Paper 1: Software Flashcards
System Software
Software designed to operate the computer hardware and provide a platform for running application software. Examples include operating systems.
Operating System (OS)
System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Memory Management (Operating System)
The function of the OS that controls and coordinates the computer’s memory, allocating space to programs and data.
File Management (Operating System)
The function of the OS that manages the storage, retrieval, and organization of files and directories.
Input/Output (I/O) Management (Operating System)
The function of the OS that controls communication between the computer and input/output devices (like keyboards, mice, and displays).
User Interface (UI)
The means by which a user interacts with a computer system.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
A type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators such as windows, buttons, and menus.
Command-Line Interface (CLI)
A type of user interface where users interact with the computer by typing commands.
Interrupt
A signal from a device or software that causes the operating system to stop its current task and handle the event.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
Firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process (power-on startup), and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs.
Application Software
Software designed to perform a specific task for the user. Examples include word processors, web browsers, and games.
High-Level Language (HLL)
A programming language designed to be easy for humans to read and write. Examples include Python, Java, and C++.
Low-Level Language (LLL)
A programming language that is closer to machine code, providing little or no abstraction from a computer’s instruction set architecture. Examples include assembly language.
Compiler
A program that translates high-level language source code into machine code that can be executed by a computer. It translates the entire program at once.
Interpreter
A program that translates high-level language source code into machine code, but it translates and executes the code line by line.
Assembler
A program that translates assembly language code into machine code.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
A software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. An IDE normally consists of at least a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger.
