Hardware and Software

Question 1

Device

Answer 1

A hardware component of a computer system consisting of electronic components

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

Program which gives instructions to the computer

Question 3

Operating system

Answer 3

Software that manages the hardware within a computer system

Question 4

Mainframe computer

Answer 4

Powerful computer, serving several terminals

Uses include: Host business databases that can be accessed by the business as well as consumers simultaneously through a web interface used for large scale transaction processing as well as batch processing. Statistical analysis such as industry statistics, consumer statistics and census data .

Question 5

Characteristics of mainframe computers:

Answer 5

-longevity: Mainframe computers can often operate without downtime for many years, Longevity is important as mainframe and super computers are large financial investments.

-RAS: Reliability, availability and serviceability, thus mainframe computers are available 100% of the time

-High Security

-Performance metrics (MIPS and FLOPS): MIPS is Million instructions per second, used to measure performance in mainframe computers. FLOPS: Floating point operations per second used to measure the performance of supercomputers.

-Heat maintenance: power and quantity of processors in mainframe and supercomputers generate a lot of heat, thus air cooling systems are used, or liquid cooling, which delivers cold directly to the processors chip.

Question 6

Advantages of mainframe computers:

Answer 6

-They are designed for “RAS”, therefore makes them more reliable than regular computers

-They are scalable because processors and memory can be added as required

-They are designed to last for atleast 10 years

-They are able to store and process extremely large amounts of data.

Question 7

Disadvantages of mainframe computers:

Answer 7

-Only used by large organisations such as governments, banks due to high costs, they also require specialist operating systems which are also expensive.

-A lot of space is required to install a mainframe or supercomputer and temperature must be maintained so that it does not become to hot.

-Specialist support staff are required for maintenance

-The interface is command driven which can be difficult to understand

Question 8

Supercomputers

Answer 8

Supercomputers: Large computer with parallel processing to complete highly complex tasks quickly.

Uses include: Research in quantum mechanics, where billions of complex calculations need to be made to stimulate dynamics of millions of atoms, Also used in weather forecasting and climate research where sophisticated numerical models of atmosphere, ocean and space need to be created.

Question 9

Advantages of supercomputers:

Question 10

Disadvantages of supercomputers:

Question 11

System software:

Answer 11

Software needed to operate a computer system

Question 12

Types of the different system software

Answer 12

-Compilers: Translate high-level programming into an executable file in machine code

-Interpreters: Translates and executes a high-level programming language one line at a time

-Linkers: Can link modules from a library file into the executable file.

-Device drivers: Software that comes with an external hardware component and sends customised instructions to the specific componnent.

-Operating systems: softwares that Manages the hardware within a computer system

-Utilities: Programs that maintain a computer system

Question 13

How high level language is translated to run on different computer systems:

Answer 13

A compiler is a translator program that converts a high-level language source program into a machine language object program. Compilers make high-level language programs transportable between different computer

Question 14

Advantages and disadvantages of using a compiler than interpreter when high language is being translated on different computer systems:

Answer 14

Advantages:

-Once it is compiled a program does not have to be translated again
-A compiled program can run faster than interpreted software as whole program is translated all in one go /all at once unlike interpreter translates one line at a time
-Once the program is already compiled into machine language, there is no translation software that the user has to keep up to date
-Compilers also improve security for programmers,so fewer risks of copyright infringement…

Disadvantages:

-Can only be used on one operating system, whereas source code can be interpreted on any operating system provided interpreter is present.
-It is slow/(more) difficult to debug the program/find error, the whole program needs to be compiled again after an error is corrected
-Interpreter only requires a few statements of the program to be in memory
-Unlike an interpreter, does not allow small pieces of code to be tested to make sure they work before continuing with the rest of the program More likely to crash the computer as it is running directly on the CPU

Question 15

Utility Software:

Answer 15

Software that performs some sort of maintenance on the computer system

Question 16

Types of Utility software

Answer 16

-Anti-virus: Anti-virus monitor continually monitors the system for viruses and malware. Check for viruses or malware that may already be on the system, this is known as scanning.

-Back-up: Create a second copy of data and programs that are in storage.

-Data compression: Reduces the original size of files so they use up less storage space.

-Disk defragmentation (including understanding the structure of hard disk storage): defragments and reorganizes fragmented gaps of files left after usage on a drive so that each file is contiguous. A hard disk containsa stack of platters, circular metal disks that are mounted inside the hard disk drive and coated with magnetic material, sealed in a metal case or unit

-Formatting: The process of organizing the tracks on the disc into sectors. When a used disc is formatted, all data is erased.

-File-copying: Allow users to have more control over which files are copied and how they are copied.

-Deleting: can overcome restrictions set by an operating system and enable permanent deletion of files.

Question 17

Custom-written Software:

Answer 17

Software that is written especially to meet the requirements of a client.

Advantages:

-Client will have access support from the developer company
-Requirements of the client can be met precisely
-Developers will ensure compatibility with the client’s hardware, software and data

Disadvantages:

-Expensive because entire development cost is covered by client
-Takes longer time to develop
-Bugs are likely since it is not used widely

Question 18

Off-the-shelf software:

Answer 18

General purpose software available to a large market

Advantages:

-Development cost spread between all the customers who purchase it at a specific price, reducing overall cost
-It is Immediately available
-Large number of users means lesser bugs due to patches released after identification of bugs
-Wide range of support both from the developing company and externally

Disadvantages:

-User requirements may not be precise/unnecessary features
-May have compatibility issues
-Proprietary software: Software owned by a single person or organisation who sells it for use under an agreed licence.
-Open source software: Software that has the source code freely available

Question 19

User interface:

Answer 19

Communication between the user and the computer system

Question 20

Types of user interfaces

Answer 20

Command line interface: Allows users to enter text commands to which the computer system will respond by producing results in text.

-Use very little memory
-Can carry out complex operations
-Can be difficult to learn and use

Graphic user interface: visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers (abbreviated to WIMP)

-Uses more memory depending on complexity of the GUI
-Intuitive, so easy to learn
-Restrictive for technical users

Dialogue interface: using spoken word to communicate to a computer system.

-Hands-free
-Ability to recognize and understand spoken word will vary and can be limited.
-Require users to know what commands are understood by the interface.

Gesture-based interface: recognizes human motion, which may include eyeball/lips tracking, identifying hand signals or whole-body movement.

-Provides more mobility but may be hard to control
-Accuracy problems