5. System Software Flashcards
Backup software - role
Makes regular copies of the data stored on a disc
Allows user to decide which files to backup, where to store the backup and how frequently to backup
Defragmentation software role, how works, as a result
Rearranges data on a disc that’s fragmented, making it more efficient
- identifies where gaps begin to appear as files are added and deleted
- moves files around to make sections contiguous
As a result files can be loaded more quickly (don’t have to jump around)
Compression software role and how works
Reduces file sizes for storage or transmission
Restores compressed files to original size
System monitoring software role and how works
Allows performance details to be displayed e.g. activities of users, applications running, memory and power usage
Task management software role and how works
Monitors performance and resources used by currently running tasks
Disc scanning and repair software
Finds faulty parts of a disc and try to repair it:
Checks hard drive for errors, moves data to undamaged section of disc, fix the error, remove faulty data so it can’t be used again
Types of utility software (8)
👩💻virus scanners
👩💻 firewalls
👩💻defragmentation software
👩💻compression software
👩💻 system monitoring software
👩💻task management
👩💻disc scanning and repair software
👩💻backup software
What is Utility software
Does housekeeping jobs to keep computer running efficiently
Virus scanner- role and how works
Keeps computer safe from virus attacks
- scan computers files
- quarantines potential viruses
- informs user
- continually updates itself to remain useful
Firewall role and how works
Prevents hackers from accessing the system
- monitors data traffic
- blocks data from unknown sources
- allows user to define rules for which sites are allowed & not
What is the operating system
Software/a suite of programs that manages the computer system and its resources
How does the OS manage resources (7)
👉manages peripherals such as input and output devices
👉 manages printing using spooling
👉 manages backing store
👉 manages memory (RAM)
👉 manages utility programs
👉 manages processes that are running
👉 manages security
Two types of user interface
GUI (graphical user interface)
CLI (command line interface)
What is a GUI and what does it contain
Intuitive user friendly interface
Window, icon, menu, pointer
What is a CLI and what functions can it perform
User can type in simple commands
Copy files, delete files, move files to different folders, sort files into order, search for a file
