AQA Computer Science A-Level: Hardware and Software

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of application software?

To operate, control, and maintain the computer and its components

To translate between different types of language

To complete a specific task for the user (correct)

To simplify the process of developing a program

What is the primary function of system software?

To operate, control, and maintain the computer and its components (correct)

To complete a specific task for the user

To simplify the process of developing a program

To translate between different types of language

What is the purpose of an operating system?

To translate between different types of language

To simplify the process of developing a program

To allow the user to control the computer with ease (correct)

To complete a specific task for the user

What is a virtual machine?

A way of hiding the true complexity of the computer from the user Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of utility programs?

To perform housekeeping tasks in a computer system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of library programs?

To simplify the process of developing a program Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of translators?

To translate between different types of language Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a translator?

A compiler Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage hardware resources among competing processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between hardware and software?

Hardware is physical, while software is non-physical Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of system software?

Operating System (OS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a compiler?

To translate program code into machine code Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a hardware component?

Graphics card Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a utility program?

To perform specific tasks, such as disk formatting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a translator?

To translate program code into machine code Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of application software?

Microsoft Office Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Software

Application software: programs that complete a specific task for the user, e.g., word processors, web browsers, and spreadsheet software
System software: operates, controls, and maintains the computer and its components
System software includes: • Operating system • Utility programs • Library programs • Translators

System Software

Operating system: • allows user to control the computer with ease by providing a virtual machine • manages and controls access to the computer's resources • tasks include memory management, processor scheduling, and handling interrupts

Utility Programs

Used for completing housekeeping tasks in a computer system, e.g., data backup, defragmenting hard drives, data compression, and encryption

Library Programs

Contain useful functions frequently used by a program
Programmers can use libraries to simplify the programming process
Libraries must be imported within the program code

Translators

Translate between different types of language
Types of translators: compilers, assemblers, and interpreters

Relationship between Hardware and Software

Hardware: physical components of the computer system, e.g., hard drive, sound card, printers, and speakers
Software: program code, sequences of instructions executed to perform a task

Role of an Operating System

Hides the complexities of the hardware
Handles resource management, allocating processors, memories, and I/O devices among competing processes

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Description

Test your knowledge of the relationship between hardware and software, classification of software, and system software attributes, as part of the AQA Computer Science A-Level curriculum.