Section 4 System and software Flashcards
System software
those needed for computer to function such as: libraries, OS , utilities, routines and programming language translators
managing the hardware and software being executed on the computer or system
What is the operating system(OS)?
a group of programs that manage the computer’s resources
Name some Major OS
MacOS, Windows, ios ,android, Linux,
OS manages 5 major areas such as:
Processor management
It multi-tasks. Coordinates the CPU to schedule processes to be executed, switching between these tasks very quickly
OS manages 5 major areas such as:
Input/Output(peripheral) device management
Allowing users to send data to and from devices. The buffer compensates for the difference in speed in sending and receiving data between the CPU and the device
OS manages 5 major areas such as:
Security Management
Controls user access to prevent one user accessing files or folders. Security updates installed to prevent malware. File may be on hard disk to be encrypted
OS manages 5 major areas such as:
Application Management
when new app installed os will manage this.
Also allocate memory space for app and control the app’s access to data or devices. user access to programs is also managed
OS manages 5 major areas such as:
Memory Management
All files should be in memory to perform tasks on them. it moves files in and out of memory from hard drive or from virtual memory- to process tasks as required by different processes
Utility Software
small programs that used in unison with main OS in order to manage extra features or functions. They are not essential to the running of a computer but make specific tasks easier or add on additional layer of housekeeping
Data Compression Software
Uses algorithm to resave a file or data using less space than the original. It can lose data LOSSY or cannot lose data LOSSLESS
Encryption Software
Encrypt is to protect and lock a file or some sort to prevent stolen data etc.
So this software is used to encrypt or decrypt on files or folders held on a computer, transmitted across a network or when transmitted to external devices such as USB or flash drives.
The process uses an algorithm and key to transform plaintext(original language) into cipher text
Defragmentation Software
Files stored on hard disk in blocks. When files are added or deleted it may cause gaps(fragments). This is when they are defragmented so they can be joined together
A file saved in three fragments would take three times as long to find it all, so this process speeds up the computer’s file retrieval and storage times
Application Software
For computer users to enable them to perform specific tasks such as word processing, graphic design or program development
e.g. Microsoft office, tracking systems, school registration
