Systems Software

Question 1

What is operating system and its function ( 5 marks)

Answer 1

Manages hardware and runs software
Allows external hardware and software to communicate to communicate with each other
Allows user interface
Manages file disk and hard disk
Provides platform for application

Question 2

Definition of device driver

Answer 2

Allows operating system to communicate with hardware

Question 3

What is the function of encryption software

Answer 3

Encrypt data to prevent third party access

Question 4

Advantage of encryption software

Answer 4

Very secure as a key is needed to decrypt the data
Hacker can’t brute-force attack to guess key

Question 5

Disadvantage of encryption software

Answer 5

The user would be unable to explore the encrypted file if the password or key got the loss

Question 6

What is meant Device drivers

Answer 6

Software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer

Question 7

Explain how the operating system manages memory and CPU time to allow the computer to multi-task ( 6 marks)

Answer 7

When an application is opened, OS moves the necessary parts of the application to memory, followed by additional parts when they are required
OS will decide if application or features have been used recently, if not they may be removed from memory
Memory manager allocates certain applications certain memory addresses to make sure their processes are placed into separate locations
To run multiple applications, the OS needs to make sure that the application don’t overwrite or interfere with each other
Only one application is processed by the CPU at a time, other processes will wait - OS divides CPU time between open applications and may prioritize certain processes in order for instructions to be executed in the most efficient order
Helps manage flow of data in the system by using memory buffers

Question 8

Describe the purpose of a graphical user interface

Answer 8

Enables a person to communicate with a computer through the use of symbols, visual metaphors, and pointing devices.

Question 9

What is meant by command line interface

Answer 9

A text-based user interface (UI) used to run programs, manage computer files and interact with the computer.

Question 10

Two benefits of using a command line interface instead of GUI

Answer 10

Less resource-heavy than GUIs
Configuration can be far faster

Question 11

Two benefits of using GUI over CLI

Answer 11

Anyone can edit
Easier to navigate