1.5 system software

• What is utility software?

  Dedicated programs used for the maintenance and organization of a computer system
• Why are utilities required in a computer system?

  They perform additional tasks not handled by the operating system
• What are examples of utility software?

  Anti-malware, firewall, and encryption software
• What is data compression in the context of utility software?

  A utility that reduces the size of files for storage efficiency
• What are other types of utility software mentioned?

  Backup software, disk checkers, disk formatters, and auto-updaters
• What is fragmentation in the context of file storage?

  When a file is split into parts saved in different storage locations
• How does fragmentation occur on a hard disk drive?

  It occurs when there is limited contiguous space to store a file
• What causes fragmentation over time on a hard disk drive?

  Data is stored and later deleted, leaving non-contiguous spaces
• What is the impact of fragmentation on file access time?

  Fragmented files take longer to load and read due to distance between fragments
• How does defragmentation work?

  It collects empty spaces and moves file fragments to be stored together
• What are the benefits of defragmentation?

  It reduces access time and allows for quicker saving of new files
• How does defragmentation affect the read/write head of a hard drive?

  It reduces the distance the read/write head needs to move to access data
• What happens to new files after defragmentation?

  They can be stored contiguously without needing to be split
• What is the process of fragmentation and defragmentation?

  • Fragmentation: Files split into parts saved in different locations due to limited contiguous space.
  • Defragmentation: Collects empty spaces and moves file fragments together for efficient storage.
• What are the effects of defragmenting a hard disk drive?

  • Reduced access time for files
  • Quicker saving of new files
  • Less movement required by the read/write head
• What are the types of utility software discussed?

  • Anti-malware
  • Data compression
  • Backup software
  • Disk checkers
  • Disk formatters
  • Auto-updaters
• What is an operating system (OS)?

  Software that manages computer resources and provides user interface
• What are the five main functions of an operating system?

  Memory management, multitasking, peripheral management, user management, file management
• What is the role of memory management in an operating system?

  To temporarily store programs in RAM for CPU processing
• How does multitasking work in an operating system?

  It allows the OS to appear as if multiple processes are executed simultaneously
• What is a peripheral in the context of an operating system?

  An external device connected to a computer system
• What is the function of a device driver?

  It provides an interface for the OS to communicate with external devices
• Why is a buffer used in peripheral management?

  To temporarily store data until it can be processed
• What does user management in an operating system allow?

  It allows users to create, manage, and delete individual accounts
• What is the purpose of file management in an operating system?

  To organize files and directories
• What functions does file management allow users to perform?

  Rename, open, copy, move, save, search, sort, and delete files
• What is a user interface?

  A way for humans to interact with a computer system
• What is human-computer interaction (HCI)?

  The way a user navigates a computer system
• What is the most common type of user interface?

  Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• How are icons used in a graphical user interface (GUI)?

  They represent shortcuts to applications and files
• What can users do with multiple windows in a GUI?

  Open and switch between them simultaneously
• What does the taskbar in a GUI allow users to do?

  Pin shortcuts for quick access
• What is a command-line interface (CLI)?

  A text-based interface requiring users to type commands
• What is a disadvantage of using a command-line interface?

  It can lead to accidental data deletion due to mistakes
• What is a menu-driven interface?

  An interface that displays data in a series of linked menus
• What is an advantage of a menu-driven interface?

  It is user-friendly and easy to use
• What is a touch-sensitive interface?

  An interface where users interact by pressing on a touchscreen
• What is a disadvantage of touch-sensitive interfaces?

  They may not work with dirty or wet fingers
• What is a voice-driven interface?

  An interface controlled by speaking commands aloud
• What is an advantage of a voice-driven interface?

  It allows hands-free control and speeds up processes