System Software Flashcards
(36 cards)
1
Q
Define operating system.
A
A software platform that provides facilities for programs to be run which are benefit to a user.
2
Q
Why an OS should be used?
A
- Hardware is unusable without an OS.
- Acts as an interface and controls communications b/w user and hardware.
- Provides software platform.
3
Q
What are the two types of user interfaces?
A
- Command Line Interface
- User types in instructions to open or launch a program.
- User is in direct communication with the comp system.
- Usually a number of instructions are needed to be typed in to open or launch a program. - Graphical User Interface
- User interacts w the comp system by using icons.
- User doesn’t need to know where application resides within a computer.
- User launches application by the use of pointer.
- Windows is the example of G.U.I
4
Q
Explain the key management task “Memory management” carried out by the OS.
A
- Allocates memory to processes.
- Ensure fair usage of memory.
- Organize memory by making use of virtual memory.
- Keeps processes separate.
- To release memory when a process stops.
5
Q
Define process management.
A
- Manages scheduling of processes
- Allows multitasking
- Handles priorities
- Enables processes to share info
- Prevents interferences b/w the processes
- Manages which resource the process requires
6
Q
Explain the key management task: provision of user interface.
A
- Allows a user to communicate w hardware by making navigation around the system easier.
- Provides facilities for user to input data.
- Provides facilities to show output results to user e.g CLI and GUI.
7
Q
Explain the key management task: security management.
A
- Sets up user account.
- Access rights.
- Checks username and p.ws.
- Automatic backup.
- System restore.
8
Q
Explain the key management task: file management.
A
- Storage space divided into file allocation unit (allocation unit size represents the smallest amount of disk space that can be used to hold a file).
- Space allocated for particular files.
- Maintains directory structure. (My computer - C Drive - D Drive - Folder 1 etc so like managing the overall structure)
- Specifies logical method of file storage.
- Provides file naming convention.
- Controls file access.
- Specific tasks that can be performed on a file e.g open del, copy etc.
9
Q
Explain the key management task: printer management.
A
- Installs printer driver.
- Sends data to the printer.
- Handles error msgs.
- Sends commands to the printer.
10
Q
Explain the key management task: interrupt handling.
A
- Identifies priorities to the interrupt
- Saves data on power outage
- Loads appropriate interrupt service routine
11
Q
Explain the key management task: input output management.
A
- Installation of appropriate drivers.
- Control access to data being sent.
- Control access to the hardware.
- Manages communication b/w devices.
12
Q
Define utility software.
A
Utility softwares analyze and maintain a comp system and make it functional.
13
Q
Explain hard disk formatter.
A
- Makes existing data inaccessible
- Partitions the disk into logical drives.
- Prepares the disk for initial use.
- Might search for error.
- Set ups specified file system.
14
Q
Explain hard disk defragmenter.
A
- Re organizes the disk.
- Moves split file so they are contiguous.
- Creates a large area of contiguous free space.
15
Q
Explain disk content analysis/disk repair.
A
- Checks for any error.
- Resolves any errors on the disk.
- Retrieves files from damaged disk.
- Marks bad sector of the disk.
16
Q
Explain virus checker.
A
- Scans files on a comp for malicious code.
- Scans files when they enter the system like when memory stick is inserted.
- Sets up a schedule for virus checking.
- Deletes virus.
- Regularly updates virus definition.
17
Q
Explain back-up software.
A
- Creates a copy of the content of the disk.
- Can be set up to automatically backup.
- Allows a user to decide what is backed up.
- Allows off site backup.
- May encrypt backed up files.
- Restores the data if necessary.
18
Q
Explain file compression utility.
A
- Compresses and decompresses files.
- Infrequently used files are compressed.
- Saves space in hard disk.
19
Q
What is meant by a library routine?
A
- Pre existing or pre compiled code.
- Can be linked to other programs.
- To perform common complex tasks.
20
Q
What are the benefits of library routines?
A
- Less code needs to be written so saves time.
- Pretested so reduces testing time.
- Can be written in different programming languages.
- That enables you to use special features of that language.
- Can be complex algorithms and no need to work out how to write them.
- Simplifies the program since just the name of the function is included.
21
Q
What are the drawbacks of library routines?
A
- Compatibility issues; may not work with other code.
- Not guaranteed through testing; may contain unknown unexpected bugs.
- The code may not meet exact needs; may give unexpected results.
22
Q
Describe DLL.
A
- A collection of self-contained shared library program.
- That are already compiled.
- Linked to main program during execution.
- Library program code is separated from .Exe file.
- Library file only loaded into memory when required at run-time.
- A DLL file can be made available to several application at the same time.
- If a change is made in DLL code then all of the program that uses DLL will get change.
DLLs allow for dynamic linking, meaning programs can load and use functions and resources from a DLL at runtime rather than needing to have all the code compiled into the program itself. This allows programs to be smaller and more modular.
23
Q
Benefits of DLL
A
- The executable file is smaller.
- DLL file only loaded into memory when required at runtime.
- Changes to DLL code are done independently of the main program.
- So there is no need to recompile the main program.
- A single DLL file can be made available to several application saving space in memory.
24
Q
What is an assembler?
A
Programs written in assembly language are translated into machine code by an assembler program. Each instruction in the source code consists of an opcode and an operand. The software translates low level language into machine code for the processer to execute. The source code uses instructions from the processor’s instruction set.
25
Define compiler.
Compiler translates high level language into machine code for the processor to execute. It creates an executable file. There is no need to give access to source code so makes it more difficult for the user to modify the code.
26
What are the benefits of a compiler?
- Produces an executable file.
- User doesn't have access to source code.
- It will probably be faster to run the executable file.
- Code doesn't have to be compiled each time it's executed.
- Doesn't need the compiler to be present at run-time.
27
What are the drawbacks of a compiler?
- The source code must be re-compiled every time the programmer changes the program.
- Finding errors is difficult as error msgs are given at the end.
- The source code must be 100% correct for an executable file to be produced.
28
Define an interpreter.
An interpreter translates high level lang into machine code for the processor to executable file line by line. The interpreter reads each statement and checks it before running it. It halts when it encounters an error, and analyses and checks each line before executing it.
29
What are the benefits of an interpreter?
- Errors can be corrected as they occur.
- Can run a partially complete program when developing.
- The effect of any change made to the code can be seen immediately.
30
What are the drawbacks of an interpreter?
- No executable file is produced.
- The user has access to source code.
- Need to translate the source code again and again so consumes time.
- Interpreter should be present at the time of execution.
31
Explain the difference b/w compiler and interpreter.
1. Compiler creates and executable file where as an interpreter doesn't.
2. The compiled program can be independently distributed.
3. The interpreter executes each statement immediately after decoding whereas the compiler checks the whole program for errors.
4. The interpreter software must be present in main memory every time the program is executed, whereas the compiled program doesn't require the compiler.
-5. Cross compilation is possible (compile on one hardware to run on another)
32
Explain the purpose of a language translator.
To convert a higher level programming language t a different form.
33
What is an integrated development environment IDE?
- It is a software app that combines all of the features and tools needed by a software developer.
34
What are the features of an IDE?
- Pretty printing (color coding different features)
- Automatic indentation (spacing for better clarity and structure of a program)
- Syntax checking (= ) waghera check karna)
- Highlights any undeclared variables
- Type checking (making sure there are no typos)
35
What features provided by an IDE assist in "initial error detection"?
- Dynamic syntax checking.
- Type checking.
- Identification of unused variable.
36
