Fundamentals of Computer Systems Flashcards
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system
Software
Non-physical components of a computer system which make up the program code
Application Software
Programs that perform a specific task for a user like word processors or web browsers
System Software
Type of software which controls, manages and maintains the computer and its components
Types of System Software
Operating System
Utility Programs
Library Programs
Translators
Operating System
Software that manages hardware and computer resources to allow the user to control the computer with ease
Interrupt
A signal from a piece of software or hardware sent to the processor to tell it that attention is needed
Utility Programs
Type of system software which helps the computer run as efficiently and safely as possible
Library Programs
These are useful functions which are frequently run by a program
Translators
Software which can translate between different types of computer languages
Low-level Language examples
Machine code, Assembly code
Machine Code
Code which a computer directly understands that comprises of 1s and 0s (binary)
Assembly Code
Close to machine code but uses mnemonics in order to make it easier to program for humans
High-level Languages examples
Java, Python, Vb.Net
Assemblers
Translates assembly code into machine code
Compiler
Translates high-level code into machine code by translating the source code as a whole
Interpreter
Translates high-level code into machine code one line at a time and won’t progress if there is an error present
Boolean Algebra - Order of precedence
Some operations must be applied before others
Highest
Brackets
NOT
AND
OR
Lowest
General purpose application software
Software that can carry out many tasks
Special Purpose Application Package
Software that can only be used for one particular task
Bespoke Software
Software that is developed to meet the user’s specific requirements, bought by specific users with differing requirements
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bespoke Software
Advantages:
Meets all of the end-users requirements, only performs necessary functions, can be fitted into existing hardware/software
Disadvantages:
Not available immediately, more expensive, less widely tested, lack of 3rd party support
Advantages and Disadvantages of Special Purpose Software
Advantages:
Cheaper to buy, lots of updates and patches, available immediately
Disadvantages:
May not be specific to end-users needs, might not be scalable into existing hardware/software
Functions of an operating system
Handles interrupts
Allocate cores to processes
Allocate memory to processes
Allocate I/O devices to processes
Allocate space on a storage device to files
Instillation of new software
