Chapter 3 - Software

Question 1

Software

Answer 1

The programs we run on our computers, usually produced by a programming language

Question 2

Programs

Answer 2

Stored sets of instructions that are given to the processor to carry out

Question 3

System software

Answer 3

Controls the hardware, acts as an intermediary between application and hardware. It hides the complexity of hardware (programmers don’t need to worry about precise data movement) and allows user to operate the computer without writing code

Question 4

Application software

Answer 4

Handles the real world jobs

Question 5

Utility software

Answer 5

Used to maintain computer systems

Question 6

Operating system

Answer 6

A set of programs that controls hardware and lets a user interact with the computer. Also responsible for keeping track of all files in a system

Question 7

Kernel

Answer 7

Heart of the operating system, actually makes the hardware do things

Question 8

Interface

Answer 8

Boundary between human and machine, providing a place for inputs and outputs

Question 9

Shell (scripts)

Answer 9

Software that a user needs to communicate with the kernel

Question 10

GUI

Answer 10

Graphical User Interface, uses images to represent resources, files, programs and actions

Question 11

Defragmentation

Answer 11

A process used to tidy up memory in order to reduce the time taken to reach files

Question 12

Multi-tasking

Answer 12

When several programs are loaded into memory at the same time (multi-programming) and it appears to the user that they are all running at the same time

Question 13

Process

Answer 13

A program that is being executed

Question 14

Scheduler

Answer 14

Allocates time for processes according to a policy e.g. shortest first, all jobs equal time

Question 15

Hierarchical file systems

Answer 15

Stores files in directories that may include subdirectories

Question 16

File extensions

Answer 16

Indicates what type of file something is e.g. doc

Question 17

Attributes

Answer 17

Provide extra information about a file and stored with a file e.g. date and size

Question 18

Viruses

Answer 18

Programs that replicate themselves and attach themselves to legitimate files to cause harm

Question 19

Privileges

Answer 19

Rights assigned to users and groups

Question 20

Encryption

Answer 20

Transforming files so that an unauthorised person cannot understand them

Question 21

Linkers

Answer 21

Combine modules of object code (machine-level code) into a single executable program

Question 22

Interpreters

Answer 22

Convert typed commands into machine instructions that a processor understands. One instruction at the time that runs before next translation

Question 23

Custom written software

Answer 23

Software specially commissioned for a particular customer

Question 24

Off the shelf software

Answer 24

Software that can be bought from a supplier

Question 25

Open source software

Answer 25

Software that has been placed in the public domain by programmers (produced collaboratively) so the source code is publicly available

Question 26

Proprietary software

Answer 26

Software developed for profit by a company - source code not available and licence does not allow editing

Question 27

What are the advantages of using a GUI? (3)

Answer 27

1) No special training required 2) Keyboard use is limited 3) No commands to be learnt

Question 28

What is a device driver?

Answer 28

Software in a deivce that creates an interface, allows the OS to communicate with the device, allows devices to operate independently

Question 29

What should a multi-programming OS do? (3)

Answer 29

1) Make sure the CPU is used as much as possible 2) Try and speed up all tasks 3) Share resources fairly between tasks

Question 30

What jobs does an OS do? (8)

Answer 30

1) Controls hardware (hides complexities) 2) Provides interface 3) Memory management 4) File tracking 5) Authentication of users 6) Utilities 7) Allows user to operate without coding 8) Sets attributes to files for users e.g. read only

Question 31

What harm can viruses cause? (3)

Answer 31

1) File damage 2) Take control of a computer 3) Retrieve confidential info

Question 32

What are examples of utilities software?

Answer 32

Antivirus, firewall, disk organisation, system maintenance - clear away redundant files, system information - checks for problems on secondary storage, automatic updates

Question 33

What are the advantages of custom written software? (5)

Answer 33

1) Exact features required 2) Maintenance contract possible 3) Developer can be contacted 4) Should not require special adaptations 5) Compatible with hardware

Question 34

What are the disadvantages of custom written software? (3)

Answer 34

1) Not tested as much 2) Expensive 3) Long time to develop

Question 35

What are the advantages of off the shelf software? (4)

Answer 35

1) Ready immediately 2) Extensive testing 3) Forums of customers that can help 4) Cheaper

Question 36

What are the disadvantages of off the shelf software? (3)

Answer 36

1) Might not be exactly what needed 2) May need extensive customisation 3) Hard to look for trainers

Question 37

What are the advantages of open source software? (3)

Answer 37

1) Free 2) Can be altered 3) Reliable - many people contribute

Question 38

What are the disadvantages of open source software? (3)

Answer 38

1) No one to contact 2) Tech knowledge needed to adapt 3) Easy to get viruses

Question 39

What are the advantages of propriety software? (3)

Answer 39

1) Someone to contact with problems 2) Tested 3) Regular updates

Question 40

What are the disadvantages of propriety software? (3)

Answer 40

1) Expensive 2) Deliberate incompatibilities 3) Infelxible

Question 41

Why is command line used? (3)

Answer 41

1) Can group commands 2) More control 3) Quicker