1.3 SOFTWARE Flashcards
SOFTWARE
Programs that run on a computer
PROGRAM
- Single purpose computer = MICROWAVE
- General purpose computer = TABLET
Instructions executed by computer’s processor.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Programs designed to maintain or operate a computer system
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Produce digital products (presentation, images). Carry out specific tasks not relation to OS.
OPERATING SYSTEM
2 TYPES:
- Single user OS
- Network OS
Allows user to control and manage computer’s hardware.
SINGLE USER OS
Only allows for general use. Doesn’t provide option to customize user interface for different users.
FUNCTIONS OF NETWORK OS
- Send requests to server when user logs in
- Separating user accounts
- Provide access to network storage and shared resources (EG - PRINTER)
FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM
- MEMORY MANAGEMENT
- RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
- SECURITY
- PRINT SPOOLING
MEMORY MANAGEMENT
OS allocates required amount of RAM and deals with virtual memory. When application doesn’t need memory space, OS makes space available for other apps.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Ensures resources are available when needed. System resources include internal (processor and graphics card) and external (printer). OS ensures memory is available, if it is being used OS requests a queue.
SECURITY
OS gives secure access to computer storage.
EXPLAIN 2 WAYS OF OS GIVING SECURE ACCESS TO COMPUTER STORAGE
- AUTHENTICATION - process of confirming a user is permitted to access certain file, hardware, software.
- FIREWALL - system that protects computer network from being used or looked at by unauthorized people.
PRINT SPOOLING
OS has pages ready for printer ( during large printing jobs). OS keeps each page in a queue ready for printing.
UTILITY SOFTWARE
(one form of system software)
Carries out configuration and maintenance tasks.
WHAT ARE THE CONFIGURATION AND MAINTENANCE TASKS OF UTILITY SOFTWARE?
BACKUP UTILITIES
DE-FRAGMENTATION UTILITIES
COMPRESSION UTILITIES
FORMATTING UTILITIES
BACKUP UTILITIES
Create copies of file/programs
DE-FRAGMENTATION UTILITIES
When data is stored on a hard disk, data is stored in any free open space. This means data is fragmented and is stored OUT OF ORDER. This means data needs to be retrieved from the multiple locations. Read/write heads find this data (SLOW). DISK DE-FRAGMENTERS re-order done (AUTOMATICALLY).
