2019 QP1

Question 1

Explain the difference between open source and closed source software

Answer 1

Open source has the source code freely available to amend/copy/redistribute/recompile
Whereas closed source is distributed in binary form only/the source code is not made available
There are licensing conditions restricting the redistribution/there is no permission to amend the code

Question 2

Explain why all closed source software is most likely to be compiled rather than run on an interpreter

Answer 2

Compilers translate the source code prior to distribution
Meaning the user gets an executable program (which makes amending of the program much more difficult)
Interpreters translate source code every time the program is run meaning the user needs the source code to run the program

Question 3

State the name of a type of translator software other than a compiler or interpreter

Answer 3

An Assembler

Question 4

Give three functions of an operating system

Answer 4

Provide a user interface
Provide System Security
Manage hardware
Provide utilities
Provide a platform from which software can be installed/run
Schedule programs
Handle interrupts
Manage memory

Question 5

State which of a stack or queue would be considered as a ‘First In First Out’ data structure

Answer 5

Queue