4.6 Fundamentals of computer systems

Question 1

What is meant by application software?

Answer 1

Designed to perform task that a user wants to complete

Question 2

What is meant by system software?

Answer 2

designed to cover technical aspects of setting up, running and maintaining a computer system
Provides a platform for application software

Question 3

What are the different types of application software?

Answer 3

General purpose - used for a variety of tasks
Special purpose - used for one particular task
Bespoke - developed to meet users specific requirements

Question 4

What are different types of system software?

Answer 4

Operating system
Utility software
Libraries
Translators

Question 5

What is an operating system?

Answer 5

Controls the operations of computer hardware

Question 6

What is utility software?

Answer 6

Software that is used to support the efficient running of a computer system

Question 7

What is a library?

Answer 7

Collection of prewritten instructions that can be repurposed for other use in other programs

Question 8

What is a translator?

Answer 8

Software tools that are used to convert program code from one format into another

Question 9

What are the three types of translators?

Answer 9

Compiler
Interpreter
Assembler

Question 10

What is a compiler?

Answer 10

A translator that converts high level language to machine code

Question 11

What is an interpreter?

Answer 11

A translator which checks a source program for syntax errors line by line, translates it to machine code and executes the line

Question 12

What is an assembler?

Answer 12

Converts assembly language into machine code

Question 13

What is the role of an OS?

Answer 13

Hides the complexities of the hardware

Handles resource management: management of the available hardware and software to optimise performance

Question 14

What is hardware?

Answer 14

Physical components of a computer system

Question 15

What is software?

Answer 15

Programs that provide the instructions to control the computer hardware components

Question 16

What are low-level languages considered to be?

Answer 16

Machine code

Assemble language

Question 17

What is machine code?

Answer 17

Low level language written in binary that is directly understood by the CPU

Question 18

What is assembly language?

Answer 18

Low level language consisting of a set of mnemonic instructions that represent the binary equivalent in machine code

Question 19

What are advantages of low level over high level languages?

Answer 19

Low level can be executed quicker as high level needs to be translated into machine code first

Assembly language programs are suitable for low memory embedded systems

Question 20

What are disadvantages of low level over high level languages?

Answer 20

More difficult to write programs in low level
Low level languages are not portable as they are specific to a particular instruction set
Low level do not have libraries unlike high level

Question 21

What is a D-type flip-flop?

Answer 21

A sequential logic circuit used to store a single bit

Has two stable states which can be flipped between using an input signal

Question 22

What is de morgans law?

Answer 22

Two NOTs cancel out a NOT

If You split a NOT you have to switch the sign from . to + or the other way around