library or subroutine from the given memory location

Question 14

What are the 3 purposes of the optimation stage of compilation?

Answer 14

1. reduce execution time<br></br>2. reduce inefficient sections of code<br></br>3. remove redundant code