Software

Task Time (minutes) a

1. Complete self assessment sheet. 22. Read through the chapter on software. 153. Work through the questions on the revisiontemplate focusing on weaker areas first.

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4. Attempt the multiple choice test on Edmodo. 105. Attempt the past paper exam questions. 206. Mark past paper exam paper questions. 157. Read through the chapter on software. 158. Attempt the multiple choice test on Edmodo again. 10

“Every lesson counts – don’t waste a minute.”

System software.Software is the term used to describe programs that run on a computer.

System software controls the hardware.

Application software handles the real world jobs that users want to do.

Utility software has limited functionality and is used to maintain computersystems.

The main part of the system software is the operating system. Theoperating system is a set of programs that controls the hardware and letsusers and applications work with the computer.

1. State two reasons why an operating system is necessary in a computer.

(2 marks)

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2. Explain the relationship between an application and an operating system.

(2 marks)

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User-interface software.1. List three maintenance actions that can be achieved with a typical

operating system GUI.(3

marks)……………………………………………………................................................................................................................................................................……………………………………………………............................................

2. Explain why voice input is still an undeveloped area for user interface development.

(3 marks)

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3. Define the term ‘user-interface.’(3

marks)……………………………………………………................................................................................................................................................................…………………………………………………….................................................................................................................................................................…………………………………………………….................................................................................................................................................................

4. Explain why a computer technicians often use the command line in order to carry out system maintenance.

(3 marks)

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5. Explain the advantage of using a GUI to interact with a phone.(3 marks)

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Command line.

Graphical user interface (GUI).

Memory management Exam tip: In the exam slow down and read the questions reallycarefully. Make sure you answer the points you are being asked.

Term Definition

Operating system.

Memory management.

Virtual memory.

Peripheral management.

Defragmentation.

Device drivers.

Operating systems have to decide what goes where in memory. They haveto make sure that:• Memory is used effectively.• Important data is not overwritten during the running of a program.

To do this, memory is divided into pages.

A program, when it is being executed is called a process.

Files & directories.

1. Explain what file attributes are.(2 marks)

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2. State three common file attributes.(3 marks)

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3. Explain what is meant by a file system.(2 marks)

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Security1. Explain what user privileges are.

(2 marks)

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2. Explain how an operating system determines a user’s privileges.

(2 marks)

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Applications & utilities.1. List three common utilities supplied with most operating systems.

(3 marks)

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2. Explain why many operating systems have automatic update features.

(3 marks)

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3. Explain what disk formatting is for.(1 mark)

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Software procurement.Software can be obtained from various sources. System managers mustmake choices so that their organisation gets systems:

• As required• That users will want to use• On time• At a reasonable cost• Of an acceptable quality.

1. State two advantages and two disadvantages of buying custom written software for an organisation.

(4 marks)

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2. Explain what is meant by open source software.(3

marks)……………………………………………………................................................................................................................................................................…………………………………………………….................................................................................................................................................................……………………………………………………................................................................................................................................................................……………………………………………………........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Custom software vs. Off the shelf software.

Proprietary vs. Open source software.

Past paper exam questions.2011 past paper.

Past paper answers.2011 past paper.

Notes: What do I need to improve?

Past paper answers.2011 past paper.

Notes: What do I need to improve?

Past paper exam questions.2011 past paper.

Notes: What do I need to improve?

2011 past paper answers.

Past paper exam questions.2012 past paper. 2012 past paper answers.

Notes: What do I need to improve?

Past paper exam questions.2013 past paper. 2013 past paper answers.

Notes: What do I need to improve?