Topic 3 Software

Question 1

What is software

Answer 1

Software is the name given to all the programs and
data that run on computer hardware.

Question 2

System software manages the following resources (2018, 2023)

Answer 2

Memory/RAM allocation: organises the use of main memory between
programs and data files. A free space in memory/RAM is located then the free
space is allocated to the data. The data is transferred back out of main memory
when no longer required.

 Storage devices/Data storage: the operating system can manage the storage of
data and files. Data and files need to be saved, and data and files that are no
longer required need to be deleted.

 Processor Time/Task Scheduling/Process scheduling: allocates processing
time between the running programs and the users. This is done using time
slices.

 Peripherals.

 Software.

Question 3

Purpose of an operating system:

Answer 3

 Allows the hardware/software to communicate.

 Provide an interface for the user to interact with the hardware.

 Run software.

Question 4

The main functions of an Operating System are (Spec):

Answer 4

Provide an interface between the user and the computer.

 Allocate internal memory (RAM) to programs and data (transferred from the
hard disk) currently being used (when no longer required this becomes free space
in RAM).

 Controls peripheral devices - Hard disk (saving/editing/deleting), printers, mouse,
etc.

 Error Handling - E.G. sends message to say device not switched on

 Management of security – allows access if password is correct.

 Management of processing time – gives users/programs time slices to perform a
particular task.

Question 5

What are Utility Programs

Answer 5

Utility Programs
These are programs that perform specific tasks while the computer is operational.

Question 6

Examples of utility programs are (2022, 2023):

Answer 6

 Disk defragmenter
 Task Scheduling
 Backup/Restore

Question 7

What is disk defragmenting

Answer 7

Definition: A utility that rearranges data on a disk so that files are stored together in
blocks, meaning they can be read more quickly (2018).

Question 8

functions of disk defragmenting

Answer 8

Function (2019):
 Large files are often fragmented

defragmenter can be used to rearrange
data in blocks together

 reduces the time to access data.

Question 9

Task Scheduling function

Answer 9

Function (2019):

 Time slicing to get maximum use of
the processor

 Auto run tasks e.g. backup schedule

Question 10

What is backup

Answer 10

Definition (2021, 2022, 2023)

This involves making a copy of file or programs in
case the original one becomes corrupted or lost

Question 11

What is Antivirus software

Answer 11

Antivirus is used to detect, locate and quarantine
malicious software that can infect a computer system.

Question 12

The importance of regular updates

Answer 12

Regular updates of antivirus software are essential to ensure that the computer system is completely protected against any threats.

Question 13

What is real time processing

Answer 13

A processing method where the input is dealt with quickly enough so as to be able to control an output properly..

Question 14

What is batch processing

Answer 14

Batch processing involves collecting batches of similar data over a period of time.

Question 15

Applications that make use of batch processing include:

Answer 15

Billing systems (electricity/ gas/ telephone)

Question 16

What is a transaction file

Answer 16

A transaction file is used to update the master file.

Question 17

What is a master file

Answer 17

A master file provides customer’s details for use on the bill, and it provides the previous reading to compute the units used.

Question 18

What is multi user processing

Answer 18

Manages the sharing of CPU time and resources needed by many users