application software pmt flashcards

Question 1

what is the difference between applications and system software

Answer 1

applications software is utilised directly by the end user whereas systems software ensures the high performance of the computer

Question 2

give three examples of utilities

Answer 2

-compression
-disk defragmentation
-antivirus
-automatic backup
-automatic updating

Question 3

give one advantage of using closed source code

Answer 3

-thorough,regular and well tested updates
-exert support and user manuals from company
-high levels of security as it is developed in a professional controlled environment

Question 4

state two features of open source code

Answer 4

-does not require a license to be used
-distributing with the source code
-can be modified and sold on

Question 5

give two advantage of using compiled code over interpreted code

Answer 5

faster to execute and does not require compiler to run

Question 6

give two advantages of using interpreted code over compiled code

Answer 6

is platform independent ,runs instantly without time waiting for compilation , useful for debugging

Question 7

what is assembly language

Answer 7

a low level language that has almost a one to one relationship with machine code. it platform specific

Question 8

what are the stages of compilation

Answer 8

lexical analysis, syntax analysis, code generation, optimisation

Question 9

what happens during syntax analysis

Answer 9

tokens are compared to the rules of the programming language
-syntax errors are identified
-symbol table updated with more details
-semantic analysis

Question 10

what are the similarities and differences between static and dynamic linkers

Answer 10

similarities:both link external modules and libraries to main program
-static:library code copied into the file.File size increased
-dynamic: addresses of libraries included within the file.External updates automatically feed through the main program

Question 11

give three advantages of using libraries

Answer 11

-error free
-save time
-re usable
-no need to reinvent the wheel
-designed by experts

Question 12

describe the function of a loader

Answer 12

provided by the operating system , a loader retrieves the library or subroutine from the given memory location

Question 13

what is the purpose of the optimisation stage of compilation

Answer 13

reduce execution time, reduce inefficient sections of code, remove redundant code