Types of Software & Interrupts (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Computer Science)
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What is system software?
System software is software essential for the operation of the computer system.
Define utility software.
Utility software is software designed to help maintain, enhance and troubleshoot/repair a computer system.
What is defragmentation?
Defragmentation is the process of grouping fragmented files back together in order to improve access speed.
True or False?
Lossy compression allows the original file to be recreated.
False.
Lossy compression physically removes data from the original file, so it cannot be recreated.
What is encryption?
Encryption is the process of scrambling data using an algorithm from plain-text into cipher-text to make it unreadable to users without the master key.
What is the purpose of task manager?
The purpose of task manager is to allow users to monitor system resources in order to help troubleshoot potential problems.
Define application software.
Application software is software chosen by a user to help them carry out a specific task.
True or False?
System software gives users a platform to run applications and carry out tasks.
True.
System software gives users a platform to run applications and carry out tasks.
What are the three common categories of application software?
The three common categories of application software are productivity, communication, and entertainment.
What is the difference between system software and application software?
System software is essential for the operation of the computer system, while application software is chosen by users to carry out specific tasks.
What is an operating system?
An operating system is software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware in a computer system.
Define file management.
File management is a process carried out by the operating system creating, organising, manipulating and accessing files and folders on a computer system.
What is interrupt handling?
Interrupt handling is the process of managing events that require the immediate attention of the central processing unit.
True or False?
A GUI is more commonly used by advanced users than a CLI.
False.
A Command Line Interface (CLI) is more commonly used by advanced users.
What is peripheral management?
Peripheral management is a process carried out by the operating system managing the way peripherals (hardware) interact with software.
Define device driver.
A device driver is a piece of software used to control a piece of hardware.
What is multitasking?
Multitasking is a process made possible by the OS simultaneously managing system resources to give a user the perception of being able to use multiple programs at the same time.
True or False?
The operating system provides a platform on which application software can run.
True.
The operating system provides a platform on which application software can run.
What is user management?
User management is a process carried out by the operating system enabling different users to log onto a computer and maintain individual settings.
What are the four types of user interfaces?
The four types of user interfaces are:
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Menu Interface
Natural Language Interface (NLI)
What is firmware?
Firmware is software embedded directly into the hardware of a device to make it function.
Define BIOS.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that handles the initial process of booting up a computer.
What is the purpose of firmware?
The purpose of firmware is to translate between the hardware and the software.
True or False?
Application software communicates directly with hardware.
False.
Application software communicates with the operating system, which then interacts with the hardware.
What is a bootstrap loader?
A bootstrap loader contains the initial boot-up instructions that a computer explores in ROM when turned on.
Define a stack.
A stack is a reserved area in RAM where the contents of CPU registers are copied during an interrupt.
True or False?
Firmware is stored in RAM.
False.
Firmware is embedded in the hardware, typically stored in ROM or flash memory.
What happens after the start-up process is complete?
After the start-up process is complete, instructions are sent to RAM to be processed by the operating system.
What is the relationship between firmware and the operating system?
Firmware provides the initial instructions for booting up the computer and communicating with hardware, while the operating system takes over once the start-up process is complete.
What is an interrupt?
An interrupt is a signal for the CPU to stop what it is currently doing and do something else as a higher priority.
Define interrupt service routine.
An interrupt service routine is an area that holds instructions that will need to be fetched, decoded and executed to complete the commands of the interrupt.
What are the two types of interrupts?
The two types of interrupts are hardware interrupts and software interrupts.
True or False?
The contents of CPU registers are lost during an interrupt.
False.
The contents of CPU registers are copied to a reserved area in RAM called a stack during an interrupt.
What is a hardware interrupt?
A hardware interrupt is an interrupt caused by a hardware device, such as a hardware failure or user input.
Define software interrupt.
A software interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when an application stops or requests services from the operating system.
What is the purpose of the stack in interrupt handling?
The purpose of the stack in interrupt handling is to save the contents of CPU registers for later retrieval when the interrupt is complete.
True or False?
Interrupts allow for multitasking in a computer system.
True.
Interrupts allow for multitasking in a computer system.
Give an example of a hardware interrupt.
An example of a hardware interrupt is moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard.
Give an example of a software interrupt.
An example of a software interrupt is a program not responding or a division by zero error.