IST Yearly 2023 (Software)

Question 1

Types of software

Answer 1

Utility software - manages and tunes system or application software
Embedded software medical imaging equipment, Traffic control systems
Application software - performs a specific personal, educational, or business function

Question 2

3 types of interface

Answer 2

Command line interface - a text-based interface where you can input commands that interact with a computer’s operating system

Natural Language Interface - user interface in which the user and the system communicate via a natural (human) language

Graphical user interface - a digital interface in which a user interacts with graphical components such as icons, buttons, and menus

Question 3

What is a design?

Answer 3

Design is a solution without considering platform constraints
eg. Pseudocodes, Flowcharts, Wireframes

Question 4

What is a GUI interface?

Answer 4

Graphical User Interface; a visual way of interacting with a computer using graphical elements like icons and buttons.

Question 5

What is the difference between system software and application software?

Answer 5

System software manages hardware, essential services for computer programs, platform for applications; application software performs specific tasks for users.

Question 6

Outline the purpose of systems software

Answer 6

Manages hardware, provides essential services for computer programs, platform to launch and run applications.

Question 7

What is the purpose of an operating system?

Answer 7

Provides a user interface, and facilitates communication between the computer and the user.

Question 8

What is a utilities software?

Answer 8

Part of system software designed to help manage and tune computer hardware, and keep computer running

Question 9

Name and describe 5 different utilities used on most computers.

Answer 9

Antivirus:
Disk Cleanup:
Backup Software:
Decompressor
Task Manager:

Question 10

Name and describe three different types of communication software.

Answer 10

Email Clients
Chat Applications
Video Conferencing

Question 11

What is project management software, and why is it used?

Answer 11

Helps plan and execute projects efficiently

Question 12

Name and describe two other types of application software?

Answer 12

Word Processors
Spreadsheet Software

Question 13

Why do most applications use standard user interfaces?

Answer 13

Enhances user experience by providing familiarity and consistency.

Question 14

Discuss three features found in most packages that aid in the formatting of the document.

Answer 14

Font Styles:
Paragraph Formatting:
Page Layout Options:

Question 15

Name three ways that a document can be protected against harm.

Answer 15

Encryption:
Password Protection:
Backup:

Question 16

What is version control, and why is it used?

Answer 16

Tracks changes in documents/code during collaboration

Question 17

What is a macro?

Answer 17

A set of instructions that automate repetitive tasks e.g. Microsoft word auto formatting

Question 18

Name three types of interface design and give an example of where each one is used.

Answer 18

Graphical User Interface (GUI): Used in operating systems like Windows.
Command Line Interface (CLI): Used in programming environments.
Natural Language Interface: Used in voice-activated assistants like Siri.

Question 19

Discuss the features of a graphical user interface screen that make it user-friendly.

Answer 19

Icons, menus, buttons, and windows for intuitive navigation.

Question 20

Discuss what is meant by the term consistency of elements when using a GUI.

Answer 20

Elements (buttons, fonts) should have a uniform appearance

Question 21

Discuss three control elements used on a GUI which help with data validation.

Answer 21

Drop-down Menus: Limit choices to predefined options.
Input Masks: Define acceptable data formats.
Error Messages: Provide feedback on incorrect inputs.

Question 22

Explain why borders around screen elements and white space are vital in creating a user-friendly layout.

Answer 22

Improves readability and reduces visual clutter.

Question 23

Data types

Answer 23

character data – single letter
string data – hold strings of characters
integer or whole numbers
real numbers – used for decimals
Boolean data – used to represent true or false
date and time data

Question 24

Three main operator types

Answer 24

Arithmetic (math-based, uses real and integers to perform operations on vars, r = i + i is valid, i != r X 4)
Relational (=, <>, >= boolean)
Logical (AND, OR, NOT allow two or more Boolean expressions to be combined to create logical expressions.)

Question 25

Variable constraints:

Answer 25

Cannot include keywords, such as IF or THEN (ok if it is combined)
No special characters, and cannot start (@,etc.)
No spaces
Up to 40 characters

Question 26

Operating system

Answer 26

the low-level software that supports a computer’s basic functions

Question 27

Outline the difference between real and integer numbers

Answer 27

Integers do not have a decimal point, while real numbers do. In computer programs integers do not hold very large numeric values due to their memory size, so real number are also selected as a type if the whole number is very large.