1.5 – Systems software

Question 1

What is systems software

Answer 1

. Systems Software runs the computer
hardware and applications. It allows the user to interact with the hardware and applications
and allows the user to actually use the computer.

Question 2

the two types of systems software

Answer 2

-Operating System
▪ Utility System Software (Utilities for short)

Question 3

What is the role of an Operating System (OS) in a computer system

Answer 3

An Operating System (OS) serves as the backbone and core software of any computer system. It controls the computer, managing hardware, the user interface, and other software running on the computer.

Question 4

What are the six key functions or components that an Operating System is responsible for?

Answer 4

-Memory Management
-User Interface
-Multitasking
-Peripheral Management
-User Management
-File Management

Question 5

What is Memory Management in the context of an Operating System

Answer 5

Memory Management in the context of an Operating System (OS) involves the management of data transfer between memory units, including RAM (Random Access Memory), CPU, and storage devices (e.g., hard drive). The OS oversees the loading of programs from the hard drive to RAM, and it also manages the storage location of these programs within RAM once loaded.

Question 6

What is User Interface, and why is it essential

Answer 6

User Interface is the means by which the Operating System (OS) provides users with a way to interact with and control the computer. It is crucial for users to control and utilize the computer effectively

Question 7

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

Answer 7

Users navigate the computer’s features and applications through menus, icons, and lists. An example is Windows.

Question 8

Command Line

Answer 8

Users input specific commands in a text format to control and use the computer. These commands often resemble code and must be accurate for the computer to respond.

Question 9

Voice Control

Answer 9

Users control the computer using their voice, providing commands verbally. The computer processes and executes the commands. Siri is given as an example of Voice Control.

Question 10

GUI adv and disadv

Answer 10

Advantages: Easy to use with icons, menus, and buttons; No prior experience required.
Disadvantages: Consumes a large amount of storage space due to the extensive use of icons, menus, and buttons.

Question 11

command line adv and disadv

Answer 11

Advantages: Takes up minimal storage space; Simple.
Disadvantages: Difficult to use, requires specific commands; Training and practice needed.

Question 12

voice control adv and disadv

Answer 12

Advantages: Allows control without additional peripherals; Suitable for people with disabilities.
Disadvantages: Consumes a significant amount of storage space; Not always accurate in recognizing and executing user commands.

Question 13

What is Multitasking

Answer 13

when the OS enables the simultaneous execution of more than one program. The OS achieves this by allocating processing time to each open program. It allows users to have multiple programs running concurrently, enhancing efficiency and convenience.without multitasking, users would be limited to running only one program at a time.

Question 14

What is Peripheral Management

Answer 14

the OS overseeing input and output devices connected to the computer, such as the keyboard and mouse. For the OS to effectively manage peripherals, it requires an understanding of the instructions received from these devices.

Question 15

Device driver

Answer 15

” a software piece installed to enable proper functionality of a peripheral device on a computer. Device drivers contain instructions facilitating the connection and data exchange between the peripheral device and the computer. Without the appropriate driver, a peripheral device cannot function.

Question 16

what else does the os provide in peripheral management

Answer 16

the OS provides “buffers,” small temporary storage areas that hold data while it is processed by the device., buffers
are used in printing. Imagine you send 10 documents to print, they can’t all be printed at the
same time, so a queue is formed. The OS will create printing buffers enabling the print jobs to
be stored and queued until the printer can complete the job.

Question 17

What is User Management

Answer 17

the system’s capability to enable different users to log onto the same computer while preserving individual settings for each account, including desktop backgrounds, file access permissions, and program preferences.

Question 18

What functionalities does User Management offer within the OS?

Answer 18

the creation of new accounts on the device, along with the configuration of access rights, permissions, and security settings for each user.

Question 19

How does User Management handle users connected to a network?

Answer 19

may have a fixed profile imposed on a user, and login requests may be managed by the network instead. This ensures a standardized experience, as illustrated by school computers that automatically provide a set background and desktop icons upon login, which users cannot change.

Question 20

What is the significance of User Management in maintaining a secure and organized computing environment?

Answer 20

User Management is crucial for ensuring a secure and organized computing environment where multiple users share the same system. It helps manage individual user configurations and access permissions while allowing for the creation of new accounts with specific settings.

Question 21

Can users alter their settings in situations where a fixed profile is imposed, as mentioned in the example of school computers?

Answer 21

No, in scenarios where a fixed profile is imposed, such as when logging into school computers, users are automatically provided with a set background and list of desktop icons that cannot be changed.

Question 22

What is File Management

Answer 22

the system’s provision of a logical structure for the storage of data, offering users files to store data and the ability to create organized folder structures.

Question 23

How does File Management help organize data within the computer system?

Answer 23

allows users to create folders and store files in a structured manner, facilitating the organization and retrieval of data in an orderly fashion.

Question 24

What role does file extension play in File Management?

Answer 24

Each file is assigned a specific extension by the OS, indicating the type of file and the associated application for opening it. For example, a Word document might have the extension .docx, specifying that it should be opened in word processing software like Microsoft Word.

Question 25

an example of how file extensions work in File Management?

Answer 25

For instance, a slideshow presentation file may have the extension .pptx, indicating that it is a presentation file meant to be opened in slideshow presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

Question 26

How does File Management contribute to a more efficient and organized use of computer resources?

Answer 26

enhances efficiency by providing a systematic approach to storing and accessing data. It ensures that files are logically arranged, making it easier for users to locate and work with their data based on the file types and associated applications.

Question 27

What is the purpose of Utility System Software, or Utilities, in a computer system?

Answer 27

Utilities assist users in managing their computers by maintaining, configuring, and optimizing both hardware and applications, ensuring efficient system performance.

Question 28

Why are Utilities essential for a computer system’s efficiency?

Answer 28

While a computer can function without Utilities, these tools are crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Without Utilities, computers may slow down, leading to user stress and operational issues.

Question 29

examples of different types of Utilities?

Answer 29

Some types of Utilities include Encryption Software, Defragmentation Software, and Data Compression Software.

Question 30

In what ways do Utilities contribute to system maintenance and efficiency?

Answer 30

Utilities support system maintenance by regularly checking for software updates, performing system clean-ups to remove unnecessary files, and enabling data backup processes.

Question 31

How does Utility Software assist in software updates?

Answer 31

Utility Software regularly checks for updates to applications on the computer and notifies the user when updates are available, ensuring that software remains current and secure.

Question 32

What is the role of Utility Software in system clean-up?

Answer 32

Utility Software conducts system clean-ups by identifying and removing old and unused files from storage, optimizing the system’s performance. This includes deleting old installation files that are no longer necessary.

Question 33

Explain the concept of data backup and its importance.

Answer 33

Data backup involves creating a copy of data and storing it in another location, such as an external hard drive. This practice ensures that if the original data is lost or damaged, it can be restored from the backup. This is crucial for preventing data loss in the event of system or storage media damage.

Question 34

What is encryption, and how does it work in terms of data protection?

Answer 34

Encryption involves scrambling data into a secret code, making it unreadable without a master key. Only the sender and receiver possess this key, preventing unauthorized access and understanding of the data.

Question 35

Why is the master key essential in encryption?

Answer 35

The master key is crucial as it allows for the decryption of the scrambled data. Without this key, it is practically impossible to understand the encrypted information.

Question 36

How do devices ensure they have the correct master key before sending encrypted data?

Answer 36

Prior to sending encrypted data, both devices involved in the communication process verify that they possess the correct master key. This ensures a secure and successful encryption and decryption process.

Question 37

Is Encryption Software typically part of Utility Software, or can it also run independently?

Answer 37

Encryption Software can be part of Utility Software, providing users with tools for encryption. Additionally, there are standalone software applications dedicated to encryption, offering users an independent means of securing their data.

Question 38

Why is encryption considered an essential security measure

Answer 38

Encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information during transmission. It adds a layer of security, especially in scenarios where data may be vulnerable to interception or hacking

Question 39

What is fragmentation, and how does it affect computer systems?

Answer 39

when data from the same file is split up and scattered across the hard drive.doesn’t harm the system but can lead to decreased efficiency and performance slowdown.

Question 40

What is the process of defragmentation, and why is it performed on hard drives?

Answer 40

Defragmentation is the reorganization of data stored on a hard drive to optimize space usage. It ensures that data linked to the same file is rearranged, consolidating it and improving access speed. The goal is to make better use of space and enhance overall system performance

Question 41

How does fragmentation impact computer performance?

Answer 41

While fragmentation itself doesn’t harm the computer system, it can lead to decreased efficiency and slower performance. Accessing fragmented data takes longer, causing delays in overall system responsiveness.

Question 42

Why is defragmentation important for hard drives?

Answer 42

Defragmentation is essential to maintain optimal hard drive performance. By reorganizing data and grouping related information together, it improves access speed and overall efficiency, mitigating the impact of fragmentation.

Question 43

What is the purpose of reorganizing data during the defragmentation process?

Answer 43

During defragmentation, the purpose is to reorganize data so that it is located together, making access quicker and more efficient. This optimization ensures that related data fragments are consolidated, reducing access times for improved performance.

Question 44

How does defragmentation contribute to making better use of hard drive space?

Answer 44

Defragmentation rearranges data on the hard drive, optimizing the space and ensuring that related data is grouped together. This process makes the best use of available space, preventing unnecessary fragmentation and enhancing storage efficiency.