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AS Level CS 9618 Paper 1 > system software > Flashcards

system software Flashcards

1
Q

operating system

A

a software platform that provides facilities for programs to be run which benefit the user

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2
Q

why should an operating system be used

A
  • hardware is unusable without an operating system
  • acts as an interface and controls communication between user and hardware
  • provides software platform
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3
Q

command line interface (CLI)

A
  • user types in instructions to open or launch a program
  • user is in direct communication with the computer system
  • usually a number of instructions need to be typed in to launch the program
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4
Q

graphical user interface (GUI)

A
  • user interacts with the computer system using icons
  • user does not need to know where application is in the computer
  • user launches app by the use of pointer
  • e.g: Windows
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5
Q

memory management

A
  • allocates memory to processes
  • ensure fair usage of memory
  • organize memory by making use of virtual memory
  • keeps processes separate
  • to release memory when a process stops
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6
Q

process management

A
  • manages scheduling of process
  • allows multitasking
  • handles priorities
  • enables process to share info
    prevents interference between processes
  • manages which resource the process requires
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7
Q

file management

A
  • storage space divided into file allocation unit
  • space allocated for particular files
  • maintains directory structure
  • specifies logical method of file storage
  • file naming convention
  • controls file access
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8
Q

security management

A
  • sets up user account
  • access rights
  • checks username and passwords
  • auto back-up
  • system restore
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9
Q

printer management

A
  • installs printer driver
  • sends data to the printer
  • handles error messages
  • sends commands to the printer
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10
Q

interrupt handling

A
  • identifies priorities to the interrupt
  • saves data on power outage
  • loads appropriate interrupt service routine
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11
Q

input output management

A
  • installation of appropriate drivers
  • control access to data being sent
  • control access to hardware
  • manages communication between devices
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12
Q

utility software

A

analyzes and maintains a computer system and makes it functional

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13
Q

hard disk formatter

A
  • makes existing data inaccessible
  • position the disk into logical drives
  • prepare the disk for initial use
  • might search for error
  • sets up specified file system
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14
Q

hard disk defragmenter

A
  • re-ogranises the disk
  • moves split files so they are contiguous
  • creates a large area of contiguous free space
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15
Q

disk repair

A
  • check for any error
  • resolves any errors on the disk
  • retrieves files from damaged disk
  • marks bad sectors of the disk
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16
Q

virus checker

A
  • scans files on a computer for malicious code
  • scans files when they enter the system when the memory stick is inserted
  • sets up a schedule for virus checking
  • deletes virus
  • regularly updates virus definition
17
Q

backup software

A
  • creates a copy of the contents of the disk
  • can be set up to automatically backup
  • allows user to decide what is backed up
  • allows off site backup
  • may encrypt backed up files
  • restores the data if necessary
18
Q

file compression utility

A
  • compress and decompress files
  • infrequently used files are compressed
  • saves space in hard disk
19
Q

library routine

A
  • pre-existing or pre-compiled code
  • can be linked to other programs
  • to perform common complex tasks
20
Q

library routine pros

A
  • less code needs to be written so saves time
  • pre-tested so reduces testing time
  • can be written in different programming languages that enable you to use special features of that language
  • there can be complex algorithms and no need to work out how to write them
  • simplifies the program since just the name of the function is included
21
Q

library routine cons

A
  • compatibility issues: may not work with other code
  • not guaranteed through testing : may contain unknown unexpected bugs
  • the code may not meet exact needs : unexpected result
22
Q

dynamic link library (DLL)

A
  • a collection of self-contained shared library program that are already compiled
  • linked to main program during execution
  • program code is separated from .exe file
  • library file is only loaded into memory when required at run-time
  • a DLL file can be made available to several applications at the same time
  • if a change is made in DLL code then the entirety of the program that uses DLL will get changed
23
Q

DLL pros

A
  • the executable file is smaller
  • DLL file is only loaded into memory when required at run-time
  • changes to DLL code are done independently of the main program
  • no need to recompile the pain program
  • a single DLL file can be made available to several applications saving space in memory
24
Q

DLL cons

A
  • executable code is not self-contained
  • DLL file needs to be included at run-time
  • linking software needs to be available at run-time to import the DLL file
  • unexpected changes to DLL could mean the program stops working as expected
  • malicious changes to DLL file could install a virus on the user’s computer
25
Q

assembler

A
  • programs written in assembly language are translated into machine code by an assembler program
  • each instruction in the source code consists of an operand and opcode
  • software translates low level language into machine code for the processor to execute
26
Q

compiler

A
  • translates high level language into machine code for the processor to execute
  • compiler creates an executable file
  • no need to give access to source code so it makes it more difficult for the user to modify the code
27
Q

compiler pros

A
  • produces an executable file
  • user does not have access to source code
  • it will probably be faster to run the executable file
  • code does not have to be compiled each time it’s executed
  • does not need to be present at run-time
28
Q

compiler cons

A
  • source code must be re-compiled every time the programmer changes the program
  • finding error is difficult as error messages are given at the end
  • source code must be 100% correct for executable file to be produced
29
Q

interpreter

A
  • translates high level language into machine code for the processor to execute line by line
  • reads each statement and checks it before running it
  • halts when it encounters an error
  • analyses and checks each line before executing it
30
Q

interpreter pros

A
  • can be corrected as they occur
  • can run a partially complete program when developing
  • the effect of any change made to the code can be seen immediately
31
Q

interpreter cons

A
  • no executable file is produced
  • user has access to source code
  • need to translate the source code again and again so consumes time
  • interpreter should be present in the memory at the time of execution

AS Level CS 9618 Paper 1 (9 decks)

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