Introduction to Computer Systems: Software Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of system software?

To provide basic functionality and control hardware (correct)

To compile and interpret programming languages

To execute application-specific tasks

To enhance user interface components

Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?

File Management

Compiler Development (correct)

User Interface Management

Process Management

What type of operating system allows multiple users to access it simultaneously?

Single-user, multi-tasking

Single-user, single-task

Multi-user, multi-tasking (correct)

Real-time operating system

Which of the following is an example of application software?

A web browser Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a real-time operating system (RTOS)?

It processes data in real-time for specific applications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is typically handled by an operating system's memory management?

Allocating and deallocating memory space Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system type is characterized by being both multi-user and multi-tasking?

UNIX Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of device drivers in system software?

To facilitate interaction between the operating system and hardware devices Signup and view all the answers

Which category of programming languages allows for high-level abstraction away from machine code?

High-level Language Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a compiler in software translation?

Translates the entire program at once Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is characterized by being sold alongside hardware as an OEM product?

OEM Software Signup and view all the answers

Which type of application software would include a spreadsheet or word processor?

General-Purpose Applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using interpreted programming languages?

Easier to debug Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes specialized application software?

Developed specifically to solve a particular problem within a discipline Signup and view all the answers

Which system utility software is specifically designed for ensuring data security?

Anti-virus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about shareware is true?

It allows users to try the software for a limited time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Computer Systems: Computer Software

Lecture 3 focuses on computer software

Objectives

Learn different types of software and their purposes
Understand the operating system's function and types
Differentiate between generations of programming languages

Computer Software

Programs execute on hardware
Program: a set of instructions to complete a task
Categorized into system software and application software
- System software: examples include operating systems
- Application software: examples include web browsers

Types of Software

Application software is used by users for specific tasks
System software provides the basic functions performed by the computer.

System Software

Provides fundamental functions to the computer
Controls computer hardware
Acts as an interface between users, application software, and hardware
Categorized by function:
- Management (BIOS, OS, Device Drivers, System Utilities)
- Development (Compiler, Interpreter, Linker)

Operating System

A special program automatically loaded when a computer starts
Allows application software and users to interact with hardware without needing detailed hardware knowledge
Manages and controls computer hardware resources
A large and complex software with various components
Examples include Windows, Android, Linux, and UNIX

Operating System Functions

Process management
Memory management
File management
Device management
Protection and security
User interface (or command interpreter)

Operating System Interfaces

Command line interface (DOS, Unix)
Graphical user interface (GUI)

Operating System Types

Single-user, single-task (Palm OS, MS-DOS)
Single-user, multi-tasking (MS-Windows)
Multi-user, multi-tasking (UNIX)
Multiprocessing (UNIX)
Real-time (RTOS): for real-time applications (e.g., LynxOS)
Embedded: used in appliances (e.g., microwaves, washing machines, traffic control systems)

System Software Utilities

Device drivers
Anti-virus
Data and disk compression
Cryptographic
Disk cleaners
Backup
System profiling
Network managers

Programming Languages

A set of vocabulary and grammatical rules to express computations and tasks for the computer
Categories:
- Machine language
- Assembly language
- High-level languages (HLL)

Translator Software

Assembler
Compiler: translates an entire program at once; compiled programs execute faster (e.g., C++, Java)
Interpreter: translates one line at a time; interpreted programs are easier to debug (e.g., Python, some BASIC versions.)

Program Execution Hierarchy

Source code is translated by a compiler into object code.
Other object code is combined with the object code by a linker.
This produces executable code, which is machine language.

Application Software

Programs designed for specific tasks or general purposes by users
General Purpose (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Image Processing, Suite of Software, CAD/CAM, GIS, Web Browser)
Specialized (Problem-Specific programs, narrow focus on specific disciplines and occupations)

Software Acquisition

Retail software: sold in stores
OEM software: bundled with hardware
Demo software: restricted version for demonstration
Shareware: free trial period
Freeware: free for personal use
Public Domain software: free with no copyright restrictions
Open-source software: source code is available for customization and alteration.

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Description

This quiz covers Lecture 3 of the Introduction to Computer Systems course, focusing on computer software. Learn about the different types of software including system and application software, as well as the functionalities of operating systems and programming languages.