Software

Question 1

What is a translator

Answer 1

A type of software that converts code written in one programming language into another

Question 2

Is a translator low level or high language language

Answer 2

High level language

Question 3

What is an assmbler

Answer 3

It is used to convert assembly language into machine code

Question 4

What is an interpreter

Answer 4

A type of translator that converts a high level language into a low level language. But it checks one line of code and then executes it before checking the next

Question 5

What is a compiler

Answer 5

It is a type of translator that converts a high level language into a low level language. But it checks all code before running the program

Question 6

Advantages of an interpreter

Answer 6

-Translates one line is code into machine code and the runs the program

-Reports a syntax error as soon as it picks it up and program is stopped

Question 7

Advantages of a compiler

Answer 7

-Produces an executable file

-Useful when a program has been finished and is ready for testing or distribution

Question 8

Types of translators

Answer 8

-Assembler
-Interpreter
-Compilers

Question 9

Two types of programming languages

Answer 9

High level language and low level language

Question 10

What is high level language

Answer 10

A type of programming language that uses human like language words

Question 11

Examples of where high level language is used

Answer 11

-Python
-JavaScript
-VB.NET

Question 12

What is low level language

Answer 12

A type of programming language that is closer to the machine’s language such as assembly language or binary code

Question 13

What is machine code

Answer 13

Binary code it is an example of a low level language

Question 14

What is assembly language

Answer 14

Code written is mnemonics that allows direct manipulation of the hardware.

Question 15

Benefits of high level language

Answer 15

• It is portable and machine independent
  -Easier for users to debug
  -Easier for humans to understand

Question 16

Benefits of low level language

Answer 16

-Can directly manipulate the hardware
-Machine code doesn’t have to be converted making it faster than high level language

Question 17

What is an interrupt

Answer 17

A signal sent to the processor to tell it that something needs its attention

Question 18

Examples of a software interrupt

Answer 18

-Division by 0
-Two processes attempting to access the same memory location

Question 19

Examples of hardware interrupt

Answer 19

-Key pressed on a keyboard (data input)
-Error from hardware

Question 20

What is interrupt handler

Answer 20

A program that organises interrupts into an order based off priorities

Question 21

What is interrupt service routine

Answer 21

A program that retrieves an interrupts and performs that required actions.

Question 22

What is a bootloader

Answer 22

The first instructions a computer runs that tells it where to find the boot sector on the hard drive. It is stored in the ROM’s firmware

Question 23

What is firmware

Answer 23

Programs stored in the ROM and are loaded when the computer starts

Question 24

What is bootstrap

Answer 24

The first instructions and commands loaded when a computer is turned on

Question 25

What are some functions of an operating system

Answer 25

-Providing an interface -Managing multitasking -Managing peripherals -Managing user accounts

Question 26

Describe ‘Providing an interface’

Answer 26

The OS allows the user to enter data and output data to the user. An interface is a method by which a user communicates with a computer

Question 27

Types of interfaces

Answer 27

-Graphical User Interface -Command line interface -Natural language interface

Question 28

What is a graphical user interface

Answer 28

A type of operating system that includes windows, icons, menus and pointers

Question 29

What is a command line interface

Answer 29

A type of operating system where the user types commands

Question 30

What is a natural language interface

Answer 30

A type of operating system that allows the user to type or speak commands

Question 31

Describe ‘Manage multitasking’

Answer 31

A function of an operating system that allows people to use their computers to run several programs at the same time

Question 32

Describe a peripheral

Answer 32

A hardware device, used to input, store or output data from a computer, that is not directly part of the computer itself

Question 33

Describe a driver

Answer 33

A program that controls a device, for example a printer or a keyboard

Question 34

Describe ‘Managing user accounts’

Answer 34

The OS allows a user to set up an account, keeps the data separate for multiple accounts and restricts the access by using a password

Question 35

Define software

Answer 35

A series of instructions written in a programming language that performs a function

Question 36

Two types of software

Answer 36

-System software -Application software

Question 37

Define system software

Answer 37

A type of software that manages the hardware and software in a computer.

Question 38

Define application software

Answer 38

A type of software that allows the user to perform a useful task

Question 39

Examples of application software

Answer 39

-Word processor -Spreadsheet -Database -Web browser

Question 40

Define word processor

Answer 40

A type of application software that allows the user to create text based documents

Question 41

Define spreadsheet

Answer 41

A type of application software that performs calculations on data

Question 42

Define database

Answer 42

A type of application software to store and manipulate data

Question 43

Define web browser

Answer 43

A piece of software that retrieves and displays web pages

Question 44

What is Integrated Development Environment

Answer 44

A piece of software that allows a user to write, test and run program code

Question 45

Features of an editor

Answer 45

-Auto completion -Auto correction -Prettyprint

Question 46

Features of IDE

Answer 46

-Code editor -Run-time environment

Question 47

Define code editor

Answer 47

A feature of an IDE that allows the user to write and edit programming code

Question 48

Define run time environment

Answer 48

A feature of an IDE that allows a program to be run and lets the user interact with the program