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CIE iGCSE Computer Science > Software > Flashcards

Software Flashcards

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1
Q

What is application software?

A

Provides the services that the user requires and runs on the operating system

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2
Q

What are some examples of application software?

A

Word processing packages
Stock control software
In-car navigation system

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3
Q

What are the two types of software?

A

Application and System

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4
Q

What is system software?

A

Programs that provide the services that are needed to enable the computer to function

Consists of the operating system and utility software

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5
Q

What are some examples of system software?

A

The operating system
Utilities
Programming language translators

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6
Q

What are the major operating systems?

A

Windows
Linux
MacOS
Apple iOS
Android

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7
Q

What is an operating system?

A

A group of programs that is essential for managing the computer’s resources. Handles several crucial tasks

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8
Q

What is the operating system responsible for? (9 things)

A

Managing multitasking
Managing peripherals and drivers
Managing files
Managing accounts
Handling interrupts
Providing system security
Providing an interface
Running applications
Managing memory

(Magical Dolphins Fly After Impish Skeletons, Insulting Amoebas Merrily)

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9
Q

What are the main types of user interfaces?

A

GUI - Graphical User
CLI - Command Line
Voice activated
Real-time

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10
Q

What does GUI stand for?

A

Graphical User interface

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11
Q

What is an example of a GUI?

A

WIMP
Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers

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12
Q

What does CLI stand for?

A

Command Line interface

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13
Q

What format is used in CLI?

A

Text
Commands are typed and all output is in text

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14
Q

Where is CLI most commonly used?

A

Windows command prompt

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15
Q

What is an interface?

A

The OS provides a means of interacting with the computer through buttons, keyboards, touchscreen or mice

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16
Q

What is the operating system responsible for?

A

It is responsible for important functions such as how a file is written to a hard drive or how a program is run in RAM

17
Q

What is a peripheral device?

A

A peripheral device connects externally to the CPU

18
Q

What are examples of peripheral devices?

A

Printers, keyboards and monitors

19
Q

What is a driver?

A

Software used to provide an interface for a hardware device
Contain instructions on how to control a device

20
Q

What are the advantages of device drivers?

A

Any device can be used with the operating system, as long as a driver is compatible with it

Drivers can be updated, usually to give better performance or to remove a bug

21
Q

What language would a driver be written in and why?

A

Assembly language (low-level language)
Needs to be able to precisely control the hardware devices

22
Q

What does multitasking mean?

A

Multitasking means to be able to run more than one program simultaneously.

23
Q

How does an operating system multitask?

A

It coordinates the CPU to schedule processes

All processes in the memory that are waiting to be executed are held in a circular queue

The CPU allocates each process a time slice

It then switches to the next process very quickly, making it seem like it is running at the same time

24
Q

How does the operating system manage files?

A

It allows users to create, delete, move, save and copy/allocate files to folders

Manages access rights to individual files

25
Q

How does the operating system manage user accounts?

A

Different users will each be provided with an account with their own username and password

It can monitor login activity

Each account can be granted different levels of access depending on their needs and levels of security

26
Q

How does the operating system provide a platform for running applications?

A

The OS will allocate memory space for the application and control the application’s access to data and devices

27
Q

How does the operating system manage memory?

A

The OS moves programs and files between memory and storage (e.g. hard drive) if virtual memory is required

28
Q

How does the operating system provide system security?

A

It controls user access to prevent users from accessing files/folders they shouldn’t have access to

Security updates are downloaded to help fix bugs and improve security against malware

29
Q

What is an interrupt?

A

A signal from a software program or hardware device to the CPU

30
Q

When does a software interrupt occur?

A

When an application program terminates or requests services from the OS

When two processes try to access the same memory location

When a program error (e.g. divide by zero) occurs

31
Q

When does a hardware interrupt occur?

A

When an input/output operation is complete

When a new USB device is plugged in and detected

When a key is pressed on the keyboard or the mouse is moved

Used in multitasking; triggered by a timer to indicate that the next process should have processor time

32
Q

What does utility software do for the computer?

A

Helps configure and maintain the device

CIE iGCSE Computer Science (15 decks)

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