1.5 systems software

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

The physical electronic components of the computer

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

The instructions/algorithms that tell the compute what to do

Question 3

Operating system functions

Answer 3

-communicate with internal and external hardware via the device drivers
-provide a user interface, allowing the user to interact with the computer
-provide a platform for different applications to run
-allow multitasking by controlling memory resources and the CPU
-deals with file management and disk management
-manages the security if the system e.g. through user accounts (access levels)
-peripheral management

Question 4

Operating system

Answer 4

A set of programs that controls how the user interacts with the hardware and software of the computer system

Question 6

User interface

Answer 6

Allows the user to interact with the operating system

Question 7

CLI

Answer 7

Command Line Interface

-text-based
-the user enters specific commands to complete tasks
-less convenient and not suitable for everyday users (but can be more efficient and powerful for advanced users)
-e.g. linux

Question 8

GUI

Answer 8

Graphical User Interface

-the user interacts with the OS using icons, menus, and windows
-much easier to use
-perfect for touchscreen devices
-e.g. android + iOS

Question 9

WIMP interfaces (GUIs)

Answer 9

Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers
E.g. windows

Question 10

Device drivers

Answer 10

-allow the OS to communicate with internal hardware or peripherals

Question 11

Memory management & multitasking

Answer 11

-some operating systems (multi-tasking OSs) can run multiple applications at the same time
-the OS helps the CPU carry out multi-tasking by efficiently managing memory and CPU processing time
-uses scheduling to prioritise tasks