Fundamentals of Comp Systems Flashcards
What is hardware?
The physical components of a computer system (monitor, keyboard)
What is software?
The programs and operating systems that run on hardware - they provide instructions on which tasks should be performed
System software is..
The software that manages and controls a computer system
Hides complexity of hardware from the user
Examples of system software
Operating systems, utility programs
What is application software?
Software that allows users to perform specific tasks
Example of application software..
Word processor, web browser.
System Software examples..
- Operating System
- Utility Programs
- Library Programs
- Translators
What does the Operating System do?
It allows the user to control the computer whilst hiding its complexity.
- Manages memory
- Schedules
- Processes tasks
- Handles interrupts
What do utility programs do?
They perform “housekeeping” tasks
- Data backup
- Defragmentation
- Compression
- Encryption
What are library programs, what do they do?
They contain pre-written code that programmers use to perform common tasks
- Sorting lists
What do translators do?
They convert code from one programming language to another so that the processor can execute the instruction.
Role of OS?
Manages and controls resources, memory and processor scheduling
Examples of OS?
Windows, MacOS
Role of utility programs?
Optimises and organises the computer system
Examples of utility programs?
Defragmentation software, anti-virus software, task manager
