Software 1

Question 1

What is system software

Answer 1

The interface between computer hardware and user applications programs. It enables the computer to operate its hardware and applications software.

Question 2

What is applications software

Answer 2

Enables the computer to do a particular task such as word processing, teams, excel

Question 3

Types of system software

Answer 3

The operating software (os)
Utility programs

Question 4

What is the OS

Answer 4

The OS is an essential piece of software that manages all other programs being used on a computer.

E.g Windows, Android, Apple

Question 5

What is utility software

Answer 5

Performs functions which are to meet a specific need for example changing the screen resolution, performing a file backup process or virus checking.

Question 6

Memory is ?

Answer 6

Part of the central processing unit (cpu) that stores data for use by the processors. The data used can be program files or data files used by the programs computer memory is divided into RAM, ROM and cache memory.

Question 7

RAM is

Answer 7

Random Access Memory
Used for holding programs and data the user is working with.
Can be written to and read from.
Is volatile- when the computer is switched off , all contents of RAM was lost
Large RAM capacity will mean faster processing speed

Question 8

ROM is

Answer 8

Read-only Memory
Can be read from but not written to.
Programs stored are permanent
Main use to store the BIOS ( Basic Input/output System) - the software used to load up the OS and let different parts of your computer communicate

Question 9

Cache is

Answer 9

A faster version of RAM
Volatile
Written to and read from
Stores frequently accessed programs or instructions
More expensive than RAM

Question 10

How does the OS manage storage?

Answer 10

The OS monitors whether external storage devices are connected and controls how data is saved to different areas.

The OS manages how full a storage location is and whether their is sufficient space to save a file in its specified location.

The OS provides files management services by allocating where is data is stored on the disk drives and memory.

Question 11

Why is the allocation for the storage of data important?

Answer 11

It allows the computer to find the files the user makes a request to open quickly and easily.

Question 12

What is processing time?

Answer 12

Allocated by the system software- the time needed by the CPU to process the instructions of a computer program as efficiently as possible.

Question 13

What is multi-tasking?

Answer 13

When a computer has several different tasks to run at the same time.
The system software manages how the processor switches between separate computer programs.

Question 14

What happens when lots of programs are running at the same time?

Answer 14

The processor can become overworked and some programs may appear to be running slower than normal.

Question 15

What is a processing mode?

Answer 15

A processing mode is the way in which the processing tasks are carried out by a computer system are organised to make the most of the systems potential

Question 16

What is real-time processing?

Answer 16

When the system is processing data fast enough to influence behaviour in the outside world.
- live or as the clock ticks

Question 17

How is real-time processing carried out?

Answer 17

Using a record blocking system, where users are given exclusive access to a small set of records for a short period of time.

Question 18

What is real-time processing often used for?

Answer 18

Online booking
Air traffic control

Question 19

Disadvantage of real-time processing

Answer 19

There is a limit to the no. Of users or tasks who can access the system so some must wait

Question 20

Advantage of real-time processing

Answer 20

Can cope with lots of changes in a short space of time

Question 21

Batch processing is?

Answer 21

When all data to be input is collected together before processed as a single operation.

Question 22

When is batch processing scheduled?

Answer 22

Usually at night when little users are accessing the system

Question 23

Examples of batch processing

Answer 23

Bank/credit card statements - end of month
Billing info for gas/electricity readings - end of month

Question 24

Advantage of batch processing

Answer 24

Efficient process method for repetitive tasks
Carried out quickly without user interaction

Question 25

Disadvantage of batch processing

Answer 25

Dependant on data being accurate as otherwise could lead to crashes

Question 26

Multi-user processing is

Answer 26

Used when several users appear to have individual control of the system at the same time.

Question 27

Multi-user processing is implemented by?

Answer 27

By using time slices, an allocated length of time for each program or user.

Question 28

Advantages of multi-user processing?

Answer 28

Gives the appearance that multiple users are working on different tasks simultaneously but the CPU is switching between tasks at high speed.
The processor can be used to execute multiple programs with the appearance of simultaneous usage.

Question 29

Why does a computer system need system software?

Answer 29

A computer needs system software to enable users to operate it and install programs

Question 30

What are the functions of system software?

Answer 30

1. Running the computer (operating system software)
2. Providing other useful functions for operating the meet of a specific need, for example changing the screen resolution, performing a file backup process or virus checking.

Question 31

What does system software allocate and do?

Answer 31

Memory / RAM allocation / Immediate Access Store

Storage

Processing Time/task scheduling/process scheduling

Peripherals