Chapter 4: Software

Question 1

Define Software

Answer 1

Programs that help the user interact with a computer’s hardware.

Question 2

What are the two main types of software?

Answer 2

Application Software
System Software

Question 3

Name 3 (general) examples of Application Software

Answer 3

Word processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Browser
etc.

Question 4

What are the two types of system software?

Answer 4

Operating System
Utility Programs

Question 5

What is the function of the Operating System?

Answer 5

To provide an interface for the user and a platform for applications

Managing Files, Peripherals, Drivers, Memory, Multitasking, interrupts, and user accounts.

Question 6

Name 2 examples of utility programs

Answer 6

Backup Software
File management software
Antivirus Software
etc.

Question 7

What is loaded first when a computer is turned on?

Answer 7

The bootstrap, with the instructions on how to turn on the computer.

Question 8

What is loaded after the bootstrap?

Answer 8

The Firmware

Question 9

What is the function of firmware?

Answer 9

Giving instructions to the OS

Question 10

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Answer 10

A screen that’s easy for users to interact with, including windows, icons, menus, and pointers.
i.e. Windows

Question 11

What is a command line interface?

Answer 11

A more advanced way to interact with the computer, requiring a user to enter text as exact commands.
i.e. Linux

Question 12

What is a natural language interface

Answer 12

A program that interprets typed or spoken words and executes them as programs
i.e. Alexa

Question 13

What are peripherals

Answer 13

Separate input and output devices that can be connected to a computer

Question 14

What are drivers

Answer 14

Devices used to connect peripherals and computers, such as a USB.

Question 15

Which memory location does the OS most often interact with?

Answer 15

RAM

Question 16

How does an OS keep the information of several users private?

Answer 16

By protecting them with a password.

Question 17

What are interrupts?

Answer 17

Signals from the hardware or software telling the computer to switch tasks.

Question 18

What happens if a computer receives an interrupt?

Answer 18

Processor finishes current FDE (fetch-decode-execute) cycle

IH checks interrupt queue seeing if there is an interrupt more important than the current task

If it is: Stores current process and fetches interrupt, checking its source

Calls the relevant Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) and executes interrupt

Returns to FDE cycle or another high-priority interrupt

If it isn’t: Continues FDE cycle

Question 19

Name 2 types of software interrupts

Answer 19

Division by 0
Output required
Program request for input
etc.

Question 20

Name 2 types of hardware interrupts

Answer 20

Data input i.e. key clicked on keyboard
Hardware failure
New Hardware device connected
etc.

Question 21

What type of programming language is easy for the user to understand?

Answer 21

High-level

Question 22

What type of programming language is hard for a user to debug?

Answer 22

Low-level

Question 23

What type of programming language is portable?

Answer 23

High-level

Question 24

Which language can be run directly without converting to another language?

Answer 24

Machine code

Question 25

Which language uses mnemonics to represent functions?

Answer 25

Assembly Language

Question 26

Which language can directly manipulate the hardware?

Answer 26

Machine code

Question 27

What software is needed to convert a high-level language to machine code?

Answer 27

Translator i.e. Interpreter, compiler

Question 28

Which software is needed to convert assembly language to machine code?

Answer 28

Assembler

Question 29

Which translator executes code one line at a time?

Answer 29

Interpreter

Question 30

Which translator reports all syntax errors at once and can't run until they are all fixed?

Answer 30

Compiler

Question 31

Which translator is better for distributing a program?

Answer 31

Compiler

Question 32

Which translator is better for writing/testing a program?

Answer 32

Interpreter

Question 33

Which translator produces an executable file and doesn't need additional software to run?

Answer 33

Compiler

Question 34

Which translator allows part of a program to be tested without running it all?

Answer 34

Interpreter

Question 35

What is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Answer 35

A part of a translator that makes the programmer's life easier when writing and testing code.

Question 36

Name 3 accessibility (convenience) features of an IDE?

Answer 36

Auto-correction to match correct syntax Auto-completion of code Prettyprint Run-time environment

Question 37

What is prettyprint?

Answer 37

A function of IDEs to color code different parts of the code to make code easier to amend.

Question 38

What is a run-time environment?

Answer 38

A window in an IDE to allow the user to run a program in the same place that they are making it.

Question 39

What are 2 debugging features of an IDE?

Answer 39

Break points, ability to see variable values at any given point Variable Watch Window, a place where variables are displayed in real time. Stepping, allowing a user to go through code one line at a time