Paper 1: Software Flashcards
What are the 5 main types of software covered for the exam?
Application, Operating System, Device Drivers, Utility Software, Programming Software
4 types are covered in Paper 1 and Programming Software is covered in Paper 2.
What is the primary function of Application software?
Allows the user to complete a task
Examples include presentation software, word processing, spreadsheets, web browsers, and computer games.
What is the role of Device Drivers in a computer system?
A set of instructions installed to communicate with new devices
Examples include printers and mice.
Define Operating System.
A collection of programs that manages and controls the computer.
What are the 5 main functions of an Operating System?
- Memory Management
- Processor Management
- User Management
- File Management
- Peripheral Management
What is Memory Management in the context of an Operating System?
Allocates memory addresses in RAM and removes programs not currently in use.
What is Processor Management?
Decides which software runs on the CPU and in what order using time slicing.
What does User Management allow in an Operating System?
Management of users, creation and deletion of user accounts, and assigning access levels.
What is the purpose of File Management software?
Allows users to create, modify, delete, copy, move, and rename files and folders.
Define Peripheral Management.
Manages peripheral input and output devices and controls instructions sent to and received from these devices.
What is a Command Line Interface?
Text-based interface, less resource-heavy, better for advanced users.
What does GUI stand for and what does it use?
Graphical User Interface; uses WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers).
What is an example of a Natural Language interface?
Siri and Alexa.
What is Utility Software designed for?
Maintaining the computer system and performing basic housekeeping tasks.
What is the function of Anti-Virus software?
Scans and removes harmful programs from a computer.
What does Encryption Software do?
Scrambles data to keep it safe from unauthorized access.
What is the purpose of Disk Clean-up?
Removes unnecessary files to free up space and improve performance.
What is Lossless Compression?
Reduces file size without losing any data.
What is Lossy Compression?
Reduces file size by removing some data, which may reduce quality.
What is Disk Formatting?
Preparing a storage device for use by erasing all data and setting up a file system.
What is Disk Defragmentation?
Reorganizes fragmented data on a hard drive to improve performance.
True or False: Disk Defragmentation is necessary for Solid State Drives.
False.
