Computing - Software Flashcards
What is disc defragmentation?
Moving data from the same sections next to each other on the disc
This can take a long time
What are system maintenance tools?
Software that makes sure all features if a computer are functioning properly by preventing problems and providing solutions
What is fragmentation?
When certain sections of data are split into different areas of a disc
What 4 things does the system information utility provide?
Information about hard disk capacity, RAM, clock speed and if the computer is connected to Internet
What are the 3 main groups of software?
System software which manages the computer to make sure it is working properly
Application software which is for the leisure of the user
Development software (developing programs)
What are the 4 types of software to get?
Custom written, off-the-shelf, proprietary and open source
What is custom written software?
Software that is tailored by a company to do exactly what you need
What is off-the-shelf software?
Software that is bought from a company without it being custom made
What is open source software?
Software released with its code so that it can be edited
It is always free
What is proprietary software?
Software that is written by an individual or an organisation so that they own all the rights
What is the operating system?
A piece of software that controls the hardware of a computer
What are the 2 types of user interface?
Graphical user interface (GUI) and command line interface
What is a peripheral?
Any device which is connected to and can communicate with a computer
What is utility software?
Basic programs loaded with the operating system that perform maintenance
What are the 6 types of system software?
Operating system Device drivers Firmware Servers Utilities Interfaces
What is the kernel?
The centre of the operating system which handles the low-level hardware operations
What are the 3 states a process in multi-tasking can be in?
Running
Runnable
Waiting
What is a device driver?
Programs that send signals called interrupts to the CPU so that the CPU stops its current processing so that it can deal with a process linked to a peripheral device
What is firmware?
Software stored on ROM or in flash memory
What are the 3 types of security?
Anti-virus
Anti-spyware
Firewall
What does the compiler do?
Translates high-level code into machine code all at once and then executes it all
What does an interpreter do?
Translates high-level into machine code one line at a time and executes it
What do assemblers do?
Translates assembly language into machine code
What do linkers do?
Connect together sub programs to create larger programs
