software(chapter 3) Flashcards
what is software?
software is the term given to the programs we run on our computers.
name 3 multi-purpose computers.
laptop, a tablet computer, and a desk top pc.
what controls the hardware?
the system software.
what is utility software?
utility software is software which has limited functionality and is used to maintain computer systems.
how is software produced?
software is produced using a programming language.
what is the operating system?
the operating system is a set of programs that controls the hardware and lets users and apps work with the computer.
what is a Kernel?
the part of the operating systems which actually makes the hardware do things.
state 2 reasons why an operating system is needed in a computer.
it controls the hard ware and it lets users and applications work with the computer.
what does the the user interface do ?
- lets the user give commands.
- asks questions.
- displays the response.
what does the command line interface require?
the user to type commands.
what does GUI stand for?
graphical user interface
what does the GUI do?
a GUI uses icons to represent resources,files,programs,and actions. they are a useful way of interacting with a computer when there is a small or virtual keyboard.
why do some interfaces find it difficult to accept speech?
speech can vary e.g accent, dialect, and speed of talking
what does virtual memory mean?
not real memory.
what is responsible for keeping track of all files in a system?
the operating system.
what is a device driver?
it is software that:
- creates an interface.
- allows an operating system to communicate with the device.
- allows devices to operate independantly of eachother.
what is multiprogramming?
when several programs are loaded into memory at the same time.
what is multi-tasking?
when processes are running at the same time e.g printing a document while we are working.
why are directories useful?
- they make it easier for the user to locate files.
- they allow the repeated use of the same file name in different locations.
what do file attributes do?
provide extra information about the file. e.g. who created it,and the size of the file.
what do viruses do?
- damage files
- take control of a computer
- retrieve confidential data
