1.5 Systems Software

Question 1

Operating System (OS)

Answer 1

The essential system software that links the hardware and other software together and generally manages the computer system.

Question 2

Functions of the Operating System

Answer 2

Provides a User Interface.
Memory management + Multitasking.
Peripheral management.
User management.
File management.

Question 3

User Interface (UI)

Answer 3

The interface provided to a user to interact with a computer system.

Question 4

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Answer 4

Text and command based.
Less resource heavy compared to a GUI.
Efficient.
For advanced users.

Question 5

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Answer 5

Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers (WIMP).
Visual/Graphical.
Interactive.
Optimised for mouse and touch gesture input.

Question 6

Multitasking

Answer 6

Running multiple applications at the same time by giving each application a small time-slice of processor time. This allows more than one program to be held in memory at a time, and data shared between them such as copy and paste.

Question 7

Memory Management

Answer 7

The OS organises the allocation and management of memory when a user loads a program.
Overtime the memory becomes fragmented due to programs being loaded and closed that require different amounts of memory. It keeps track of different program fragments.
When the memory is full, the operating system uses virtual memory.

Question 8

Peripheral Management

Answer 8

Process that allows a computer’s external devices to communicate with the computer system.
The OS uses Device Drivers – programs that translate peripheral commands into commands that the hardware understands.

Question 9

User Management

Answer 9

Manages the usernames/passwords of each user and access rights for security.

Question 10

File Management

Answer 10

Maintains records of all files stored in secondary storage, including location. It allows users to name, save, move, delete and create folders.

Question 11

Encryption Software

Answer 11

Encrypts and decrypts files to ensure security.

Question 12

Defragmentation

Answer 12

Overtime memory becomes scattered due to programs being loaded and closed that require different amounts of memory (fragmentation).
Defragging a disk reorganises separated fragments of related data, so they can be accessed faster.

Question 13

Data Compression

Answer 13

Reducing the size of a file so that it takes up less space, and is quicker to download over the Internet.