Software

Question 1

What is ‘off-the-shelf’ software?

Answer 1

‘Off-the-shelf’ software has been ready-made by someone else. It is ready to install and use on the computer.

Question 2

What best describes the computer’s BIOS (basic input-output system)?

Answer 2

The BIOS is firmware - it is stored on a chip and gets executed when the computer is switched on.

Question 3

Name a benefit of using computer models.

Answer 3

A computer model can be used without risking real lives. If something goes wrong, nobody gets hurt.

Question 4

What kind of software programs are free to sue and also allow you to modify them to make them do exactly what you want?

Answer 4

Open-source software is free to use and allows editing of the source-code.

Question 5

What kind of software is an operating system?

Answer 5

System software

Question 6

What is bespoke software?

Answer 6

Bespoke software is designed and developed specially to solve a particle problem.

Question 7

What type of software tool is used to write code?

Answer 7

A programming environment is a part of a programming software application that is used to write code and create programs.

Question 8

What is open-source software?

Answer 8

Open-source software is provided under licence but is free of charge to anyone. The source code is made available and can be modified.

Question 9

What does the operating system do?

Answer 9

The operating system allocates memory to programs and makes the hardware easier to work with.

Question 10

What is a buffer?

Answer 10

A buffer is an area of memory that is used for temporary storage space. It is usually sued when transferring data between the computer and a device, such as a printer or a keyboard.

Question 11

What does device driver software do?

Answer 11

Driver software handles requests and data transfers between the computer and a device.

Question 12

How would we define a hierarchal file system as used by an operating system?

Answer 12

A hierarchical file system as used by an operating system would be defined as a tree structure with a root and branches, or directories that lead to other files. All storage devices that are connected to the computer and the folders and files stored on them are organised in this way.

Question 13

How would you describe an operating system that is able to execute many program simultaneously?

Answer 13

Multi-tasking operating system

Question 14

What kind of interface requires the user to type in commands from a keyboard to give the computer instructions?

Answer 14

Command line interface

Question 15

Why might an operating system include a disk defragmentation utility?

Answer 15

A disk defragmentation utility to reorganise small amounts of unused disk space, making it more efficient to save large files.

Question 16

What is the main purpose of the file system?

Answer 16

The main purpose of the file system is to provide a uniform way for programs to store and retrieve data on devices. All files and folders are organised by the operating system so that programs and users can access them.

Question 17

Why do many operation systems include a graphical user interface?

Answer 17

A graphical user interface is included to make it easier for people to use the computer.

Question 18

How does the operating system manage programs that are running?

Answer 18

Once programs are running, the operating system allocates memory to them when they request it, as long as memory is available.

Question 19

What are the two main types of software?

Answer 19

1. System software

2. Application software

Question 20

What is system software?

Answer 20

System software controls the way the computer works and tell it what to do. For example:

1. Operating system
2. Utilities
3. User interface

Question 21

What is application software?

Answer 21

Application software is a type of software you use to do your work or have fun. For example:

1. Word processors
2. Spreadsheets
3. Databases
4. Games applications