Unit 4 - Fundamentals of Computer Systems | Quizlet

What is Hardware?

Physical components of a computer system

What is Software?

All the programs that help the computer system to function.

Give some examples of Hardware

Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, Printer, RAM, Hard Drive, CPU, Motherboard

Give some examples of Software

Microsoft office, Google Chrome, Tiktok, Facebook, Android OS, Virus Checker

What is System Software?

It is required to run and manage computer's hardware and software.

What is an Operating System?

It's software that allows the computer's hardware and software to communicate, acting as a middle man.

What is Utility Software?

Designed to configure and maintain a computer system.

Give examples of Utility Software?

1. Defragment a disk

2. Install/uninstall software

3. Keep software up to date

4. Virus checkers

What is a Library? Give an example

Collection of premade routines that can be used by other programs

Example: Python uses Random and Turtle

What are Translators?

Software tools that are used to convert machine code to source code and vice versa

What is a Complier?

Translates all source code into machine code before it is executed

What is an Interpreter?

Translates one line at a time from the source code into machine code.

What is an Assembler?

Translates assembly language into machine language.

What is Application Software? Give examples

Allows you to complete different tasks.

1. Word processors

2. Image editors

3. Internet Browsers

What is General Purpose? Give examples

General purpose packages that can be used for a range of tasks

1. Word processors - for letters, posters, textbooks

2. Graphics packages - Image retouching, video editing, drawing diagrams

What is Special Purpose? Give examples

Performs a task for a specific job

1. Media Players

2. Calendar Programs

3. Online Payment Systems

What is Off-the-shelf software?

Software that is ready-made and available for anyone to buy.

What are some advantages for Off-the-shelf software?

1. Costs are lower as development costs are shared between buyers

2. Well-tested

3. Available for anyone to use

What are some disadvantages for Off-the-shelf software?

1. Little to no control on what features there are

2. May not do exactly what you want

What is Bespoke software?

Software that is specifically designed for a specific organisation or user's purpose

What are some advantages for Bespoke software?

1. Complete control over the process

2. Gives you all the functionality you need as you choose the tools you want

What are some disadvantages for Bespoke software?

1. Takes a long time to develop. Can be months or years

2. Very expensive

GIve some examples of Operating Systems?

Windows, MacOS, Linux, Unix

What is processor scheduling?

The OS decides which instruction goes next in the CPU to get processed

What is memory management?

Shares RAM between different programs that are currently running.

What is resource management?

Managing all hardware like the CPU, Memory, Monitor and other peripheral devices.

What is back up management?

Automatically backs up data by making copies

What is peripheral management

Allows hardware to communicate with the computer like a keyboard/printer. It translates between the computer and the peripheral devices.

What is a disk defragmenter?

Reorganises files into alphabetical order and opens up free spaces in memory.

What is a virus checker?

Checks internet downloads for viruses and removes them.

Loader

A small program held in the ROM that sends instructions to load the OS.

OS Loading Process

When the computer is switched on, the ROM sends instructions to load the OS by copying it from storage into RAM.

Memory Management

The OS shares RAM between the different programs that are currently running.

Virtual Memory

When RAM is full, the OS uses virtual memory by swapping currently unused data into it.

Operating System (OS)

Allows the user and the hardware to communicate with each other.

Loader

A small program held in the ROM.

API (Application Programming Interface)

Allows users to click a mouse without knowing how the actions are carried out.

Memory Management

The OS shares RAM between different programs and uses virtual memory when RAM is full.

Virtual Memory

Used by the OS to store unused data when RAM is full.

Process Scheduling

Allows multiple programs to run simultaneously.

Multitasking

Having more than one program open and running at the same time.

Scheduler

The OS component that ensures CPU time is used efficiently.

Backing Store Management

Keeps track of file storage locations and free space for save operations.

Peripheral Management

Handles peripheral devices using device drivers.

Interrupt Handling

Manages signals from peripherals or software that require the OS to stop current processing.

Interrupt

A signal that causes the OS to stop processing its current list of instructions.

Resource Management

The OS decides which instructions to prioritize for CPU processing.

Assembly Language

Low-level programming language that uses mnemonic codes to represent machine instructions

High-level language

A programming language that is designed to be easy for humans to read and write.

Low-level language

Written closer to machine code rather than human language

Advantages of high level programming language

1. Faster to write and debug

2. Easy to learn and use

3. High level languages programs are portable

Disadvantage of high level programming language

Program runs slower because it requires translation to machine code, which can be slower.

Imperative high-level language

Consists of commands for the computer to perform

Declarative language

Focuses on what the program should do without listing the steps needed.

Intermediate code

In between high level and low level languages.

Examples: C, Java, Bytecode