Chapter 3: Software Flashcards
What is Application Software?
Software that allows individuals to complete a variety of work and school related tasks. Entertainment software and most mobile apps are also in this category.
What is System Software?
Any program created for the operation, maintenance, and security of a computer.
What is an Operating System (OS)?
Software that manages the flow of data between hardware components and allows the user to communicate with the computer.
What is the Boot Process?
The start-up process of a computer, which includes loading the operating system from the disk.
What is a Command-line Interface?
A way to interact with computers that requires users to memorize and type a series of commands.
What are Device Drivers?
Programs that allow operating systems to communicate with hardware.
What are Utilities?
Programs that enhance or extend the operating system’s capabilities or offer new features not provided by the operating system itself.
What is Malware?
A generic term to describe various kinds of malicious programs created to harm a computer or stealvaluable information.
What is a Firewall?
A software utility dedicated to examining and blocking internet traffic.
What is a Virtual Machine?
A special enviroment that allows users to run an operating system on top of another operating system.
What is Formatting?
The process of preparing a storage device for use by an operating system.
What is Partitioning?
Dividing a hard drive into multiple sections.
What is Disk Defragmentation?
An optimization utility that reorganizes files and fragments to place related ones nearer to each other.
What is the Root Directory?
The location on a drive that is outside of any folders or directories.
What is a File Extension?
A short, unique sequence of characters located after a file’s name that indicate the file type.
