1.7 | Systems Software Flashcards
What is meant by system software?
A type of software that controls the computer’s hardware.
What is an Operating System (OS) ?
Software that allows the computer to run applications and controls the operations of a computer.
OS are sometimes referred to as a platform. What is meant by a platform?
An environment where applications, programs and software can run.
What is the purpose of the kernel in an OS?
It is used to operate the hardware and connect applications to the hardware.
What is meant by a user interface?
A computer design that allows the user to interact with the computer.
What is meant by a Graphic User Interface (GUI) ?
A user interface that uses graphics / images and words to represent the interaction between the end user and a computer.
How is a Command Line Interface (CLI) used?
The user provides a text command using the computer keyboard and the computer outputs text on the monitor.
What is meant by a multitasking operating system?
The fact that multiple instructions can be executed on a single computer simultaneously.
Windows is a commonly used OS. Name 3 others.
- iOS
- Linux
- Android
Describe what is meant by memory management?
It is the process of controlling the computer’s memory to optimise its system performance. Memory management is used to allocate free memory to programs that need it and free up memory where it is not needed.
Describe what is meant by peripheral management.
It allows a computer’s external devices (mouse, keyboard) to communicate with the computer system by sending commands to them (the external devices).
What is the purpose of a device driver?
It is a program that enables the computers’ devices to communicate with the computer.
In a network, what is meant by user management?
An authentication feature of a computer that allows an administrator to be added or amend user details on a network.
What is meant by file management?
A system that is used by the OS to organise and keep track of files.
What is meant when a message is described as encrypted?
When a scrambled message is sent from on computer to another computer and is only able to be unscrambled by using a private key.
What is the purpose of encryption software?
It is software that encrypts and decrypts files on a hard disk or data packets over a network.
Describe how an encrypted email message is sent and received.
The original message is scrambled using a large digital key. The receiver will use the key to unscramble and then received the original message.
What is a disadvantage of always sending encrypted messages?
It takes longer for messages to be sent and received since it needs to be scrambled and then unscrambled.
What is the encryption method used by web browsers to encrypt details of purchases?
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
What is meant by defragmentation?
The fact that when files are deleted they leave gaps, when new files are saved the files fill the gaps and become fragmented.
What is meant be data compression?
When a device uses fewer bits to transmit the same amount of data.
What is meant by a full backup?
When data from all files and folders are backed up.
What is meant by an incremental backup?
It stores the changes made since the last backup.
Give 2 advantages for making an incremental backup instead of a full backup.
- It takes less time to backup.
- It takes up less memory.
