Hardware And Software Resources Flashcards
Define hardware and software.
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Software is a collection of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
How are hardware and software linked?
Software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware, enabling interaction and functionality.
Name the three main types of software and give examples along with definitions.
General Purpose Software: can be used for many different tasks e.g., Microsoft Word word processors.
Bespoke Software: software designed to meet specific needs of user or organisation e.g., custom inventory systems bug tracking software.
Special Purpose Software: designed to perform specific task.g., ATMs camera app.
What are the advantages of off-the-shelf software?
Cost-effective, readily available, and well-tested.
What are the disadvantages of bespoke software?
Expensive and time-consuming to develop
What is utility software?
System software designed for specific tasks like maintenance, optimization, or analysis of a computer (e.g., antivirus software, disk defragmenter).
Name and describe some examples of utility software.
Virus Scanner: Detects and removes malware.
Disk Defragmenter: Organizes fragmented data on a hard drive.
System Monitor: Provides real-time system performance metrics.
What is translator software?
Converts source code into machine code. Types include:
Assembler: Translates assembly code.
Interpreter: Converts code line by line.
Compiler: Converts entire code at once.
Define an operating system (OS).
A set of programs that manage computer hardware and provide services for application software.
What are the key functions of an OS?
Hiding hardware complexities.
Efficient resource utilization.
Providing a virtual machine.
What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
An OS designed for time-sensitive, predictable task execution, used in embedded systems and robotics.
Compare general-purpose OS and RTOS.
General Purpose: Focuses on multitasking and user experience (e.g., Windows).
RTOS: Prioritizes time-sensitive, predictable responses (e.g., medical devices).
What is virtual memory?
A technique that uses part of secondary storage as additional RAM to manage larger processes than the available physical memory.
How does an OS manage secondary memory?
By controlling file storage, retrieval, and mapping files to memory.
What is the purpose of scheduling in an OS?
To allocate CPU time among multiple processes efficiently.
