Components of a Computer System

• What is systems software designed to do?


  Run and maintain a computer system
• What is the most important type of systems software?

  The operating system (OS)
• What are the main functions of an operating system?

  Communicate with hardware, provide a user interface, run applications, manage memory, handle file management, and ensure security
• What do device drivers do in an operating system?

  Allow the OS to communicate with hardware peripherals
• How does the OS choose device drivers during boot-up?

  It selects the correct drivers for the detected hardware
• What happens when new hardware is connected to a computer?

  The OS installs the matching device driver for the new hardware
• What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?


  A visual interface designed for easy interaction with the computer
• What does WIMP stand for in GUI systems?

  Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers
• What is a command-line interface?


  A text-based interface where users enter specific commands
• Why are command-line interfaces less suitable for everyday users?

  They require specific commands and are less intuitive than GUIs
• How does the OS manage multi-tasking?

  By controlling memory resources and CPU time allocation
• What is the role of a memory manager in an OS?


  To allocate memory addresses to different applications
• How does the OS ensure applications do not interfere with each other?

  By allocating separate memory addresses for each application
• What does the OS do when an application is opened?

  Moves necessary parts of the application to memory
• What is file management in an OS?

  The organization, movement, editing, and deletion of data files
• What does the OS do with the hard disk?

  Splits it into storage sectors and manages data writing
• What is the difference between single-user and multi-user operating systems?

  Single-user OS allows one user at a time, while multi-user OS allows multiple users simultaneously
• How do user accounts enhance security in an OS?

  By granting access to specific data or resources based on user credentials
• What is the purpose of backup utilities?


  To create copies of files and settings for data recovery
• What is the difference between full and incremental backups?

  Full backups copy all files, while incremental backups copy only changed files since the last backup
• What does defragmentation software do?


  Reorganizes fragmented files on the hard drive to improve speed
• Why is defragmentation unnecessary for SSDs?

  Because SSDs have no moving parts and can read/write data quickly regardless of arrangement
• What is open source software?


  Software with freely available source code that can be modified and shared
• What are the advantages of open source software?

  It is usually free, encourages collaboration, and can be adapted by users
• What are the disadvantages of open source software?

  Small projects may lack regular updates and customer support
• What is proprietary software?


  Software where only the compiled code is released and the source code is secret
• What do proprietary software licenses restrict?

  Modification, copying, and redistribution of the software
• Why can a wide pool of collaborators be more creative and innovative than the programmers of one company?

  Because diverse perspectives can lead to more creative solutions.
• What is a key advantage of popular open-source software?

  It is very reliable and secure, with community support for problems.
• What is a disadvantage of small open-source projects?

  They may not receive regular updates, leading to bugs or security holes.
• What is a common issue with open-source software regarding user documentation?

  There may be limited user documentation.
• What happens if something goes wrong with open-source software?

  There is no maintenance provided if issues arise.
• What type of support is typically lacking in open-source software?

  No customer support is provided.
• Why might companies hesitate to use open-source code for custom software?

  They may not want competitors to see their source code.
• What is proprietary software?

  Proprietary software is software where only the compiled code is released.
• What do proprietary software licenses restrict?

  They restrict modification, copying, and redistribution of the software.
• Why do businesses often prefer proprietary software over open-source software?

  Proprietary software tends to have better customer support options.
• What are some advantages of proprietary software?

  It comes with warranties, documentation, and customer support.
• How does proprietary software ensure reliability?

  It is well-tested as the company’s reputation depends on it.
• What is a disadvantage of proprietary software regarding updates?

  Software companies may not maintain older software after warranties expire.