Ch 3 L1: System Software

Question 1

What is the purpose of system software?

Answer 1

starts up the computer

keeps it running smoothly

translates human language instructions into computer language instructions

Question 2

What are the four types of system software?

Answer 2

1. Basic Input / Output System (BIOS)
2. Operating System (OS)
3. Utility Programs
4. Translators

Question 3

What is the basic input / output system (BIOS)?

Answer 3

software on a chip that helps a computer start up.

As a hybrid of hardware and software, it is sometimes called firmware

Question 4

Where is the BIOS, also known as the system BIOS located?

Answer 4

on the motherboard

Question 5

Why are hardware startup and communication programs stored on ROM chips on circuit boards?

Answer 5

so that they cannot be accidentally erased

Question 6

What is the ROM BIOS?

Answer 6

A term used to describe ROM stored software on the motherboard

Question 7

Which system configurations does the BIOS automatically detect?

Answer 7

RAM

memory

installed CPU type

hard drive capacity.

Question 8

Can the user modify the BIOS settings to handle customization?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

How are BIOS settings modified?

Answer 9

Using the BIOS Setup Utility