AQA Computer Science A-Level: Hardware and Software

What is the primary function of application software?

What is the primary function of system software?

What is the purpose of an operating system?

What is a virtual machine?

What is the purpose of utility programs?

What is the purpose of library programs?

What is the purpose of translators?

What is an example of a translator?

What is the primary function of an operating system?

What is the main distinction between hardware and software?

What is an example of system software?

What is the purpose of a compiler?

What is an example of a hardware component?

What is the role of a utility program?

What is the primary function of a translator?

What is an example of application software?

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

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.