Software Flashcards
What is application software?
Provides the services that the user requires and runs on the operating system
What are some examples of application software?
Word processing packages
Stock control software
In-car navigation system
What are the two types of software?
Application and System
What is system software?
Programs that provide the services that are needed to enable the computer to function
Consists of the operating system and utility software
What are some examples of system software?
The operating system
Utilities
Programming language translators
What are the major operating systems?
Windows
Linux
MacOS
Apple iOS
Android
What is an operating system?
A group of programs that is essential for managing the computer’s resources. Handles several crucial tasks
What is the operating system responsible for? (9 things)
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)
What are the main types of user interfaces?
GUI - Graphical User
CLI - Command Line
Voice activated
Real-time
What does GUI stand for?
Graphical User interface
What is an example of a GUI?
WIMP
Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers
What does CLI stand for?
Command Line interface
What format is used in CLI?
Text
Commands are typed and all output is in text
Where is CLI most commonly used?
Windows command prompt
What is an interface?
The OS provides a means of interacting with the computer through buttons, keyboards, touchscreen or mice
What is the operating system responsible for?
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
What is a peripheral device?
A peripheral device connects externally to the CPU
What are examples of peripheral devices?
Printers, keyboards and monitors
What is a driver?
Software used to provide an interface for a hardware device
Contain instructions on how to control a device
What are the advantages of device drivers?
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
What language would a driver be written in and why?
Assembly language (low-level language)
Needs to be able to precisely control the hardware devices
What does multitasking mean?
Multitasking means to be able to run more than one program simultaneously.
How does an operating system multitask?
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
How does the operating system manage files?
It allows users to create, delete, move, save and copy/allocate files to folders
Manages access rights to individual files
How does the operating system manage user accounts?
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
How does the operating system provide a platform for running applications?
The OS will allocate memory space for the application and control the application’s access to data and devices
How does the operating system manage memory?
The OS moves programs and files between memory and storage (e.g. hard drive) if virtual memory is required
How does the operating system provide system security?
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
What is an interrupt?
A signal from a software program or hardware device to the CPU
When does a software interrupt occur?
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
When does a hardware interrupt occur?
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
What does utility software do for the computer?
Helps configure and maintain the device
