Device Drivers in Computing Essentials

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of self-healing computers?

Reduced maintenance time and performance problems

What is the main function of IBM's Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI)?

Performing time-consuming maintenance

What is the primary purpose of system software?

To manage hardware components

What is a utility suite?

A set of utility programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of operating systems?

To manage computer hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is self-maintenance in the context of self-healing computers?

The ability to update and repair itself Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of system software?

Operating system Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the features of self-healing computers?

Rerouting functions around broken hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a device driver?

To provide a software interface to hardware devices Signup and view all the answers

What type of language is used to give instructions to a computer?

A language similar to English Signup and view all the answers

What is the combination of 0's and 1's that computers understand?

Machine code Signup and view all the answers

What type of system software is responsible for translating human language into machine code?

Language translator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a Technical Support Specialist?

To provide technical support to customers and other users Signup and view all the answers

What is the average annual salary of a Computer Support Specialist?

$29K - $40K Signup and view all the answers

What type of degree is typically required for a Computer Support Specialist?

Advanced associate degree or bachelors degree Signup and view all the answers

What type of skills are required for a Computer Support Specialist?

Good analytical and customer service skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of device drivers in system software?

To communicate with hardware devices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of system software?

Application software Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of language translators in system software?

To translate high-level language into machine code Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage computer resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using commands?

Command Line Interface (CLI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of utilities in system software?

To perform maintenance and management tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the low-level code that a computer's processor can execute directly?

Machine Code Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the people who provide technical support to end users?

Technical Support Specialists Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Self Healing Computers

Self-healing computers could mean an end to computer crashes and performance problems
They can fix software problems and reroute functions around broken hardware
IBM's Automatic Computing Initiative (ACI) handles time-consuming maintenance and is self-regulating and virtually invisible

System Software

System software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle technical details
It consists of four types of programs: operating system, utilities, device drivers, and language translators

Device Drivers

A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device attached to a computer
It provides a software interface to hardware devices such as printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, etc.

Language Translators

Language translators convert instructions into machine code (combination of 0's and 1's) for the computer to understand
There are three types of language translators: assembler, interpreter, and compiler

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is a collection of programs that handle technical tasks
OS functions include managing computer resources, providing a user interface, and administering security
Types of user interfaces include Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line Interface (CLI)

Careers in IT

A computer support specialist or technical support specialist provides technical support to customers and resolves common networking problems
Employers look for an advanced associate degree or bachelor's degree, good analytical, customer service, communication, and people skills
Computer support specialists can expect to earn $29K-$40K annually