Systems software

• What is an operating system?

  An operating system is software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources.
• What is the primary function of an operating system?

  To manage and operate a computer's hardware and software resources.
• What are the functions of modern operating systems?

  • Providing a user interface
  • Multitasking
  • Memory management
  • Managing peripherals and drivers
  • File management
  • User management
• What does a user interface (UI) allow users to do?


  A UI allows the user to interact with the computer.
• What is a command line interface (CLI)?


  A CLI allows users to interact with the system by entering specific commands.
• How does a graphical user interface (GUI) differ from a CLI?

  A GUI uses windows, icons, menus, and pointers, while a CLI requires text commands.
• What is a natural language interface?

  A natural language interface allows users to give directions in everyday language.
• What is multitasking in an operating system?

  Multitasking allows multiple applications to run simultaneously by sharing processing time.
• How does memory management contribute to multitasking?

  Memory management determines where programs are stored in memory, enabling multitasking.
• What happens to memory over time as programs are loaded and closed?

  Memory becomes fragmented as programs use different amounts of memory.
• What is virtual memory?

  Virtual memory is used when physical memory is full.
• What is user management in an operating system?

  User management allows multiple users to log into a computer with varying access rights.
• What does file management in an operating system do?

  File management presents a logical structure of files into folders and allows file operations.
• What is the role of a device driver?

  A device driver governs the functionality of a specific computer device.
• How do operating systems communicate with peripherals?

  Operating systems communicate with peripherals through device drivers.
• How do device drivers enhance the capability of an operating system?


  Device drivers increase the operating system's capability by enabling communication with devices.
• What is utility software?

  A program that performs maintenance tasks to improve computer performance
• What are the types of utility software mentioned?

  • Encryption software
  • Disk defragmentation
  • Data compression
• What is the purpose of encryption software?

  To scramble plain text into cipher text using an algorithm
• How can encrypted text be made readable again?

  By using a key to decrypt it
• What does disk defragmentation do?

  It reorganizes files on a hard disk and puts fragments back together
• How does defragmentation improve file access speed?

  By reducing the movement of the read/write head across the disk
• Should solid state drives be defragmented?

  No, because they have no moving parts
• What is the effect of defragmenting solid state drives?

  It is unnecessary and can reduce their lifespan
• What does data compression do to a file's size?


  It reduces the file's size
• Why is data compression beneficial for downloading files?

  It makes files quicker to download over the internet
• What must be done to compressed files before they can be read?

  They must be extracted
• What happens to data during lossy compression?

  Data is lost, lowering the quality of the file
• How is data represented in lossless compression?

  It is maintained in a new, compressed format
• What is the primary purpose of system software?

  To manage the computer system
• How does system software control computer hardware?

  It uses a set of programs to manage operations
• What does system software provide for application software?

  A platform for application software to run on
• What are the two types of system software?

  • Operating system
  • Utility software system
• What are some examples of operating systems?

  • Microsoft Windows
  • iOS
  • Android
  • ChromeOS
• What are some examples of utility software systems?

  • Antivirus program
  • Disk defragmentation tools
  • Encryption software