1.5 System Software

Question 1

Define operating system

Answer 1

A piece of software responsible for running the computer. It manages: memory/multitasking, users, files, device drivers, and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, IOS, Mac, Android.

Question 2

Define memory management/ multitasking

Answer 2

The CPU processes one application at a time. Other processes have to wait.
Each task is given a small time slice by the processor.
The OS divide CPU time between open applications.

Question 3

Define user management

Answer 3

The OS is responsible for user account control. This allows different users to be given access to specific data or resources on a computer system.

Question 4

Define file management

Answer 4

The OS is responsible for fall management – the organisation of data into a usable hierarchical structure. Deals with naming, moving, deleting, saving data.

Question 5

Define device drivers

Answer 5

Every piece of hardware connected to the computer system requires a device driver. Drivers act as a translator between the OS and the hardware.

Question 6

Define user interface

Answer 6

The user interface allows the user to interact with a computer system. The most common type of UI is a graphical user interface.

Question 7

Define utilities

Answer 7

Utility software is system software that helps to maintain or configure computer. Many useful utilities are installed with the operating system. Utility software interacts with the computers hardware. Utility programs are built in the Operating System.

Question 8

Define encryption

Answer 8

Encryption software scrambles data. The main benefit of encryption is that if data is intercepted or stolen, the data is still secure.

Question 9

Define defragmentation

Answer 9

Files are stored in a hard disk in available spaces. Over time the disk becomes fragmented. Defrag software reorganises the data to put complete files back together.

Question 10

Define compression

Answer 10

Compression software reduces the file size so that they take up less space and are quicker to download.

Question 11

Define peripheral management

Answer 11

OS manage the way in which hardware interacts with software. A peripheral is a piece of hardware that is not directly connected to the CPU e.g keyboard or mouse.