6.1 Hardware and Software

Question 1

Define Hardware

Answer 1

the physical components of the computer system. Include both internal and external components of a computer system

Question 2

Define Software

Answer 2

The name given to program code. Sequences of instructions which are executed in order to perform a task

Question 3

Define Application software

Answer 3

the name given to the programs that complete a specific task for the user.

Question 4

What does System software do? (Examples)

Answer 4

Operates, control and maintains the computer and its components.
includes the computer’s operating system as well as the categories utility programs, library programs and translators

Question 5

what does the Operating System within a computer do?

Answer 5

Allows its user to control the computer with ease.
Provides a virtual machine, hiding the complexity of the computer from the user.
It manages and controls the computers resources, such as memory management, processor scheduling and handling interrupts.

Question 6

What do utility programs do in a computer?

Answer 6

Used for completing housekeeping tasks such as
data backup, defragmenting hard drives, data compression and encryption.

Question 7

What do Library programs do in a computer?

Answer 7

Contain useful functions that are frequently used by a program.
Used by programmers to simplify process of application development
Must be imported with program code

Question 8

What do Translators do in a computer and the 3 types?

Answer 8

Pieces of software which translate between different types of language.
3 types of translators: compilers, assemblers and interpreters.