Paper 1 Systems software

Question 1

Give two examples of utility software that you might find on your computer.

Answer 1

• Antivirus.
• File Management System.
• Disk Management tools.
• Compression tools.
• Disk cleanup tool.
• File Management System.
• Disk Defragmenter.
• Backup utility

Question 2

What is meant by a ‘peripheral’?

Answer 2

A computer peripheral is any external device that provides input and output for the computer. For example, a keyboard and mouse are input peripherals, while a monitor and printer are output peripherals.

Question 3

What is meant by a driver; why do computers need them?

Answer 3

A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details about the hardware being used.

Question 4

Most operating systems include a file encryption utility.

Why might a user want the documents on their computer encrypted?

Answer 4

Encrypting a document, such as a spreadsheet, for security purposes because of sensitive data.

Question 5

Describe three advantages of using a command-line interface (CLI) over a graphical user interface (GUI).

Answer 5

• If you know the commands, a CLI can be a lot faster and efficient than any other type of interface. It can also handle repetitive tasks easily.
• A CLI requires less memory to use in comparison to other interfaces. It also does not use as much CPU processing time as other interfaces.
• A CLI doesn’t require Windows and a low-resolution monitor can be used. Meaning, it needs fewer resources, yet is highly precise.

Question 6

What is the function of Memory management?

Answer 6

In operating systems, memory management is the function responsible for managing the computer’s primary memory.

Question 7

What is the function of Processor management?

Answer 7

The OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time.

Question 8

What is the function of Peripheral management?

Answer 8

Peripheral management is where the operating system controls how the peripherals function using drivers.

Question 9

What does a full backup mean?

Answer 9

This makes a copy of everything on the system, even if it has not changed since the last backup.

Question 10

What does an incremental backup mean?

Answer 10

This makes a copy of only the new files or any files that have changed since the last full backup and is much quicker to make than a full backup.