Software Flashcards
Definition of a System Software
System software controls and works with computer hardware.
It acts as an interface between the device and the end-user.
It also provides the platform for other software to run
Definition of an operating system?
An OS controls the general operation of a computer and provides an easy way for users to interact with computers and run applications.
Manages a computer’s resources, especially the allocation of those resources among other programs
Examples of an operating system
Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows
Chrome OS
Name the typical resources included in as Operating System
CPU
Memory
File Storage
Input and Output devices
Network Connections
How is an operating system different from most other programs in terms of how long it runs?
Unlike most programs, which complete a task and terminate, an operating system runs indefinitely(until it is switched off)
Name the features of a System software
Difficult to design
Written in Low level language
Difficult to manipulate
Speed is fast
Name the 8 roles and basic functions of a operating system
Interface
- Provides interface- easy to interact with computer
Multi-task
- allows multiple applications to run at the same time
Organisation
- creates a file system to organise files and directories
Security
- provides security through user accounts and passwords
Manages CPU
- runs applications and executes and cancels processes
Manages Memory
- Transfers programs into and out of memory, allocates free space between programs, and keeps track of memory usage
Manages peripherals
- pens, closes and writes to peripheral devices such as storage attached to the computer
utilities
- provides tools for managing and organising hardware
What is application Software
Application software is a type of computer program that performs specific tasks for a user
What is application software also known as
End-user software
Productivity software.
Definition of specialist application software
Performs a single very specific type of task.
What are tailor-made applications
Tailor-made application software is custom-built for an organization when standard software doesn’t meet its needs.
What are interrupts
A signal sent from a device or from a software to the microprocessor. This will cause the microprocessor to temporarily stop what its doing to then service the interrupt.
Definition of high level language
High-level languages are programming languages written in a way that is similar to human language. This allows programmers to focus on solving a problem without needing to know details about the computer’s hardware.
Advantages of high level languages
Easier to modify as it uses
English like statements.
Easier/faster to write code.
Easier to debug during development
Portable code – not designed to run on just one type of machine.
Disadvantages of High level languages
Execution is slower than low-level languages
More memory is required
Programmers have less control of hardware
