Software - Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is systems software
It is the interface between the computer hardware and the user applications. It enables the computer to operate the hardware and application software (apps).
What is application software ?
Application software enables the computer to do a particular task e.g. word processing with Microsoft word.
What is the purpose of the operating system / OS
The operating system is one part of system software and is essential in managing all other programs being used on a computer. It allows hardware and software to communicate with each other.
What three roles does the OS perform on a computer ?
- Allocate memory
- Storage
- Processing time
How does the OS allocate memory ?
- Organises the main memory between programs and data files as there are transferred to and from the hard disc
How does the OS manage storage ?
- The OS manages storage of data and files on external devices such and hard drives, USBs etc.
How does the OS allocate processing time ?
- It Allocates processing time between programs that are currently being used by dividing the time into a number of slices. Depending on the priority of tasks, results in a number of slices being allocated.
What is batch processing ?
Is when groups “batches” of similar data are collected over a period of time before being processed. This means that computers can input the data at off peak or less busy times with no human involvement. The master file collects the information that doesn’t change over time. The transaction file collects the information that does change in each period.
What is real time processing ?
When data is processed immediately after it has been inputted. The output generated is processed quickly enough to influence the next input. Systems that need accurate “real” information use real time processing.
What are Multi user systems
When different computers are sharing the same processor. The processor divides its processing time into a number of “time slices” and takes turns switching between the computers at a high speed. A school is an example of a multi-user system.
What is a utility application ?
A program that performs a very specific task in managing system resources , such as a backup program.
What is disc defragmentation ?
Rearranges the data on a hard disc so that all the data is stored together and it becomes quicker to access the files.
What is an anti virus software ?
Software that scans files stored on a computer system , looking for a virus , and compares these to a known database of viruses ; it can eliminate a virus.
