Software - AFPI 184 Physical Computing

Flashcards covering software categories, operating system functions, utility programs, security threats, and application types based on Chapter 4 of Physical Computing.

What is the definition of software?

A series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.

What are the two major categories of software?

System software and Application software.

What is the primary purpose of system software?

To provide basic non-task-specific functions, help run the computer, and coordinate instructions between application software and hardware devices.

What is the definition of an Operating System (OS)?

A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

What is the difference between a cold boot and a warm boot?

A cold boot is turning on a computer that was powered off completely, while a warm boot is using the operating system to restart a computer.

In memory management, what is the responsibility of the OS?

To allocate data and instructions to memory while being processed, monitor the contents of programs in memory, and release them when the processor no longer requires them.

According to the lecture, what is the allocated memory for productivity software if the available RAM is $4096\,MB$ and the OS uses $2048\,MB$?

Productivity software uses $1024\,MB$.

What are the three types of user interfaces mentioned?

Command-driven, Menu-driven, and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

What is the role of the supervisor (kernel) in managing computer resources?

It manages the CPU, keeps track of memory locations, moves data from/to secondary storage, and communicates with other computer devices.

What is a device driver?

A small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device.

What is Plug and Play technology?

Technology that gives a computer the capability to configure adapter cards and other peripherals automatically as a user installs them, requiring no device driver.

What is the difference between multitasking and multiprocessing?

Multitasking is executing two or more applications at the same time, while multiprocessing involves processing done by two or more processors or computers at the same time.

What is time-sharing in the context of managing programs?

A single computer processing tasks for several users at different stations.

What is the function of a disk defragmenter?

It reorganizes files and unused space on a hard disk so the operating system can access data more quickly and programs run faster.

How does a personal firewall protect a computer?

It detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions by preventing unauthorized access to computers or networks.

What are the definitions of a virus, a worm, and a Trojan horse?

A virus is a damaging program affecting a computer negatively; a worm copies itself repeatedly in memory or over a network; a Trojan horse hides within or looks like a legitimate program.

What is the difference between adware and spyware?

Adware downloads with freeware to display advertisements; spyware unwantedly downloads to track information about a user and transmit it to the program owner.

What are cookies?

Small text files that websites store on a hard drive to assign an ID number to a computer and make return visits more efficient.

What is Computer-aided design (CAD)?

Sophisticated application software that allows users to create engineering, architectural, and scientific designs, such as AutoCAD.

What is multimedia authoring software?

Software that allows the combination of text, graphics, audio, video, and animation into an interactive presentation, such as Macromedia Flash.

What is the Computer Based Training (CBT) approach in educational software?

A self-directed and self-paced instruction method designed to teach particular skills.

What protocol is responsible for sending email to its destination using the Internet?

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

What is a Web application?

A Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device connected to the Internet.

What are the advantages of Web apps over mobile apps?

Web apps can be accessed from any device with a browser, data is stored on the website, they are always up to date without manual installation, and they do not require local storage space.