3. Software

Question 1

Name 5 different high level languages

Answer 1

Python, Java, Ruby, C#, C++

Question 2

What are the three main types of software?

Answer 2

System software
Application software
Utility software

Question 3

What is the definition of software?

Answer 3

The programs that are run on computers and also can be the data that the programs use.
Programs are stored sets of instructions that are given to processor to carry out.

Question 4

Describe the software in a dedicated system

Answer 4

Stored in chip
Specific to job
Eg. Washing machine only specific to washing

Question 5

What is the system software and what is its function?

Answer 5

It is the software that controls the hardware. Takes care of movement of data between locations. It is intermediary between application and hardware.

• hides complexity of hardware from user and application programmer
• allows user to operate computer without programming

Question 6

What is main part of system software?

What is the definition?

Answer 6

Operating system.

Set of programs that controls hardware and allows user and applications to work with the computer.

Question 7

How does OS control software and hardware?

Answer 7

Through the API (application program interface), which manages sharing of internal memory by applications running on the computer.
It handles input and output to and from attached hardware devices through device drivers (software)

Question 8

What is the order of sequences after the computer is turned on?

Answer 8

ROM loads BIOS (basic input and output system) and hardware tests to ensure that everything is working.
Then loads boot sequence.
Then OS transfers from secondary storage to RAM to CPU and applications can be run

Question 9

What is the heart of the OS and what does it do?

Answer 9

Kernel.

It controls the hardware with the device drivers

Question 10

What are the main functions of an OS?

Answer 10

1) memory management
2) provides interface (to mask complexity)
3) maintains security and access rights of users
4) peripherals management

Question 11

Explain the relationship between an application and OS

Answer 11

Application performs useful real-world job.

OS controls hardware

Question 12

What is the user interface and what does it do?

Answer 12

It is the means by which the user reacts with a computer, particularly by using inputs and software.

It lets the user input commands, asks questions and displays a response.

Question 13

What are the advantages/ disadvantages of CLI and GUI?

Answer 13

CLI (command line interface) is good for flexibility and control, able to group commands (she’ll scripts) and quicker to operate when learnt, but needs to be memorised

GUI (graphical user interface) uses WIMP (windows, icons, menus, pointers) so easy to navigate and need not be learned, good for touch screens/no keyboard availability, however less flexible

Question 14

What are maintenance actions that can be achieved with a typical GUI?

Answer 14

Selecting software and files
Controlling sound volume
Connecting to WI-FI
Deleting/moving files
Checking battery
Updating/installing software

Question 15

What are pros and cons of speech as input?

Answer 15

Good for inputs on telephone, giving commands to computers and dictating text

Hard to get work due to accents and dialects, speed and clarity of talking

Question 16

What does memory management do?

Answer 16

Divides memory into pages
Loads processes (program being executed) into vacant pages

Question 17

What happens in the technique of virtual memory?

Answer 17

Occurs when not enough storage on RAM
OS swaps jobs in and out of memory (parts of program not needed are stored in secondary memory) by dividing programs into modules

Question 18

Name three types of files

Answer 18

Data files- document or database
Program files- OS components or applications
Configuration data- eg. Part of OS registry

Question 19

What happens when you save a file?

Answer 19

OS looks where there is free space in storage
Writes data to storage and records location
When you next open file OS looks up location, finds and retrieves it

Question 20

What is defragmentation?

Answer 20

Process of locating noncontiguous fragments of data and rearranging them into fewer fragments or whole file

Question 21

Why is defragmentation necessary?

Answer 21

Main memory is divided into segments
Files larger than segments are split into blocks across many segments
Takes longer to read/write
Defragmentation used to move blocks next to each other in storage to increase speed

Question 22

What are device drivers?

Answer 22

Software that allows OS to communicate with and operate with devices

Question 23

What is a directory and why are they useful?

Answer 23

A logical grouping of files (could be called folders on Windows)

Make it easier for human to locate related files
Allow repeated use of same file name in different locations

Question 24

What are file attributes?

Answer 24

Extra information about the file eg.:

• who created it
• who can view/edit it
• if it is read-only
• size of file

Question 25

What are viruses?

Answer 25

Malicious programs that replicate themselves, designed to damage files, take control of computer and retrieve confidential data

Question 26

What is authentication of users?

Answer 26

When OS can be set up to check users are themselves

Uses user id and password to check user’s privileges

Question 27

What are privileges?

Answer 27

The rights assigned to users and groups that include if user can view, write or execute particular files/programs

Question 28

Why are some files encrypted?

Answer 28

So an unauthorised person can’t understand them eg. Passwords

Question 29

What are editors?

What are they used for in particular?

Answer 29

Word processors with limited ability that allow text files to be:
Created, saved, read, changed
Used for writing source code and editing configuration files

Question 30

What are linkers and interpreters?

Answer 30

Linkers combine modules of object code into an executable program
Interpreters convert typed commands into machine instructions

Question 31

What is difference between applications and utilities?

Answer 31

Applications are software that the user uses eg. Word processor, calculator

Utilities usually run in the background and help maintain the computer

Question 32

Name the security utility programs and their functions

Answer 32

Antivirus- detects and removes self-replicating programs
Spyware- detects and removes programs that record your history and passwords
Firewall- monitors traffic entering and leaving system in order to block unauthorised material

Question 33

What are some disk organisation utilities

Answer 33

Formatting, file transfer, defragmentation

Question 34

What are advantages and disadvantages of custom written software?

Answer 34

Advantages:
-not available to your rivals
-developed specifically to your requirements
-the developer will solve any issues
Disadvantages:
-expensive
-maybe long time to develop or not tested much

Question 35

What are advantages and disadvantages of off the shelf software?

Answer 35

Advantages:
-readily available
-extensively tested
-many users = lots of help and testing
-cheap
Disadvantages:
-not specific to customer
-may need expensive customisation
-no competitive edge

Question 36

What are advantages and disadvantages of open source software?

Answer 36

Advantages:
-usually free
-source code available so can be modified
-reliable and efficient as many people work on it and have help forums
Disadvantages:
-updates not always regular
-anyone can edit so malicious users could too

Question 37

What are advantages and disadvantages of proprietary software?

Answer 37

Advantages:
-helpline to contact
-extensively tested
-regular updates
Disadvantages:
-expensive
-inflexible to users needs
-source code protected