System Software

• what is an operating system?

  it allows the computer to run applications and controls its operations.
• what is a user interface?

  a design that allows the user to interact with the computer.
• what is a GUI (Graphical User) ?


  A user interface that uses graphics and words to represent the interaction between the user + the computer.
• what is a Command Line Interface (CLI) ?

  it provides a text input using the computer's keyboard and its output text on the monitor.
• what is a multitasking operating system?

  multiple tasks are executed on a single computer simultaneously; OS has several processes running concurrently.
• what is memory management?

  managing memory by making free space to programs that need it - this optimises its system performance.
• what is peripheral management?

  it manages the accessories e.g. keyboard and mouse to communicate with the computer system.
• what is a device driver?

  a software that uses signals to control the computer's devices and takes care of its actions.
• what is user management?

  an administration part of a computer system that allocates an account or control user access into a network e.g. Authentication.
• what is file management?

  a software that manages data files and keeps track of it e.g. naming & allocating files.
• what happens when a message is encrypted?

  when a scrambled message is sent from the computer to another and is only able to unscramble the message.
• what is asymmetric encryption?


  where an algorithm creates both a public and a private key - the public key can encrypt a message but can't decrypt.
• what is the purpose of encryption software?

  it scrambles code to prevent 3rd party access.
• explain how an encrypted email message is sent and received?

  • original message is scrambled via a large digital key.
  • the receiver will use the key to unscramble and then receive original message.
• what are the drawbacks of encryption?

  • takes longer for messages to be sent.
  • a digital certificate is required.
• what is defragmentation?

  the process of physically organising the mass storage device into smaller no. of fragments.
• what is data compression?

  when a device uses fewer bits to transmit same no. of data.
• what is fragmentation?

  when a file stored on a hard disk is stored as segments which can be split up.
• what is a full backup?

  it copies every file and all data.
• what is incremental backup?

  it only copies changed data/files; these backups can only occur when a full backup happens.