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OCR AS COMPUTING > Software and Software Development > Flashcards

Software and Software Development Flashcards

1
Q

What is an operating system?

A

Software that allows the user to communicate with the computer without dealing with the complexities of the hardware. It controls the hardware of the system through software.

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2
Q

What is the purpose of utility software?

A

To perform maintenance tasks for the system such as antivirus, backup, etc.

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3
Q

What is the purpose of memory management?

A

Allocates memory to different programs in RAM. It prevents data from being overwritten and allows programs larger than main memory to run via virtual memory.

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4
Q

What is paging?

A

Memory is divided into fixed size chunks called pages. Relatively inactive pages are temporarily moved into virtual memory when the user wants to run more programs than can be stored in RAM.

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5
Q

What is segmentation?

A

Memory is divided into logically sized segments so that they can be executed.

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7
Q

What is an interrupt and how is it dealt with by the OS?

A

An interrupt is a signal sent to the processor to request processing time for a task.

  • The CPU receives the interrupt and disables all interrupts of a lower priority
  • An exact copy of the registers in the CPU are put in a system stack
  • The CPU processes the interrupt
  • The values from the stack are popped back into the registers
  • The CPU continues from where it left off
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8
Q

What is the need for scheduling?

A

To effectively and fairly allocate processor time to different tasks.

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9
Q

Describe round robin scheduling.

A

FIFO
Each job is allocated a specific time slice and if the task is not completed by then it is sent to the back of the queue.

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10
Q

Describe first come first served scheduling.

A

FIFO
•No regard for priority or job time
•Inefficient use of processor time

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11
Q

Describe multi-level feedback queues.

A

Gives priority to short and I/O bound processes

Processors are separated into different levels

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12
Q

What are network operating systems?

A

Network operating systems control the movement of data around a network through use of an agreed protocol. It ensures fair allocation of resources and access to files dependent on the user.

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13
Q

What is a distributed operating system?

A

A system which shares processing time between the processors on a network.

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14
Q

What is an embedded system?

A

An embedded system has minimal user interface, limited memory and processing power, and is inside a larger machine to control it.

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15
Q

What is a multi-tasking system?

A

Many tasks can be carried out concurrently as tasks are all receiving processor time.

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16
Q

What is a single user system?

A

When only one user can use the system at one time.

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17
Q

What is a multi-user system?

A

Allows multiple users to use a processor at one time.

18
Q

What is a real time system?

A

The processor responds within a guaranteed time frame. The input is processed fast enough to affect the next output.

19
Q

What is BIOS

A

Basic Input Output System

The BIOS is used to load the OS from ROM into RAM and initialises and tests system hardware components.

20
Q

What are device drivers?

A

Device drivers provide software interface to particular hardware which enables the OS to also access the hardware.

21
Q

What are virtual machines?

A

When software is used to take on the function of a machine, for example when you download Windows on a Mac

22
Q

What is custom written software?

A

Software designed to meet the specifications of a user.

23
Q

What is general purpose software?

A

Software designed for a variety of users which is commercially available. It is distributed without source code.

24
Q

What does a file handler do?

A
  • Manages and organised data storage
  • Allows users to access files
  • Allows users to delete/copy/create files
  • Manages storage of software
25
Q

What do hardware drivers do?

A

They enable peripherals and the OS to communicate and configure.

26
Q

What does backup utility do?

A

It automatically makes a copy of files and stores them away from the original copy so they can be recovered after loss or corruption.

27
Q

Describe and explain what the OS does to keep the computer secure.

A
  • Antivirus - detects and removes malicious software
  • Spyware - detects and removes spyware
  • Firewalls - restricts access in and out of the computer from running applications
28
Q

Describe and explain what the OS does to organise memory.

A
  • Formatting - partitioning sections of secondary storage so it’s compatible with the OS
  • File transfer - allows files to be moved, copied, and deleted by the user
  • Defragmentation - reorganises related data on the hard drive, increases access speeds
29
Q

Describe and explain how the OS maintains the system.

A
  • System information and diagnosis - specifications of the hardware are kept and checked to see if they are functioning
  • System clean up - deletes files/programs which are no longer in use
  • Automatic updating - checks the internet for newer versions of the programs already installed
30
Q

What is open source software?

A

Software distributed with the source code, enabling customers to modify and redistribute software.

31
Q

What are the benefits and drawbacks of open source software?

A
  • Usually free
  • Can be adapted to suit the user’s needs
  • Popular software is reliable and secure
  • Online communities for support
  • No warranties
  • No customer support
  • May not be device compatible
  • No regular updates, there may be bugs or security holes
32
Q

What is closed source software?

A

Software not distributed with its source code. Licences restrict copying and redistributing software.

33
Q

What are the benefits and drawbacks of closed source software?

A
  • Warranties
  • Customer support
  • Protects the company from similar products
  • Regular updates and fixes
  • Well tested and reliable
  • Expensive
  • May not suit user needs exactly
34
Q

What are the differences between compilers?

A

Check photos lol

35
Q

What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

A

A variable is a named location in memory used to store a value which can be changed during the running of a program while a constant cannot be changed during the running of a program.

37
Q

How does an operating system keep the computer secure?

A
  • Access levels
  • Passwords
  • Encryption of information

OCR AS COMPUTING (2 decks)

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