Unit 4 - Hardware and Software Flashcards
Define hardware
The electrical and electro-mechanical components of the computer which comprise the physical presence of the computer
Define software
A generic term for program that can be run on a computer and does not have a physical presence
Define systems software
Software which is required to run and manage the computer’s hardware and application progress
Define an operating system software
A suite of programs designed to control the operations of the computer
Define general purpose software
Software used for a range of generic tasks
Define special purpose software
Software that is designed for one unique purpose
Define off-the-shelf software
A generic piece of software deigned to perform a task for a wide audience
Define bespoke software
A piece of software created exactly to fit a single user’s specific needs and requirements
What subsections come under software?
Application software and system software
What are the subsections of application software?
General purpose software, off-the-shelf software, bespoke software and special purpose software
What are the subsections of system software?
Operating systems, utility software, library programs and translators
Define machine code
The lowest level of code that consists of just binary
Define translators
A system used by a computer that translates high level coding languages to machine code
Define a library
A collection of pre-compiled routines, data and resources that can be called and used by other programs
What are the four main functions of the operating system?
Memory management, processor scheduling, backing storage management and peripheral management
Explain the OS’s role in peripheral management
The OS acts as a bridge between the software of a computer and the peripheral’s the computer is connected to, this is because the software cannot communicate with the peripherals directly
Explain the OS’s role in memory management
The OS allocates memory space for each function that the computer is currently running
Explain the OS’s role in backup management
The OS is responsible for ensuring that all files are backed up in a secure location
Explain the OS’s role in processor scheduling
The OS needs to allocate processor time to each program/task that is currently being run
Define Application Programming Interface
A set of subroutines that enables one program to interface with another program .e.g. access its data and functions
Why is an API necessary?
It provides a user-friendly interface which means that the user is able to use a computer and execute functions without knowing what occurs for them to be performed
What does API stand for?
Application Programming Interface
List the four main functions of the OS
- Memory management
- Processor scheduling
- Backing store management
- Peripheral and I/O device management
Give an example of an interrupt
“out of paper”
“out of ink”
What is virtual memory?
A solution for a lack of physical storage where parts of secondary storage are used a primary storage
What was the name of the first programmable computer?
Colossus
What did Colossus use as its input?
A continuous piece of tape with 20,000 5-bit characters on it