System Software

Question 1

Define operating system

Answer 1

A software that manages a computer system. It is loaded by the bootstrap loader. One of its primary functions is to manage resources

Question 2

What resources does the operating system manage

Answer 2

Peripherals
Security
Printing using spooling
Backing storage
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Processes

Question 3

How does the operating system manage peripherals

Answer 3

• communicates with and sends data output to a primer/monitor/other valid output device
• communicates with and receives data input to a keyboard/mouse/other valid input device

Question 4

How does the operating system manage security

Answer 4

• Allows creation and deletion of user accounts
• allows users to logon and change passwords

Question 5

How does the operating system manage printing using spoiling

Answer 5

• stores data in a hard disk/in memory/stored in a queue
• prints document when printer is free-in correct order

Question 6

Benefit of spooling

Answer 6

User can carry on working/log off when waiting for job to print

Question 7

How does the operating system manage backing storage

Answer 7

• ensures data is stored and can be retrieved correctly from any disk drive
• creates and maintains filing system such as file allocation table (FAT) or new technology file systems (NFTS)
  Organises files in a hierarchical directory structure

Question 8

How does the operating system manage RAM

Answer 8

• ensures that programs/data do not corrupt each other
• ensures that all programs and data including itself, are stored in correct memory locations

Question 9

How does the operating system manage processes

Answer 9

• ensures that different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash
• On a multitasking O/S, ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously

Question 10

What does the user interface provided by the operating system do (8 points)

Answer 10

• allows copying, deleting, moving, sorting and searching of file or folders
• Allows access to system settings such as hardware
• Provides a command line interface
• allows users to have more than one window open
• provides a graphical user interface (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers)
• provides user with error/help messages
• allows customisation of interface e.g change desktop back/layout
• allows user to switch between tasks (programs/windows)

Question 11

Define utility software (utilities)

Answer 11

Software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better

Question 12

What does the utility software do

Answer 12

• file indexing
• file conversion
• defragmentation
• compression
• task management
• disk scanning and repair
• antivirus software
• backup
• firewall

Question 13

Define file indexing

Answer 13

A computer file with an index that allows easy random access to any record given its file key

Question 14

Define file conversion

Answer 14

Conversion of files from one format to another such as a sound file from WAV to MP3

Question 15

Define defragmentation

Answer 15

The process where files are physically re-arranged on disk so that they are no longer fragmented, and the parts of each file are stored together

Question 16

Define compression

Answer 16

The process of making a file size smaller. This may be advantageous as it allows more data to be stored on the disk, and files may also be transferred more quickly. The two primary methods are called lossy and lossless

Question 17

Define task management

Answer 17

View each of the tasks (processes) and the overall performance of the computer.
View how much memory a program is using, stop a frozen program, and view available system resources

Question 18

Define disk scanning and repair

Answer 18

The utility software scans the hard drive and, where necessary, attempts to repair errors in files stored on the hard disk

Question 19

Define antivirus software

Answer 19

Designed to prevent viruses, worms and Trojan horses from attacking a computer as well as remove any malicious software code that has already infected a computer. Most utilities now bundle in anti-spyware and anti-malware capabilities

Question 20

Define backup

Answer 20

Copies data to a storage medium. At periodic intervals, a backup of the entire hard drive or of selected files and folders can be performed. These programs can also be set up to back up files automatically when they have been updated and saved.

Question 21

Define firewall

Answer 21

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet.