Chapter 4
Software
Types of Software and Interrupts
System Software:
o Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software resources, provides common services for
computer programs.
Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Functions: Process management, memory management, file system management, device
management, user interface.
o Utility Programs: Perform maintenance tasks.
Examples: Antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, backup software.
Application Software:
o Software designed to perform specific tasks for users.
Examples: Word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, games.
Firmware:
o Software that is permanently stored in a hardware device, providing low-level control for the device's
specific hardware.
Role of Interrupts:
o Mechanisms by which a computer responds to urgent tasks by temporarily halting the current code
execution.
o Types: Hardware interrupts (triggered by hardware devices), software interrupts (triggered by
software applications).
Types of Programming Languages, Translators, and IDEs
High-Level Languages:
o Easier to read, write, and maintain.
o Examples: Python, Java, C++.
o Advantages: Portability, ease of use, abstraction from hardware.
o Disadvantages: Slower execution, and higher resource usage compared to low-level languages.
Low-Level Languages:
o Closer to machine code, providing more control over hardware.
o Examples: Assembly language, Like Scratch.
o Advantages: Faster execution, and efficient memory usage.
o Disadvantages: Harder to read, write, and maintain.
Assembly Language:
o Uses mnemonics and symbolic names to represent machine-level code.
o Requires an assembler to convert assembly code into machine code.
Translators:
o Compilers: Translate entire code from high-level language to machine code before execution.
Advantages: Faster execution after compilation, better optimization.
Disadvantages: Longer initial compile time, difficult to debug.
o Interpreters: Translate and execute code line-by-line.
Advantages: Easier debugging, immediate execution.
Disadvantages: Slower execution, higher resource usage during runtime.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):
o Provide comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development.
o Functions: Code editor, debugger, compiler/interpreter, version control.
Questions
Short Questions
1. What is the primary function of an operating system?
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2. Differentiate between system software and application software.
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3. Explain the purpose of utility programs with an example.
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4. What is firmware and where is it used?
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5. Define interrupts and name the two types.
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6. Describe the main difference between a compiler and an interpreter.
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7. What are the advantages of using high-level programming languages?
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Long Questions
1. Discuss the role and basic functions of an operating system in a computer.
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2. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of high-level languages compared to low-level languages.
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3. Describe the role and functions of an integrated development environment (IDE) when writing code.
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4. Compare and contrast the operation of compilers and interpreters, including their advantages and
disadvantages.
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5. Explain the concept of interrupts and how they are used to manage processes within a computer system.
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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following is a type of system software?
o A) Word Processor
o B) Web Browser
o C) Operating System
o D) Game
2. What is the main function of an operating system?
o A) To write code
o B) To manage hardware and software resources
o C) To perform specific tasks for users
o D) To permanently store data
3. Utility programs are used to:
o A) Develop software
o B) Perform maintenance tasks
o C) Manage hardware resources
o D) Create web pages
4. Firmware is:
o A) Temporary storage in a computer
o B) Software that is permanently stored in hardware
o C) A type of application software
o D) Used for writing code
5. An example of a high-level programming language is:
o A) Assembly
o B) Python
o C) Machine Code
o D) Binary
6. Which translator translates the entire code before execution?
o A) Assembler
o B) Interpreter
o C) Compiler
o D) Debugger
7. What is an advantage of using an interpreter?
o A) Faster execution after translation
o B) Immediate execution and easier debugging
o C) Better optimization of code
o D) Lower resource usage during runtime
8. Which component of an IDE provides facilities for writing and editing code?
o A) Compiler
o B) Code Editor
o C) Debugger
o D) Version Control
9. Assembly language is characterized by:
o A) High readability and portability
o B) Use of mnemonics and symbolic names
o C) Slow execution speed
o D) High-level abstractions
10. Which of the following is a disadvantage of high-level languages?
o A) Difficult to read and write
o B) Slower execution compared to low-level languages
o C) Inefficient memory usage
o D) Harder to maintain
11. Interrupts are used to:
o A) Permanently store software in hardware
o B) Manage urgent tasks by halting current execution
o C) Write and compile code
o D) Perform maintenance tasks
12. The main disadvantage of using a compiler is:
o A) Slower execution
o B) Longer initial compile time
o C) Immediate execution
o D) Easier debugging
13. Which type of software is a word processor?
o A) System software
o B) Firmware
o C) Application software
o D) Utility software
14. What is the primary function of an assembler?
o A) To translate high-level code to machine code
o B) To translate assembly code to machine code
o C) To manage hardware resources
o D) To perform maintenance tasks
15. Which feature is commonly found in an integrated development environment (IDE)?
o A) Web browser
o B) Disk cleanup tool
o C) Code editor
o D) Operating system
