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Computing > Chapter 3- Software > Flashcards

Chapter 3- Software Flashcards

1
Q

Name some multi-purpose devices?

A

Laptop, tablet computer, desktop, PC and phones.

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2
Q

Name some multi-purpose secondary storage?

A
  • A hard disk
  • A memory stick
  • An SD card
  • An optical disk
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3
Q

What is a dedicated system?

A

It has software installed on a chip, has a specific job and is only changed when updated.

E.g. A washing machine

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4
Q

State two reasons why an operating system is necessary in a computer.

A
  • Hides complexity

- User doesn’t have to learn to code

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5
Q

Name the software types?

A
  • System software
  • Application software
  • Utility software
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6
Q

Explain the relationship between an application and an operating system

A

The Op system is the middle man between the hardware and the application. This means the application programmers do not need to worry about how the hardware works, which the kernel does in the op system,

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7
Q

Why do we need system software?

A
  • Too control the hardware

- So application programmers can focus on app development rather than controlling the hardware

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8
Q

What is the kernel?

A

The part of the Op system that actually makes the hardware do things.

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9
Q

What is a user interface software?

A

It lets the user give commands, ask questions and display answers.

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10
Q

Who typically uses command-line interfaces?

A

Technicians and programmers

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11
Q

What is a command-line interface?

A

It requires users to type commands and these are translated for the computer.

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12
Q

What does GUI stand for?

A

Graphical User Interface

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13
Q

Why are Graphical user interfaces useful?

A
  • Intuitive
  • No special training needed
  • No commands needed to be learned
  • Useful for when a keyboard is not handy
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14
Q

Name some features that are easy to access using a graphical user interface?

A
  • Selecting software
  • Selecting files
  • Sending messages
  • Controlling sound volumes
  • Connecting to wifi
  • Deleting files
  • Moving files
  • Checking battery state
  • Updating software
  • Installing new software
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15
Q

Why is it difficult to make good speech inputs?

A

It can vary because of:

  • Accent
  • Speed of talking
  • Dialect used
  • Clarity of diction
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16
Q

What is a program called when being executed?

A

A process

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17
Q

What is virtual memory?

A

It uses secondary storage to swap in and out parts of larger programs not being used.

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18
Q

What is a file?

A

A named store of data on secondary storage medium from data files to program files and configuration data.

19
Q

What happens when you save a file?

A

The op system looks up where there is free space on the medium. It writes the data to the medium and makes a record of where it is located. Next time you need the file, the op system looks up its location, finds it and retired it.

20
Q

What is secondary storage divided into?

A

Segments

21
Q

Due to file size files are usually split up into what across many segments?

A

Blocks

22
Q

What are pointers used for?

A

Each block from a file contains information about the location of the other. It works like a treasure hunt until the whole file is recovered.

23
Q

What is defragmentation?

A

It tidy’s up the disk so file blocks can be moved around next to each other to make the process faster.

24
Q

What do device drivers do?

A
  • Monitors the inputs and outputs and accommodates them.
  • creates an interface so that the programmers don’t need to worry about the peculiarities of the device.
  • Allows an operating system to communicate with the device
  • allows to operate independently from each other.
25
Q

When multitasking do processes run at the same time?

A

No. It shifts its attention between the processes very fast.

26
Q

What must a multiprogramming op system do?

A
  • Make sure that the CPU is in use as much of the time as possible
  • Try to speed up the operation of all tasks
  • Share resources fairly between tasks
27
Q

What might be a possible schedule policy?

A
  • Shortest job first
  • Round the robin (all jobs get equal time)
  • First come first serve
  • Priorities
28
Q

Explain what file attributes are.

A

Attributes provide extra information about a file.

Give an example (eg. File size)

29
Q

State three common file attributes.

A
  • who created it
  • who can view it or edit it
  • whether it is read-only
  • whether it is hidden
  • date it was last accessed
  • date it was last changed
  • size of file
  • whether it has been backed up
30
Q

What is a file system?

A

Organised files on secondary storage usually in a hierarchical system. Files are stored in directories and directories can include subdirectories.

31
Q

Name three file extensions.

A
  • doc
  • pdf
  • html
  • xls
  • mdb
  • exe
  • jpg
  • MP3
32
Q

Explain what users privileges are.

A

User privileges are the rights assigned to users and groups such as who can read, write or run certain programs.

33
Q

Explain how op system determines a users privileges.

A

An operating system determines a users privileges from authentication by checking users ID for what privileges they have and a password to confirm it.

34
Q

What are viruses?

A

They are programs that replicate themselves and attach themselves to legitimate programs. They can damage files, take control of a computer and retrieve confidential data.

35
Q

What are editors?

A

they are cut down word processors. They allow text files to be created, saved, read and changed.

36
Q

What is an example editor?

A
  • Notepad (windows)
  • Notepad (yahoo)
  • Vi (Unix)
  • Nano (Unix equivalents)
37
Q

Name three common utilities supplied with most op systems.

A
  • Anti virus software (to battle viruses)
  • Firewall (to monitor traffic entering and leaving a system and stopping unauthorised personals)
  • system clean up tools (like Ccleaner to remove unnecessary data)
38
Q

Explain why many operating systems have automatic update features.

A
  • To get rid of bugs
  • operating efficiency is improved
  • fix security loopholes
  • regularly checks for viruses protecting the computer.
39
Q

Name three application examples.

A
  • word processor
  • autopilots
  • traffic light controls
  • payroll processing
  • hotel booking systems
  • train lookup programs
  • bar code readers
  • MP3 players
  • games
  • engine management systems
40
Q

Explain what disk formatting is for?

A

This includes:

  • Formatting (prepares new media for receiving data)
  • File transfer (copies files from one location to another. FTP utilities are copying files across a network)
  • Defragmentation (reorganises files that have been split on secondary storage. It relocates the fragments close together so that access is faster)
41
Q

What is open source software?

A

This is software that has been placed in the public domain by the programmers. They often produce software to improve their skills or for the public good.

42
Q

Name two open source software programs.

A
  • Linux
  • Firefox
  • Apache web server
  • Xkit
  • Libre
43
Q

What is custom written software?

A

Software made specifically for the customer who commissioned it.

44
Q

Name two advantages and disadvantages for custom written software.

A

Advantage:

  • Have the exact features required.
  • It should not require special adaptations to be made after installation.
  • A maintenance contract can be arranged with the developer.
  • The developer can bee contacted to solve issues.
  • The developer may provide training.

Disadvantages:

  • It may not have been extensively tested.
  • It may be expensive as the developer has to make a profit from just one customer.
  • It may take a long time to develop.

Computing (6 decks)

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