System Software

Question 1

Name 4 types of user interface?

Answer 1

• Command line interface
• Graphical user interface
• Menu driven interface
• Natural language interface

Question 2

What are the functions of an operating system?

6 marks

Answer 2

• Memory management
• User management
• Multitasking
• Providing a user interface
• File management
• Peripheral management and drivers

Question 3

Name 5 examples of operating systems

Answer 3

• Windows
• Android
• Chrome OS
• macOS
• Linux

Question 4

What is an operating system?

Answer 4

Software that manages computer hardware, users and the resources used by the software

Question 5

What is a user interface?

Answer 5

The means by which the user and a computer interact

Question 6

What are the typical features of a GUI?

Answer 6

• Windows
• Icons
• Menus
• Pointers
• Drag and drop

Question 7

What does OS stand for?

Answer 7

Operating system

Question 8

What does GUI stand for?

Answer 8

Graphical user interface

Question 9

Why would you use a GUI?

Answer 9

• Easy to use

Question 10

What is a command line interface?

Answer 10

A text based interface where commands are entered into the computer

Question 11

Why would you use a command line interface?

Answer 11

• Requires very little processing, so it is quicker if you know the commands
• Requires much less disk storage space and RAM
• No graphics card needed

Question 12

What is a menu driven interface?

Answer 12

A type of user interface used by devices with a dedicated function where there are only certain options that can be selected, by a menu

Question 13

What is memory management?

Answer 13

When the OS manages where data and programs are stored to ensure nothing is overridden. It also manages virtual memory.

Question 14

How does multitasking work?

Answer 14

Carrying out more than one task seemingly at the same time by allocating time for each program in the CPU

Question 15

What are interrupts?

Answer 15

Signals sent to the CPU by external devices to indicate an event that needs immediate attention

Question 16

Name example of a hardware interrupt

Answer 16

Printer out of paper

Question 17

Give an example of a software interrupt?

Answer 17

A divide-by-zero error

Question 18

What does a device driver do?

Answer 18

Translate the OS instructions into instructions the device can understand

Question 19

What is a peripheral?

Answer 19

A hardware device connected to a computer

Question 20

Give 2 examples of user management

Answer 20

• Access levels
• Storing user logins and passwords

Question 21

Name 4 common file management actions

Answer 21

• Naming and renaming files and folders
• Moving files and folders
• Saving files
• Sorting files (eg. by name, by data created etc.)

Question 22

Name 5 examples of utility software

Answer 22

• Encryption software
• Disk defragmentation software
• Data compression software
• Anti-malware software
• Disk clean up tools

Question 23

What is encryption software?

Answer 23

Software that disguises the content of files so they can only be understood by authorised users

Question 24

What is disk defragmentation?

Answer 24

Reordering where files are stored so they are stores in consecutive memory locations

Question 25

What is fragmentation?

Answer 25

When a file isn’t stored across consecutive memory locations

Question 26

Why is disk defragmentation needed?

Answer 26

• Fragmented files take longer to read
• Because the driver head will need to move to more locations

Question 27

What does data compression software do?

Answer 27

Reduce the size of a file stored on secondary storage

Question 28

What are the advantages of compressed files?

Answer 28

• Takes up less storage
• Quicker to transfer and download

Question 29

What are the possible disadvantages of compressed files?

Answer 29

• Lower quality