Chapter 3

Question 1

Software

Answer 1

Programs that run on the computer.

Question 2

System Software

Answer 2

Programs that are used to run the computer, including the operating system, utilities, library routines and programming language translators.

Question 3

Application Software

Answer 3

Programs that perform a task for a user, such as word processing, timetabling, accounts or payroll.

Question 4

Operating Software

Answer 4

System software that is necessary for the computer to function.

Question 5

Utility Software

Answer 5

System software that provides other useful functions for operating the computer or performing computer-related tasks such as anti-virusprograms.

Question 6

Library Software

Answer 6

System software modules that perform frequently required tasks. They can be built into or called from other programs.

Question 7

Translators

Answer 7

System software that translates high-level programming languages intomachine code. Includes compilers and interpreters. (An assembler translates low-level assembly code into machine code.)

Question 8

Memory Management

Answer 8

One of the main functions of the operating system – allocating space in main memory to all currently running programs and their associated data, and recycling the space when they have finished.

Question 9

Peripheral

Answer 9

A device (hardware) that is connected to the CPU to provide input, outputor storage

Question 10

Peripheral Management

Answer 10

One of the main functions of the operating system – managing the input to and the output from the CPU.

Question 11

Multi-tasking

Answer 11

One of the main functions of the operating system – managing how several tasks or programs, which are all running at the same time, share the processor.

Question 12

Security

Answer 12

One of the main functions of the operating system – protecting the computer system from various hazards such as unauthorised users, viruses, hackers and accidental damage.

Question 13

User Interface

Answer 13

The method of communication between the computer and its user. Sometimes called HCI (Human-Computer Interface) or MMI (Man-Machine Interface).

Question 14

HCI

Answer 14

Human-Computer Interface: another term for user interface.

Question 15

MMI

Answer 15

Man-Machine Interface: another term for user interface.

Question 16

GUI

Answer 16

Graphical User Interface. A style of user interface, which is based on icons rather than text.

Question 17

WIMP Interface

Answer 17

Stands for: Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers. It describes a type of user interface where the user selects icons and menu items with a pointer of some kind (with a mouse, stylus or finger).

Question 18

Command-Line Interface

Answer 18

A style of user interface that is only text-based. Commands are typed in at a text prompt.

Question 19

Address

Answer 19

A numerical reference to a location in memory.

Question 20

Process

Answer 20

A program that is running in main memory.

Question 21

Virus

Answer 21

A program that is installed on a computer without your knowledge or permission with the purpose of doing harm. It includes instructions to replicate automatically on a computer and between computers.

Question 22

Antivirus Software

Answer 22

A utility program that prevents harmful programs being installed and important files being changed. The antivirus software scans all the fileson the computer periodically and if a virus does install itself, it detects and removes it.

Question 23

Firewall

Answer 23

A utility program that prevents unauthorised access to computers or a LAN from the Internet and controls what sites computers on the LAN can access.

Question 24

Spyware

Answer 24

A program that secretly records the user’s actions on the computer including passwords and personal details they type when accessing a secure site.

Question 25

Disk Defragmenter

Answer 25

A utility program that optimises the use of the hard disk space by collecting together the separate segments of each file into contiguous blocks (i.e. blocks next to each other) on the disk as well as grouping together the blocks of free space so newly saved files do not have to be fragmented (split up).

Question 26

System Cleanup

Answer 26

A utility program that deletes unnecessary files and settings to optimise the computer’s performance.

Question 27

Automatic Update

Answer 27

A utility program that, for any software already installed on the computer, will regularly check on the Internet for newer versions and updates, then download and install them.

Question 28

System Information and Diagnosis

Answer 28

A utility program that presents information about the computer hardware and usage as well as information to help diagnose problems.

Question 29

Formatting

Answer 29

A utility program that formats secondary storage devices such as hard disks, preparing them for use.

Question 30

File Transfer and File Management

Answer 30

A utility program that allows the user to create a logical view of how their files are organised using folders. Allows the user to move filesand folders, copy, paste, name and delete files and folders.

Question 31

Open Source

Answer 31

Software that is supplied with its source code. The source code can be modified and the software redistributed (as long as this too is open source).

Question 32

Licence

Answer 32

An agreement that defines the conditions for using the software.

Question 33

Freeware

Answer 33

Software that is provided free of charge under licence but without the source code. It is copyrighted and cannot be modified.

Question 34

Proprietary Software

Answer 34

Software that is copyrighted and the licence sold under a patented or trademarked name.

Question 35

Off-the-Shelf Software

Answer 35

Software that can be purchased from a High Street or online store. Not custom-written.

Question 36

Custom-Written Software

Answer 36

Software that is written for one customer’s specific requirements.