4.6.1 Hardware and Software Flashcards
Define Hardware.
The physical components of a computer system, including both external (peripheral) and internal (processing and storage) parts.
Define Software.
Any program or collection of instructions and data that can be run and processed by a computer system.
What are the 2 types of software?
System Software and Application Software.
What are the 4 types of system software?
Operating System,
Utility Programs,
Library Programs,
Translators.
What are the 3 types of application software?
General Purpose,
Special Purpose,
Bespoke.
Define Application Software.
A program that can be run on a computer, allowing the user to carry out specific tasks.
What is the difference between the 3 types of application software?
- General purpose application software: (off the shelf)
software that can be used for a variety of tasks.
e.g word processing software, presentation software, web browser. - Special purpose application software:
software that can only be used for one particular task.
e.g scientific calculators -> can’t do tasks such as writing. - Bespoke application software:
software developed to meet the user’s specific requirements, or tailor made software.
e.g touchscreen kiosk at restaurants.
What are the advantages of each application software type?
General Purpose:
- Cheap
- Available to purchase right away
Special Purpose:
- increased efficiency and productivity
- reduce errors
Bespoke:
- tailor made to meet the user’s needs
- performs exactly what is being requested when being made
What are the disadvantages of each type of application software?
General Purpose:
- less efficient as many features that may be unnecessary or complex
- may not perfectly align with user’s specific needs
Special Purpose:
- limited functionality
- lack of flexibility (compared to general purpose)
- may not be suitable for other purposes
Bespoke:
- Expensive
- Takes time to develop the application software
- May be complex to manage and maintain
Define System Software.
A program designed to cover technical aspects of setting up, running and maintaining a computer system, and providing a platform for application software.
Define Operating System.
A set of programs managing the operation of the computer that is loaded into RAM every time the computer is turned on. It bridges the user to the hardware.
How does the Operating System hide the complexities of hardware from the user?
The OS acts as a middleman, hiding the complex workings of hardware from both the user and the application.
The OS provides API (Application Programming Interface) allowing users to issue commands or clicking mouse or buttons to perform complex operations without knowing how they are carried out.
Takes the user’s request to the OS and back.
What are the main tasks of an OS?
- Memory Management
- Resource Management
- Processor Scheduling
- Provision of a user interface
- Peripheral and IO devices management
- Security
- Handling Interrupts
Define Memory Management
Recording how memory in the computer is divided and identified so that memory is allocated efficiently between processes that are running.
Define Resource Management.
The collective efficient management of the available hardware and software to optimise the performance of the computer system.
Define Scheduling.
Allocating processor time to each application to ensure processor time is used as efficiently as possible when multitasking.
What are the 3 types of scheduling algorithms?
- Round Robin
- Shortest Job Next
- Priority System
What does the user interface do?
The users of the computer interact with the computer and receive information that it processes. Allowing users to interact with the computer or application.
e.g Graphical User Interface (WIMP), Command Line Interface.
Define Peripheral IO device management.
Ensuring efficient communication with devices and managing functionality issues.
It checks that a required output device is switched on and ready to receive data.
Define Security.
The OS manages security by limiting access to resources and suppressing software errors that could hamper system performance. And also through the use of permissions and passwords.
The OS is also responsible for installing system updates which includes security patches, bug fixes and system enhancements to ensure the system runs smoothly and securely.
Define Handling Interrupts.
Dealing with requests that disrupt the processor’s work.
Define Utility Programs.
A program made to perform a generic or common task that is routinely executed by a user, related to analysing, configuring or optimizing.
Define Translators.
A program which converts code from one computer language to another.
What are the types of translators ?
- Assemblers
- Compilers
- Interpreters
What does an Assembler do?
A translator in low level language, which converts assembly language into machine code.
What does a Compiler do?
A translator that converts high level language to machine code.
(all in one go and produces an executable).
What does an Interpreter do?
A translator which checks a source program for syntax errors line by line, translates it to machine code and executes the line.
Define Libraries.
A collection of programs which are already compiled and can be loaded into a program and run whenever required.
