Software
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What is application software?
Provides the services that the user requires and runs on the operating system
What are some examples of application software?
Word processing packages Stock control software In-car navigation system
What are the two types of software?
Application and System
What is system software?
Programs that provide the services that are needed to enable the computer to function Consists of the operating system and utility software
What are some examples of system software?
The operating system Utilities Programming language translators
What are the major operating systems?
Windows Linux MacOS Apple iOS Android
What is an operating system?
A group of programs that is essential for managing the computer’s resources. Handles several crucial tasks
What is the operating system responsible for? (9 things)
Managing multitasking Managing peripherals and drivers Managing files Managing accounts Handling interrupts Providing system security Providing an interface Running applications Managing memory (Magical Dolphins Fly After Impish Skeletons, Insulting Amoebas Merrily)
What are the main types of user interfaces?
GUI - Graphical User CLI - Command Line Voice activated Real-time
What does GUI stand for?
Graphical User interface
What is an example of a GUI?
WIMP Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers
What does CLI stand for?
Command Line interface
What format is used in CLI?
Text Commands are typed and all output is in text
Where is CLI most commonly used?
Windows command prompt
What is an interface?
The OS provides a means of interacting with the computer through buttons, keyboards, touchscreen or mice
What is the operating system responsible for?
It is responsible for important functions such as how a file is written to a hard drive or how a program is run in RAM
What is a peripheral device?
A peripheral device connects externally to the CPU
What are examples of peripheral devices?
Printers, keyboards and monitors
What is a driver?
Software used to provide an interface for a hardware device Contain instructions on how to control a device
What are the advantages of device drivers?
Any device can be used with the operating system, as long as a driver is compatible with it Drivers can be updated, usually to give better performance or to remove a bug
What language would a driver be written in and why?
Assembly language (low-level language) Needs to be able to precisely control the hardware devices
What does multitasking mean?
Multitasking means to be able to run more than one program simultaneously.
How does an operating system multitask?
It coordinates the CPU to schedule processes All processes in the memory that are waiting to be executed are held in a circular queue The CPU allocates each process a time slice It then switches to the next process very quickly, making it seem like it is running at the same time
How does the operating system manage files?
It allows users to create, delete, move, save and copy/allocate files to folders Manages access rights to individual files