Chapter Two Flashcards
What is system software
It enables the computer to operate the hardware and application software
What is application software
It enables the computer to do a particular task. For example word processing with Microsoft
What is the purpose of the operating system
It allows hardware and software to communicate with each other
What three roles does the OS perform on a computer
Allocate Memory- organises the main memory between programs and data files as there transferred to and from the hard disc
Storage- manages storage of data and files on external devices such as hard drives
Processing Time- allocates processing time between programs that are currently being used by dividing time of tasks into a number of slices
What is batch processing
when groups or batches of similar data are collected over a period of time. computers can input data at off peak or less busy times with no human involvement.
What’s the master file
It collects the information that doesn’t change over time. For example a customers details
What’s the transaction file
This collects the information that does change each period. For example gas usage
What’s real time processing
This is when data is processed immediately after its been inputted. The output generated is processed quickly enough to influence the next input.
what are multi user systems
When different computers are sharing the same processor. School is a multi user system.
What is Utility Software
Carries out a specific role to assist the operating system
What is disc defragmentation
It rearranges data stored on a hard disc. this speeds up time that it takes to access files.
What is anti virus software
It detects locates and removes a virus. A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file and then can spread to other files and intentionally damage systems. anti virus software scans files stored on a computer or storage device
What is backup and restore
When a copy of original data is made incase it gets damaged or lost. Backup is used to restore the original data by uploading the latest file into the system. Backing up the complete data maybe involved in the procedure.
What is task scheduling
processor time is divided amongst a number of tasks. this uses time slices.
