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IGCSE Computer Science > Chapter 4: Software > Flashcards

Chapter 4: Software Flashcards

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1
Q

Define Software

A

Programs that help the user interact with a computer’s hardware.

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2
Q

What are the two main types of software?

A

Application Software
System Software

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3
Q

Name 3 (general) examples of Application Software

A

Word processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Browser
etc.

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4
Q

What are the two types of system software?

A

Operating System
Utility Programs

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5
Q

What is the function of the Operating System?

A

To provide an interface for the user and a platform for applications

Managing Files, Peripherals, Drivers, Memory, Multitasking, interrupts, and user accounts.

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6
Q

Name 2 examples of utility programs

A

Backup Software
File management software
Antivirus Software
etc.

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7
Q

What is loaded first when a computer is turned on?

A

The bootstrap, with the instructions on how to turn on the computer.

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8
Q

What is loaded after the bootstrap?

A

The Firmware

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9
Q

What is the function of firmware?

A

Giving instructions to the OS

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10
Q

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A

A screen that’s easy for users to interact with, including windows, icons, menus, and pointers.
i.e. Windows

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11
Q

What is a command line interface?

A

A more advanced way to interact with the computer, requiring a user to enter text as exact commands.
i.e. Linux

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12
Q

What is a natural language interface

A

A program that interprets typed or spoken words and executes them as programs
i.e. Alexa

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13
Q

What are peripherals

A

Separate input and output devices that can be connected to a computer

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14
Q

What are drivers

A

Devices used to connect peripherals and computers, such as a USB.

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15
Q

Which memory location does the OS most often interact with?

A

RAM

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16
Q

How does an OS keep the information of several users private?

A

By protecting them with a password.

17
Q

What are interrupts?

A

Signals from the hardware or software telling the computer to switch tasks.

18
Q

What happens if a computer receives an interrupt?

A

Processor finishes current FDE (fetch-decode-execute) cycle

IH checks interrupt queue seeing if there is an interrupt more important than the current task

If it is: Stores current process and fetches interrupt, checking its source

Calls the relevant Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) and executes interrupt

Returns to FDE cycle or another high-priority interrupt

If it isn’t: Continues FDE cycle

19
Q

Name 2 types of software interrupts

A

Division by 0
Output required
Program request for input
etc.

20
Q

Name 2 types of hardware interrupts

A

Data input i.e. key clicked on keyboard
Hardware failure
New Hardware device connected
etc.

21
Q

What type of programming language is easy for the user to understand?

A

High-level

22
Q

What type of programming language is hard for a user to debug?

A

Low-level

23
Q

What type of programming language is portable?

A

High-level

24
Q

Which language can be run directly without converting to another language?

A

Machine code

25
Q

Which language uses mnemonics to represent functions?

A

Assembly Language

26
Q

Which language can directly manipulate the hardware?

A

Machine code

27
Q

What software is needed to convert a high-level language to machine code?

A

Translator
i.e. Interpreter, compiler

28
Q

Which software is needed to convert assembly language to machine code?

A

Assembler

29
Q

Which translator executes code one line at a time?

A

Interpreter

30
Q

Which translator reports all syntax errors at once and can’t run until they are all fixed?

A

Compiler

31
Q

Which translator is better for distributing a program?

A

Compiler

32
Q

Which translator is better for writing/testing a program?

A

Interpreter

33
Q

Which translator produces an executable file and doesn’t need additional software to run?

A

Compiler

34
Q

Which translator allows part of a program to be tested without running it all?

A

Interpreter

35
Q

What is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

A

A part of a translator that makes the programmer’s life easier when writing and testing code.

36
Q

Name 3 accessibility (convenience) features of an IDE?

A

Auto-correction to match correct syntax
Auto-completion of code
Prettyprint
Run-time environment

37
Q

What is prettyprint?

A

A function of IDEs to color code different parts of the code to make code easier to amend.

38
Q

What is a run-time environment?

A

A window in an IDE to allow the user to run a program in the same place that they are making it.

39
Q

What are 2 debugging features of an IDE?

A

Break points, ability to see variable values at any given point

Variable Watch Window, a place where variables are displayed in real time.

Stepping, allowing a user to go through code one line at a time

IGCSE Computer Science (4 decks)

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