6.1 - Hardware and Software (Part 1)

_______________________
Name:
_
6.1 Hardware and software
part 1 _______________________
Class:
_
_______________________
Date:
_
Time: 250 minutes
Marks: 196 marks
Comments:
Page 1 of 60
Q1.
An operating system is a type of software.
Shade one lozenge to indicate which category of software an operating system belongs
to.
(Total 1 mark)
Q2.
State one resource that the operating system manages.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 1 mark)
Q3.
A computer system consists of hardware and software.
(a) What is meant by hardware?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) What is meant by software?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Q4.
(a) Below is a list of different software classifications:
1. General purpose application software

2. Utilities
3. Operating systems
4. Translators
Complete each row of the following table with the number from the list above that
represents the most appropriate software classification.
Software Classification
(number)
Page 2 of 60
Virus scanner
Interpreter
Spreadsheet
(2)
(b) Another software classification is library programs.
Explain the purpose of library programs.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) (i) Explain what is meant by an imperative high level programming language.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Explain why translators are needed for high level programming languages.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) A company has software made for it.
Name the classification of this type of software and suggest one advantage and one
disadvantage of obtaining software in this way.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
Page 3 of 60
Q5.
The tables below show two versions of the same segment of a program.
Version A Version B
if x > 0: 00011100 00110000

y = y + 2 00101010 10010010
else: 11101010 00000010
y = y - 1 00101100 10010001
(a) Shade in one lozenge to indicate which version, A or B, in the tables above
represents object code.
Version A Version B
(1)
(b) Describe two differences between a compiler and an interpreter.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) Explain what intermediate code is and why some compilers will produce
intermediate code as the final output.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q6.
Explain the role of the operating system and state the important tasks which are carried
out by most operating systems.
Beyond those of a standard operating system, describe the additional operational

characteristics that you would expect a real time operating system to have.
In your answer you will be assessed on your ability to use good English, and to organise
your answer clearly in complete sentences, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
(Total 7 marks)
Q7.
The diagram below shows the classifications of various types of software used on a
Page 4 of 60
computer system and some examples of these types.
(a) Complete the diagram by suggesting labels for the boxes numbered 1 to 4 in the
diagram.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________
(4)
(b) (i) Machine code is the first generation of programming language.
What is the second generation of programming language?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) A program written in a second generation programming language has been

loaded into a computer. In this form it cannot be directly executed on this
computer.
What has to be done to make an executable form of the program, which can
be directly executed by this computer, and what would be used, typically, to do
this?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Page 5 of 60
(2)
(iii) A programmer then finds that when the executable form of the program is
transferred unaltered to another computer, the program does not run and an
error message is displayed.
Why might the executable form of the program not be able to run on this
computer?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 8 marks)
Q8.
A company operates a Local Area Network (LAN) which is used by its employees.
The diagram below shows the topology of the LAN.
(a) Suggest suitable IP addresses for:
(i) the ‘Router 2’ port labelled A ______________________________________

(1)
(ii) the ‘Router 2’ port labelled B ______________________________________

(1)
(iii) the network adapter card in the computer labelled C ____________________

(1)
Page 6 of 60
(b) The network has been divided into segments.
Explain why networks that use a bus topology are often segmented.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) Previously, employees of the company used word processing and spreadsheet
software that was installed locally on each of the individual computers on the
network. Now, employees use software with similar features as a service (SaaS).
The software runs on a web server and is accessed through the Internet.
(i) Explain two advantages of using software as a service instead of using

software installed locally on individual computers.
Advantage 1 ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Advantage 2 ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Explain one disadvantage of using software as a service instead of using

software installed locally on individual computers.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) One difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network
(WAN)is the area that they cover. Describe two other differences between a LAN
and a WAN.
Difference 1 _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Difference 2 _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
Page 7 of 60
(Total 10 marks)
Q9.
A school has recently launched a ‘Parent Portal’ which is a website that provides
information from the school. By logging on to the portal a parent can access the
information that is stored about their son or daughter. This information includes academic
reports, discipline records and other personal data.
(a) A parent recently contacted the school because he was concerned that when he
logged on to read his daughter’s report he could access the reports of all the other
students.
The school should immediately look into this concern as a law has been broken.
State the full name of the law that has been broken.
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Which principle of the law identified in your answer to part (a) has been broken?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) State another principle of the law identified in your answer to part (a).
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) A parent also noted that the website was using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).
Why should the school be concerned about the use of this protocol and which
protocol would you recommend that the school should use instead?
Why concerned ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Suggested protocol ___________________________________________________

(2)
(e) The process of writing reports and then allowing access to these reports via the
parent portal involves the use of many different categories of software.
Below is a list of different categories of software:
Operating system, Utility program, Special purpose application software, Bespoke

application software, General purpose application software
Complete Table 1 by writing the correct category from the list above in the Category
column next to the appropriate Software.
You should not use a category more than once.
Page 8 of 60
Table 1
Software Category
Word processor used to write the pupil

reports
The parent portal web application

which was programmed for this school
The web server software run by the

school
(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q10.
A computer system is made up of software and hardware.
Explain what is meant by these two terms.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 2 marks)
Q11.
(a) The table below lists some components of a computer system.
Put one tick on each row to identify each component as either:
• software
• hardware
• hardware and software.
Component Software Hardware Hardware and

software
Wireless router
Compiler
Keyboard
(3)
(b) System software performs the tasks needed to operate the hardware. The operating
system and library programs are system software.
Page 9 of 60
(i) State one role of the operating system.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) State one purpose of library programs.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) A company is looking at purchasing some bespoke software to help them run their
ordering and purchasing activities.
(i) State one advantage of purchasing bespoke software.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) State one disadvantage of purchasing bespoke software.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q12.
An operating system is designed to hide the complexities of the hardware from the user
and to manage the hardware and other resources.
Give three different types of management of either hardware or other resources that are
performed by an operating system.
1. _____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)
Q13.
Software can be categorised as either system software or application software.
(a) The table shown below lists three different examples of application software.
Put one tick in each row of the table to show which category each software program
belongs to.
Page 10 of 60
General Purpose Special Bespoke
Software Purpose Software
Software
Word Processor
Payroll Software
Flight Control
Software
(3)
(b) The diagram below shows an incomplete classification of system software.
Suggest suitable labels for boxes 1 to 3 in the diagram above.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
Q14.
A computer programmer, developing a theatre seat booking system, has decided to use
an event-driven object-oriented programming language.
(a) The operating system that is installed on the computer that the new booking system
will be used on is an interactive network operating system. This has the
characteristics of both an interactive operating system and a network operating
system.
Explain what is meant by the terms interactive operating system and network
operating system.
Interactive operating system: ___________________________________________
Page 11 of 60
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Network operating system: _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) To allow it to work with the computer’s operating system, the programs developed
by the programmer should be event-driven.
Explain how an event–driven program works.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Q15.
(a) One type of software can be described by the phrase "performs tasks needed to
operate the hardware".
What type of software is being described?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) (i) Explain what is meant by general purpose application software.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Give one example of general purpose application software.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) An IT manager needs to buy software to manage stock control.
(i) Why might the manager choose a special purpose application package rather
than a bespoke solution? Give two reasons.
Page 12 of 60
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Although special purpose application packages for stock control are available,
explain why the IT manager might choose to order a bespoke piece of
software.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q16.
(a) Define the following terms.
(i) Hardware: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Software: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) The diagram below shows the classification of various types of software used on a
computer system and some examples of these types.
Page 13 of 60
Complete the labelling of the diagram above by suggesting labels for 1 to 4 in the
diagram.
1 _____________________________ 2_____________________________
3 _____________________________ 4 _____________________________
(4)
(Total 6 marks)
Q17.
(a) Explain the purpose of an operating system.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) Discuss the differences between operating systems designed for desktop computers
and operating systems designed for embedded systems.
Page 14 of 60
In this question you will also be assessed on your ability to use good English and to
organise your answer clearly in complete sentences, using specialist vocabulary
where appropriate.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 6 marks)
Q18.
There are three different types of application software. General purpose is one type.
Name the other two types, and describe all three types. Use examples to illustrate your
descriptions.
In your answer you will also be assessed on your ability to use good English, and to
organise your answer clearly in complete sentences, using specialist vocabulary where
appropriate.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Page 15 of 60
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)
Q19.
(a) Explain the difference between application software and system software.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) Utility programs are one type of system software.
Name two other types of system software.
1. _________________________________________________________________
(1)
2. _________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Q20.
A computer system consists of hardware and software.
(a) What is meant by hardware?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(a) What is meant by software?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Page 16 of 60
Q21.
The table below lists a number of items of software. You are asked to show which
software category each item belongs to.
Write in the appropriate cells in the table below the letter of the category which best fits
each item of software. No letter should be used more than once.
Software Category
(letter only)
Spreadsheet Software
Anti-virus Software
Operating System
Air Traffic Control Software
A – System Software
B – Bespoke Software
C – Utility Software
D – General Purpose Software
E – Special Purpose Software

(Total 4 marks)
Q22.
The diagram below shows the classification of various types of software used on a
computer system.
Page 17 of 60
Complete the labelling of the diagram by suggesting labels for 1 to 7 in the diagram.
Software classification:
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________________
Example:
7. _____________________________________________________________________
(Total 7 marks)
Q23.
A programmer developing a new application will choose a high level programming
language. Typical modern software will provide an ‘environment’ in which all aspects of
the application’s development can be done.
(a) What feature must all program development environments have for the initial
Page 18 of 60
creation of the program code?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) The next stage in the development may use a compiler.
Explain what a compiler does, and suggest one output which may result from the
compilation process, other than the executable code.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Output: ____________________________________________________________
(3)
(c) An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter.
Explain how an interpreter attempts to run a program.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(d) The program development environment has both a compiler and interpreter.
(i) Give one advantage of using an interpreter.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Give one advantage of using a compiler.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 8 marks)
Q24.
The table below lists some components of a computer system. Put one tick on each row
to describe each component as either:
• software
• hardware
• hardware and software.
Page 19 of 60
Component Software Hardware Hardware and Software
An application program
A printed circuit board which

controls the wash programme
inside a washing machine
Main memory chips in the PC

(Total 3 marks)
Q25.
(a) Define the term software. ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) The table below shows a list of software types with an example.
Complete the entries in the table. All entries must be different.
Software category Example
(i)
Programming language translator
______________________________
(ii)
Disk defragmenter
______________________________
(iii) A DLL file that is used by several

______________________________ applications programs
General purpose applications (iv)

program ______________________________
(4)
(Total 5 marks)
Q26.
The table below lists a number of items of software.
Complete the table by adding the letter which best describes each item of software. No
letter should be used more than once.
Description (letter
Software
below)
Income tax calculation software
Translator software for the C++ programming

language
Page 20 of 60
Word processing software
Operating system
A – System software
B – Assembler software
C – Bespoke software
D – Interpreter or compiler software
E – Utility software
F – General purpose application software
G – Special purpose application software
(Total 4 marks)
Q27.
(a) Define the term software.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) The diagram below shows the classification of various types of software used on a
computer system.
Page 21 of 60
Complete the labelling of the diagram by suggesting labels for 1 to 7 in the diagram.
Software category:
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________
Software example:
5. _________________________________________________________________
6. _________________________________________________________________
7. _________________________________________________________________
Page 22 of 60
(7)
(Total 8 marks)
Q28.
(a) One of the roles of an operating system is Resource Management. Give three
resource management tasks for an operating system for a stand-alone computer.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) A second role of an operating system is the provision of a virtual machine.

What does this mean?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) Give three tasks that an operating system for a computer connected to a computer
network will have in addition to the tasks of an operating system for a stand-alone
computer.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Q29.
(a) Using an example, outline the principles of Client-Server operation.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) Operating systems are often described as event driven.
(i) Explain what is meant by the term event driven.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Page 23 of 60
(2)
(ii) Give an example of an event.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q30.
(a) The table below shows different software items.
Complete the table by entering the letter which best describes each item of
software.
Note, not all letters will be used.
Software Description (letter below)
Route planner software
New point of sale software for

supermarket X’s checkout terminals
Translator software for the Java

programming language
Spreadsheet software
A - general purpose application software

B - bespoke software
C - interpreter/compiler software
D - special purpose application software
E - operating system
F - assembler software
(4)
(b) Explain what is meant by a library program.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q31.
(a) Define the term hardware.
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) You buy a second-hand PC from a friend and immediately decide to upgrade some
of the internal components of the computer system. Name two of the internal
Page 24 of 60
components, and explain one different benefit for each which should result from the
upgrade.
Component _________________________________________________________
Benefit _____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Component _________________________________________________________
Benefit _____________________________________________________________
(4)
(c) Some months later you add a component that requires inserting an additional
printed circuit board inside the computer. Name the component and explain the new
feature/benefit which will result.
Your component should be different from those given for part (b).
Component _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Benefit _____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q32.
(a) What type of software is needed to view web pages? (Do not give a product name.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Most generic software has features such as printing, help, and formatting.
Give two features which are specific to the software you named in part (a).
1. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) A computer user is accessing the World Wide Web for the home page, default.htm,
of an organisation whose registered domain name is StationeryIsUs.co.uk.
What URL will allow the home page to be found and displayed?
___________________________________________________________________
Page 25 of 60
(1)
(d) What could be used instead of a domain name to identify a site on the World Wide
Web?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(e) Domain names are organised on the World Wide Web as a hierarchy.
Name two top level domains.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q33.
Software may be classified as System Software or Application Software.
(a) Give three examples of system software (not product names).
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) Give three examples of application software (not product names).
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
Q34.
(a) One classification of software is system software.
(i) What is meant by system software?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Give one example of system software. (Not a product name).
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Another software classification is application software.
Page 26 of 60
(i) What is meant by application software?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Give one example of this type of software. (Not a product name.)
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) Software may be off-the-shelf or bespoke.

What is meant by bespoke software?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q35.
Processes are rated in priority according to their expected running times. Processes with
the shortest running times are given top priority. A process joining the list will be placed
immediately after all other processes of equal or higher priority. The name of the process
indicates the order in which it joined the list. Process6 joined the list before Process7.
The table below contains for each process its name, the memory address of its process
control block, its expected running time and a pointer to the position in the table of the
next process to be executed.
Processes are entered in the table wherever there is a free slot.
(i) Complete the pointer column after the following processes have been placed in the
table:
HeadPointer = 6
Position Name Running Time Address Pointer
1 Process6 7 01400
3 Process7 17 01700
4 Process2 17 02300
5 Process9 45 04100
6 Process5 2 01200
8 Process19 5 01900
Page 27 of 60
(3)
(ii) The scheduler program is written in a high level language. Name and describe a
suitable data structure for this table.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(iii) The Computer System Manager may wish to view the current order in which the
runnable processes are predicted to run. Write an algorithm that will print the
process names in runnable order.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(iv) Name another list of processes that must be maintained by the operating system.
Explain why the processes are in this list.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Page 28 of 60
Mark schemes
Q1.
Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)
System Software;
R. More than one lozenge shaded

[1]
Q2.
Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)
Mark as follows:
Processors A. CPU;
Memory / Memories A. RAM;
I/O devices (among competing processes) A. examples;
A. Hardware
Max 1
[1]
Q3.
(a) The electrical/physical components/parts (electronic circuits) of the computer
(system);
1
(b) Programs (sequences of instructions) which run on the hardware/computer

(system);
1
[2]
Q4.
(a)
Classification
Software
(number)
2
Virus scanner
A. utilities
4
Interpreter
A. translators
Spreadsheet A. general purpose

(application
software)
Page 29 of 60
1 mark for any two correct rows
2 marks for all 3 correct rows

2
(b) To allow sharing of run-time code across programs;

To save memory as routines are only loaded when needed;
To provide access to procedures/functions/subroutines when
writing a program;
To reduce amount of programming required // time taken to
write program // allow code to be re-used;
MAX 1
(c) (i) imperative:

Follows a sequence of instructions provided by a
programmer // instructions specify how to solve the
problem;
high-level:
A language that uses English-like keywords // one
instruction maps to several machine code
instructions // has structures/support for
assignment/iteration/selection/subroutines // support
for a variety of data structures;
2
(ii) To convert the source code/program into

object/machine code which can be executed;
Processor cannot directly execute source code;
Interpret the statements of the source
code/program/high level language and perform the
actions they describe;
MAX 1
(d) Software:
Bespoke (software);
Advantage (MAX 1):

It is made to meet the requirements of the company;
It can be made to fit in with existing software/hardware;
Disadvantage (MAX 1):

It takes time to develop;
It is more expensive as the company has to cover all costs;
NE more expensive
It is more likely to contain bugs;
There is a lack of third party support;
3
[9]
Q5.
(a) Mark is for AO1 (understanding)
Version: B;
1
(b) Marks are for AO1 (understanding)
Page 30 of 60
A compiler produces object code whilst an interpreter does not;
A compiler translates the whole of the source code into object code whilst an
interpreter translates line by line;
The object code produced by a compiler will execute faster, (once it is
compiled) than interpreting the source code (every time the program is run)
An interpreter can run (syntactically correct) parts of a program whilst there
are syntax errors in other parts of it, which a compiler cannot;
Max 2
2
(c) Marks are for AO1 (understanding)
Intermediate code is not (directly) executable / /

Intermediate code will by run / interpreted by a virtual machine / / Compiled
into an executable just before running / just in time;
Intermediate code can be run on different computing platforms / / One solution

can be targeted at multiple platforms;
Max 2
2
[5]
Q6.
SUBJECT MARKING POINTS:
Role of the operating system (1 point):
To hide the complexities of the hardware from the user // provision of virtual
machine;
Tasks carried out by most operating systems (MAX 3 points):
Processor scheduling // allocation of processors // process scheduling;

A processor management
Thread management;
Context switching;
Inter-process communication;
Memory management // allocation of memory / RAM;
Virtual memory provision // a brief explanation of what virtual memory is;
I / O management // allocation of I / O devices // management of / communication
with (device) driver software ;
A examples of devices
File management // organisation of files on storage devices // loading and saving of
files;
A examples of devices
Interrupt handling;
Power / battery management;
Provision of a user interface // allows user to interact with computer;
Provision of an Application Programming Interface / API (so that application software
can call operating system routines);
A management of system security
A managing communications over a network
A just names of tasks e.g. "memory management"
A “storage management” for one of “memory management” or “file management”
Additional functionality of a real time operating system (MAX 3 points):
Page 31 of 60
Must be able to deal with many events occurring simultaneously;
Must be able to deal with events that occur at unpredictable times;
Must produce output / perform processing within a specified / predictable / known
time interval // Must produce output quickly enough to affect (the source of) the
inputs;
A quickly enough for task, in a timely manner
NE quickly, instantly, in a reasonable time
Must be fail-safe;
Must be able to quickly switch between threads / processes // quickly allocate
memory // quickly handle interrupts;
Must support non-sequential application programs;
HOW TO AWARD MARKS:
Mark Bands and Description
To achieve a mark in this band, candidates must meet the subject criterion (SUB)
and 4 of the 5 quality of written communication criteria (QWCx).
SUB Candidate has made seven mark-worthy points and successfully covers
all of the three topic areas (role, tasks, real time).
QWC1 Text is legible.
QWC2 There are few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Meaning is clear.
QWC3 The candidate has selected and used a form and style of writing
appropriate to the purpose and has expressed ideas clearly and fluently.
QWC4 Sentences (and paragraphs) follow on from one another clearly and
coherently.
QWC5 Appropriate specialist vocabulary has been used.
7
and all 5 of the quality of written communication criteria (QWCx).
SUB Candidate has made at least four mark-worthy points and successfully
covers at least two of the three topic areas (role, tasks, real time).
QWC1 Text is legible.
QWC2 There may be occasional errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Meaning is clear.
QWC3 The candidate has, in the main, used a form and style of writing
appropriate to the purpose, with occasional lapses. The candidate has
expressed ideas clearly and reasonably fluently.
QWC4 The candidate has used well-linked sentences (and paragraphs).
4-6
and 4 of the 5 quality of written communication criteria (QWCx).
SUB Candidate has made a small number of relevant points but only
successfully covers one or two of the three topic areas (role, tasks, real
time).
QWC1 Most of the text is legible.
QWC2 There may be some errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar but it
should still be possible to understand most of the response.
QWC3 The candidate has used a form and style of writing which has many
deficiencies. Ideas are not always clearly expressed.
QWC4 Sentences (and paragraphs) may not always be well-connected.
QWC5 Specialist vocabulary has been used inappropriately or not at all.
1-3
Page 32 of 60
Candidate has made no relevant points
0
Note: Even if English is perfect, candidates can only get marks for the points made
at the top of the mark scheme for this question.
If a candidate meets the subject criterion in a band but does not meet the quality of
written communication criteria then drop mark by one band, providing that at least 4
of the quality of language criteria are met in the lower band. If 4 criteria are not met
then drop by two bands.
[7]
Q7.
(a) 1 special purpose (application software);
A specific purpose
R special (software) / specialist (software)
2 word processor / / spreadsheet / /

presentation software / program / / database;
A any other sensible answer
R (web) browser
R text editor
3 translator (software / program);

A translating / translation
4 utility (software / program);
R just trade name of a specific piece of software unless used as an example

(ie MS Word)
4
(b) (i) assembly (language);

A assembly code
R assembler
1
(ii) has to be translated into machine code / / each assembly language

instruction will be translated into machine code equivalent;
by an assembler;
A converted for translated
A first generation for machine code
2
(iii) Because it does not have the same processor (type) / / the instruction
set is different / / different architecture / platform;
(Assembled / linked for a) different operating system;

NE operating software
The program refers to a memory address that does not exist on this
computer / / relocatable code used but addressing system on new
machine different;
not enough memory space;

required peripherals are not available;
Page 33 of 60
required library (code / program) missing;
MAX 1
[8]
Q8.
(a) (i) 192.168.0.x where x is not 0 or 255;
1
(ii) 192.168.2.x where x is not 0 or 255;

1
(iii) 192.168.2.y where y is not 0 or 255 and is not the same as x in (ii);
1
(b) Reason: To reduce (network) congestion / / improve throughput / / to cut the

number of collisions*; A faster operation / transmission;
Explanation: by cutting the number of collisions* / / by reducing the number of
stations / computers connected to each section of cabling / / because two
computers in one segment can communicate at the same time as two
computers in another segment;
Note: * = Do not award 2 marks for cutting the number of collisions – only
award one for either reason or explanation.
Reason: To improve security;

Explanation: by localising packet transmission to one segment;
Reason: To improve reliability;

Explanation: By limiting effect of cable failure to one segment;
R answers referencing the computers not working at all
Award marks for either:

• one reason + explanation
• two reasons
• two explanations
2
(c) (i) No need for maintenance / / no need to upgrade / / no need to install

patches for software / / could employ fewer technical staff;
Lower hardware requirements for computers (as processing done on
web server); A examples of lower hardware requirements but R just
cheaper hardware
No (high) one-off purchase cost; Platform independence / / can access
the software on many devices; A examples eg PC and tablet.
Software can be used from anywhere that there is an Internet
connection / / from outside of office; Note: To award this point must be
clear that can be accessed from outside of office, just "can be accessed
from any computer" is not enough.
Can still access software and data if a specific computer is not working;
A reduced management cost / effort when a reason is given, such as no
need to install software on each computer, but just "does not need to be
installed on each computer" is not enough on its own.
MAX 2
2
(ii) Reliance on Internet / / unreliable internet connection may mean

software inaccessible;
Reliance on the company that develops the software to keep providing
Page 34 of 60
the service;
Slow connection speed may make software difficult / annoying to use;
Concern over security of saved documents / / security of transmission;
May be an ongoing cost to pay for using the software;
Lack of control over which version to use / when upgrades happen;
Software may slow when used by many users simultaneously;
Higher cost (to company) of fast internet connection to connect many
computers to SaaS;
MAX 1
1
(d) LAN usually baseband whilst WAN broadband* / / only one communication
can take place at a time on a LAN whereas multiple communications can take
place simultaneously on a WAN;
LAN communication links have higher speeds than WAN;
LAN has lower latency than WAN;
Lower error rates on LAN than WAN;
Communications medium in LAN likely to be privately owned, whereas likely to
be leased / publicly owned in a WAN;
Use different protocols (at link layer / hardware level);
Different hardware required to connect (A examples);
WAN may have greater security risks (as data transmitted over larger area, on
public system, through more servers or devices);
A WAN may use satellites / microwave whilst LAN may use cables / radio /
WiFi* - this point cannot be awarded for just saying WAN uses cables on LAN
radio or vice-versa as both LAN and WAN can use either of these
MAX 2
Only one side of the difference needs to be provided (as the other is
implicit) except for the points marked with an * for which both sides are
needed.
2
[10]
Q9.
(a) Data Protection (Act);
1
(b) Data should be kept securely;

1
(c) Data should be fairly and lawfully processed;

Data should be obtained for specified and lawful purposes. (A Data should be
processed for limited purposes);
Data should be adequate, relevant and not excessive;
Data should be accurate // kept up to date;
Data should not be kept longer than necessary;
Data should be not transferred to other countries without adequate protection;
Data should be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects.
Max 1
(d) That data is not being encrypted // data is not being sent securely // that
hackers might be able to see personal data;
A the protocol / it is not secure
R website not secure
HTTPS // HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure;
Page 35 of 60
2
(e) Word processor : General purpose (application software);

Parent portal : Bespoke;
Web server : Special purpose (application software);
3
[8]
Q10.
Hardware:
physical components // devices (that make up the computer) //
electrical circuit // electrical components (that make up the computer);
NE components
Software:
programs / instructions that are run/executed (by the computer);
A codes that are run / executed
A programs that enables computer to run
A programs that allow user to perform tasks
Need both parts to gain mark

[2]
Q11.
(a)
Comp S/ware Hardware Hardware
and
software
Wireless TICK;
router
Compiler TICK;
Keyboard TICK; A TICK;

A crosses used rather than ticks
R answers where two columns have been ticked in a single row
3
(b) (i) Provide an interface between the computer and user;
To manage devices / files / memory;
To provide a virtual machine;
To provide a software platform on which other programs can run // to run
application software;
To hide the complexity of the hardware from the user;
NE to allow user to use hardware
R to execute commands
Max 1
(ii) To allow sharing of run-time code across programs;

To save memory as routines are only loaded when needed;
To provide access to procedures / functions when writing a program;,
To reduce amount of programming required // time taken to write
program;
Max 1
Page 36 of 60
(c) (i) Meets all of the end-user requirements;
Only performs necessary functions;
Can be fitted into existing hardware / software;
Max 1
(ii) More expensive as have to cover production costs;

Not available immediately // have to wait for software to be written;
Less widely tested so more likely to contain bugs;
Lack of 3 party support;
rd
NE (more) expensive
R “no testing”
Max 1
[7]
Q12.
Processor management // Allocation of processors // Allocation of
processor time // (process) scheduling // thread management;
A processing management
Allocation/management of RAM / memory // allocation of buffers;
Allocation/management of / control of I/O devices/peripherals // I/O management //
device driver management;
File / backing store / secondary store management / access / organisation;
Power / battery management;
A Interrupt handling;
A Provision of Application Program Interface / API;
A interface between hardware and applications;
A Provision / management of (windows in) user interface;
A Management of system security;
A Answers by example, only one example of each type
A A description of a type of software management but not just “software
management”. e.g. loading of programs, software installation, registering DLLs.
R Software management alone unless role of OS in this is clear e.g. installation of
new software, updating registry
Max 3
[3]
Q13.
(a)
General Purpose Special Bespoke
Purpose
Word Processor ✔
Payroll ✔ A✔
Flight control ✔
software
R Answers with more than one tick on a row.
3
(b) 1 – Operating System;

R OS, Operating Software
Page 37 of 60
2 – Assembler / Compiler / Interpreter;
TO “assembly language”
3 – Backup / Anti virus / defragmenter / encryption / compression / archive /

system profilers / application launchers;
Accept any other examples of a utility
3
[6]
Q14.
(a) Interactive OS:
User and computer in direct / two-way communication // User makes input to
computer then waits for output before making next input;
A system, software, program, OS for computer
Network OS:
(Layer of software that) redirects requests to remote resources; (A examples)
in a way that is transparent to user;
Must make one point about interactive and one point about network
Max 2
(b) Flow of program/execution sequence determined by events // program

executes relevant code-handling block / procedure / sub-routine in response to
events;
Example of event such as clicking a button;
Message sent to program when event occurs;
System loop executes until application closes; this receives and processes
messages // use of event-listener/handler;
If several events occur they are queued;
Max 2
[4]
Q15.
(a) System (software) / operating system;
R OS
A (device) driver
1
(b) (i) Software that can carry out many tasks// has many purposes/uses;
NE “many things” // “many functions” // “general purposes”
R for everyday use/tasks
1
(ii) Word processor, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing/DTP,

presentation or other suitable example;
R web browser // image/photo editor
1
(c) (i) (It is) immediately available;

A “off the shelf”
(It has a) lower cost as development costs shared amongst many;
NE cheaper
Wide range of training/support available;
Regular upgrades available;
Can hire staff with experience of package;
Page 38 of 60
More likely to be bug-free as already in widespread use/“tested” by
many users;
A it has been “tried and tested”
R no bugs / tested more
Max 2
(ii) No appropriate software to solve the problem exactly;

The only way to obtain software to do exactly/precisely what they want //
may need particular features not in special purpose software // will be
developed to match their needs;
To ensure competitors do not get access to the software;
To run on/support existing hardware/software;
No unnecessary features;
Max 1
[6]
Q16.
(a) (i) Hardware: Electrical/physical components/parts/circuits of the computer;
R Examples
R Just components/parts NE
R Physical device NE
R System
1
(ii) Software: Programs / sequences / series of instructions which run /

execute (on) the hardware / computer ;
R Examples only
R Application NE
R Code NE
1
(b) 1. Special Purpose (software); A Specialist / Specific purpose (software)

2. General Purpose (software);
3. System Software; A Systems Software
4. Utilities;
4
[6]
Q17.
(a) To hide the complexities of the hardware from the user // Provision of virtual
machine;
R Provision of user interface NE
A machine for hardware but R system, computer
Manages the hardware (resources) // allocation of hardware resources (to
processes);
A Examples of resources
2
(b) Subject-related points:
Desktop computer used for many different/generic purposes; so ...

• desktop OS must support a wide range of peripherals/storage devices;
• desktop OS must run wide range of software/packages;
• desktop OS more customisable (by user);
• desktop OS must manage security;
Page 39 of 60
Desktop computer requirements more likely to change over time // more likely
to want to add new features/support new applications; so....
• desktop OS has modular design / easier to upgrade;
Desktop computers made by many different manufacturers // to varying

specifications; so....
• desktop OS must run on wider range of hardware platforms;
Desktop computer more likely to be networked; so...

• desktop OS must support networking protocols;
Embedded systems (often) made at low cost // may have minimal processing
requirement; so...
• embedded system OS has lower hardware requirements (allow e.g.
such as slower processor, less RAM);
Embedded systems have few inputs and outputs to user; so...

• embedded system OS provides no/minimal user interface;
• embedded system OS designed to deal with input from sensors // output
to control devices;
Embedded systems (often) in battery powered devices; so

• managing power consumption particularly important; A example of
power management
Embedded systems (are sometimes) real-time // for safety-critical applications;

so...
• real-time embedded system OS must be designed to guarantee speed
of response // respond very quickly;*
• real-time embedded system OS must deal with many inputs
simultaneously;*
• real-time embedded system OS may need to be failsafe;*
• real-time embedded system OS may incorporate redundancy;*
* - These points only valid if real-time system specifically referenced.
A any mix of points. The reason does not have to be stated to award a mark
for the difference/feature.
A converse of the points if the point itself has not been given.
To achieve a mark in this band, candidates must meet the subject criterion
(SUB) and 4 of the 5 quality of written communication criteria (QWCx).
SUB Candidate has made three or more relevant points.

QWC1 Text is legible
QWC2 There are few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Meaning
is clear.
QWC3 The candidate has selected and used a form and style of writing appropriate
to the purpose and has expressed ideas clearly and fluently.
QWC4 Sentences and paragraphs follow on from one another clearly and
coherently.
3–4
(SUB) and 4 of the 5 quality of written communication criteria (QWCx).
Page 40 of 60
SUB Candidate has made two relevant points.
QWC1 Text is legible
QWC2 There may be occasional errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Meaning is clear.
QWC3 The candidate has, in the main, used a form and style of writing appropriate
to the purpose, with occasional lapses. The candidate has expressed ideas
clearly and reasonably fluently.
QWC4 The candidate has used well-linked sentences and paragraphs.
2
(SUB). The quality of written communication should be typified by the QWCx
statements.
SUB Candidate has made just one relevant point.

QWC1 Most of the text is legible.
QWC2 There may be some errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar but it
should still be possible to understand most of the response.
QWC3 The candidate has used a form and style of writing which has many
QWC4 Sentences and paragraphs may not always be well-connected or bullet
points may have been used.
QWC5 Specialist vocabulary has been used inappropriately or not at all.
1
Candidate has made no relevant points.

0
Note: Even if English is perfect, candidates can only get marks for the points
made at the top of the mark scheme for this question.
If a candidate meets the subject criterion in a band but does not meet the
quality of written communication criteria then drop mark by one band,
providing that at least 3 of the quality of written communication criteria are met
in the lower band. If 3 criteria are not met then drop by two bands.
4
[6]
Q18.
General purpose software-
• Carries out many different tasks/variety of tasks; A more than one task NE
tasks
• Any reasonable example e.g. word processor, spreadsheet;
Bespoke software–
• Bespoke;
• Written to a particular customer’s requirements / needs;
• Example of bespoke software package must clearly have been made for a
particular organisation or is implicit from the application (likely to be very large
scale or hardware related); n.b. stock control system NE where as stock
control system for particular company is correct
Special purpose software–

• Special purpose;
• Carries out one/a specific/particular task; A just one task
• Any reasonable example e.g. stock control, accounting, route planning, web
Page 41 of 60
browser, air traffic control;
R anti-virus
General points–
• Off-the-shelf // immediate availability for either general purpose or special
purpose//bespoke is NOT immediately available/not off the shelf; (once only)
• If contradictory examples for any class of software T.O.
Mark Bands and Description
and 4 of the 5 quality of language criteria (QLx).
SUB Candidate has made at least 5 relevant points, including at least one from
each type of software.
QL1 Text is legible.
QL2 There are few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Meaning is
clear.
QL3 The candidate has selected and used a form and style of writing appropriate to
the purpose and has expressed ideas clearly and fluently.
QL4 Sentences and paragraphs follow on from one another clearly and coherently.
QL5 Appropriate specialist vocabulary has been used.
5–6
and 4 of the 5 quality of language criteria (QLx).
SUB Candidate has made at least 3 relevant points, including at least one point
from two different types of software.
QL1 Text is legible.
QL2 There may be occasional errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Meaning is clear.
QL3 The candidate has, in the main, used a form and style of writing appropriate to
the purpose, with occasional lapses. The candidate has expressed ideas
clearly and reasonably fluently.
QL4 The candidate has used well-linked sentences and paragraphs.
QL5 Appropriate specialist vocabulary has been used.
3–4
To achieve a mark in this band, candidates must meet the subject criterion (SUB).
The quality of language should be typified by the QLx statements.
SUB Candidate has made at least 1 relevant point.

QL1 Most of the text is legible.
QL2 There may be some errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar but it should
still be possible to understand most of the response.
QL3 The candidate has used a form and style of writing which has many
QL4 Sentences and paragraphs may not always be well-connected or bullet points
may have been used.
QL5 Specialist vocabulary has been used inappropriately or not at all.
1–2
Candidate has made no relevant points.

0
Note: Even if English is perfect, candidates can only get marks for the points made
at the top of the mark scheme for this question.
Page 42 of 60
If a candidate meets the subject criterion in a band but does not meet the quality of
language criteria then drop mark by one band, providing that at least 3 of the quality
of language criteria are met in the lower band. If 3 criteria are not met then drop by
two bands.
[6]
Q19.
(a) Rationale:
The key difference is that application software performs a user oriented task
whereas system software performs a machine oriented task.
Application Software:
Used to perform task that is independent of computer/that user would have to
do if didn’t have computer/real world task;
A You for user
A Performs a task for the user
R Task
Max 1
System Software:
Software that performs tasks to run computer;
Layer of software which enables user to operate computer;
Interface between user and computer;
Hides complexity of computer from user/provides virtual machine;
Software that lets user communicate with/manage hardware;
Software to run applications/hardware/programs/computer/ packages;
Software required to make computer work;
Max 1
(b) Operating System;

Library program;
NE Library
Translator/Compiler/Interpreter/Assembler;
A Translation
R Examples of types
Max 2
[4]
Q20.
(a) the electrical / physical components / parts (electronic circuits) of the
computer;
A by example (only acceptable on this occasion)
1
(b) programs (sequences of instructions) which run on the hardware/computer;

1
[2]
Q21.
Software Category (letter only)
Spreadsheet Software D;
Page 43 of 60
Anti-virus software C; Accept A
Operating System A; If not given above
Air Traffic Control Software E // B;

[4]
Q22.
1. system(s) (software);
2. general purpose (software); R generic
3. library (program/software);
4. utility (software); R maintenance / system tools
5. translator (software); A translation
6. compiler;
7. accounting software / route planner / games /web page design anything reasonable;
A web browser
A good description (followed by a brand name)
R DTP / Graphics /Presentation /firewall / anti-virus

R Bespoke (only)
R not specific e.g. ‘bank program’/ ‘learning difficulties program’
[7]
Q23.
(a) Text / scene / code / object editor;
A Word processor
A form/screen for text/code entry/input/write
1
(b) Translates (A converts/changes) program code/source program; from high

level language; into machine code/object code;
R binary
Checks the program code/statements for errors;
If no errors found the executable file is generated;
T/O –1 Mark if the explanation includes ‘executing the machine code’
Max 2
error report/list; A error message(s) R error (only)

an intermediate (object) file;
A a copy of the source code;
1
(c) Interpreter software translates/checks/reads the program code one

statement at a time (A line by line);
Checks the statement for the correct syntax;
If no errors found, interpreter recognises the statement;
Interpreter calls a procedure to execute the statement;
A if no error found, that statement is executed;
If an error is found, program execution is halted (and the error reported);
The program runs until an error is found;
Max 2
(d) (i) Interpreter should allow for faster program development /
Page 44 of 60
faster error correction / errors easier to identify ;
A easier to debug
1
(ii) Compiler/source code will not be needed in order to distribute the final
executable code / the exe code (alone) can be distributed to others;
the exe code (A the program) will execute (run) faster;
the exe code/ the program cannot be changed (by others);
Max 1
[8]
Q24.
Hardware and
Component Software Hardware
Software
An application program
A printed circuit board which controls the wash

programme inside a washing machine
Main memory chips in the PC
More than one entry per row – look for a single tick
If mixture of X and ticks used mark (as long as one entry per row)
[3]
Q25.
(a) (Sequence of) program instructions / program code / program; Instructions
processed by the processor ;
Max 1
(b)
Software Category Example
(i) compiler //interpreter//assembler ; R.

programming language translator
any named language
(ii) utility // system (software) ; Disc defragmenter
(iii) library program/files // System (software) ;

A DLL file which is used by several
R. library (only), library software, program
applications programs
libraries
(iv) word processor/ database/

spreadsheet /desktop publishing A. web
General purpose applications program
browser / presentation software ; R.
CAD
(ii) and (iii) answers must be different

4
[5]
Page 45 of 60
Q26.
Software Description
(letter below)
Income tax calculation software G AC ;
Translator software for the C++ programming language A/ D ;
Word processing software F;
Operating system A;
R A used for two answers

[4]
Q27.
(a) Computer programs/sequence of instructions which run on the
hardware/perform some task;
1
(b) Software types

1 library program // operating system;
A Dynamic link library files R DLL
R BIOS / bootstrap loader / drivers / OS
2 library program // operating system;
3 (language) translator;
4 interpreter // disassembler;
Examples
5 route planner//payroll// accounting// tax calculator//web browser
//games // anything reasonable;
A graphics/image/sound editing software (if not given in 6)
6 spreadsheet / DTP / presentation software / graphics/image/sound
editing software/ CAD / CAM ;
7 (disc) formatter // (disc) defragmenter // scanning disc for bad sectors; //
file recovery/management/search/;
(file) compression;
Antivirus / spyware;
Firewall;
System restore;
Backup software;
A encryption
7
[8]
Q28.
(a) Resource management
Memory management;
Resource allocation and scheduling;
File / magnetic disc / secondary store /backing store management;
Peripheral device management;
Interrupt handling;
A valid specific tasks one mark per task to max:
Page 46 of 60
3
(b) Provision of a virtual machine

Hide the complexities of the machine from the user;
// provide an interface between the user and the computer;
1
(c) Network OS in addition to a stand-alone computer

Control access by multiple users;
Share network resources such as (shared files / applications / databases)
Manage more than one user using an application concurrently;
Manage printing from more than one computer on the network;
Manage security with more than one work station;
Redirect request to a remote resource (e.g. shared disk);
Establish / maintain communication between the work station and the server /
between two workstations; R connections
1 mark per point to max

3
[7]
Q29.
(a) Server provides a resource/the Internet/a database/file/application/CD
ROM/printer;
Within a network;
Client computer requests the service;
and waits for the response;
I any reference to the user
Max 3
3
(b) (i) Software request causes an event;

A external change causes an event
The event causes a program/ procedure/ function to execute;
I References to user
2
(ii) Mouse Click// mouse movement// key pressed// record read/ written//any
external/internal device requires attention;
1
[6]
Q30.
(a)
Software Description
(letter below)
Route planner software B / D;
New point of sale software for Supermarket X’s B;

checkout terminals
Translator software for the Java programming C;

language
Page 47 of 60
Spreadsheet software A;
4
(b) Library program ...

Previously written program code;
Program code available from third parties;
Program routines previously saved/compiled;
Code which can be incorporated into current/future developments;
Program files which are used by other/many applications
R system software / utility programs
Max 2
[6]
Q31.
(a) Electrical/electronic/physical components/parts of computer/system;
A any example e.g. motherboard
R peripherals(b)
1
(b) • C - processor / CPU;

B - faster execution of program instructions / programs; simultaneous
processes possible;
A computer runs faster
• C - (main) memory / RAM;

B - more programs resident in memory; reduces main memory to disc
data transfers / programs execute faster;
R stores more data
• C - secondary/disc store / hard disc;

B - more programs/data can be permanently stored / available; faster
access/loading speed;
• C - motherboard;
B - allows for faster execution of programs / connection of new I/O ports
(e.g. USB / Firewire);
• C - (3D) graphics/video card;

B - display of high resolution /3-D graphics / maximise the benefits
possible from some software / better quality images // dedicated
processor;
• C - Sound card;
B - better quality sound / surround sound
• C - Modem;
B - External communication /e.g. connect to the Internet
• C - Network card / NIC;

B - communication with other PCs // provides some external
communication/connection;
• C - CD drive;
B - higher read/write speed
• C - DVD drive;
Page 48 of 60
B - increased storage /e.g. higher quality media;
R. Router / Cache
Max 4
(c) A Sound card / Graphics card / Modem / Network card / Main memory if not
given in (b)
• C- new I/O port
A example e.g. TV input/USB;
B - connection to devices which were not previously possible /
connection to an additional device e.g. a second parallel printer;
R Motherboard / CPU/ hard disc / CD drive / DVD drive
Sound card
B - to output audio on the PC (for the first time) - accept as a B. for (c)
only
Max 2
[7]
Q32.
(a) Browser / web browser / Internet browser;
1
(b) • forwards/backwards a page;

• address bar for the display of the URL;
• setting up/organising ‘Favorites’ pages;
• setting up of the Home page;
• move to the Home page;
• refresh the current page;
• stop loading the current page/ download;
• history - show a list of the last (say) 20 pages displayed;
• security - change settings /e.g. enable/disable graphics/pop-ups/other
content/plug-ins;
• browsing - change settings;
• view (HTML) source (code);
R HTML editor
Max 2
(c) StationeryIsUs.co.uk/default.htm // www.StationeryIsUs.co.uk/default.htm;

A StationeryIsUs.co.uk // www. StationeryIsUs.co.uk
I. http:// ignore case
1
(d) IP address (which matches with this URL); R. IP number

1
(e) uk / co.uk / com / gov / tv / biz / net / org / ed / mil / info or from any other
country eg fr ,it
A co.uk / ac.uk / sch.uk
Any two for 1 mark

1
[6]
Q33.
(a) Operating system;
Utility program (or an example of one);
Page 49 of 60
Library program;
Compiler/assembler/interpreter/translator;
Driver;
User interface;
A BIOS
R Any programming language
3
(b) Payroll;
Stock Control;
Production control;
Sales;
Invoicing;
Word processing;
Spreadsheet;
Database;
Desk top publishing;
Browser;
Or any appropriate application
R e-commerce NE
3
[6]
Q34.
(a) (i) Layer of software which enables users to operate computer;
Interface between user and computer;
Software which allows user to communicate with / manage hardware;
Software to run applications/hardware/programs/computer/packages;
R system on its own as n.e. software to make computer/hardware work /
used to maintain hardware;
R platform
R software used to run the system / it (n.e.)
1
(ii) Operating system;

Utility programs (or any example of one) /library programs/compilers/
assembler/ interpreter / translator / driver / Graphical User
Interface/bootstrap loader;
A BIOS;
A antivirus/firewall software;
R any programming language
1
(b) (i) Program to perform end user task;

A real world task/ program produced by end user/ you instead of user;
1
(ii) Any suitable example e.g. word processor

/spreadsheet/Database/payroll/ Accounts/etc;
A browser
1
(c) Software specially written/ tailor-made for an End user/ them/ company/
organisation;
A custom-made;
R customized
I for a task/ purpose
Page 50 of 60
1
[5]
Q35.
(i) Allow addresses in the Pointer column.
(ii) Array; of records; OR linked list; of records; OR 4 1-D arrays;

One for each column; OR one 1-D array for process name;
One 2-D arrays for numerical data;
2
(iii) Marks to be allocated as follows:

1 for initialisation ListPointer  HeadPointer;
1 for while not at end of list While ListPointer <>-1 Do;
1 for printing Print ListArray[ListPointer].Name;
1 for getting next pointer ListPointer  ListArray[ListPointer].Pointer;
P1 if headpointer is reassigned
Any name acceptable for ListPointer and ListArray

Note: a sorting method gets a maximum of 3 marks (inefficient)
Alternative solution
REPEAT UNTIL next=-1 OR IF listpointer <>-1 then REPEAT..
4
(iv)
List Reason
List of waiting for a resource or complete

suspended/blocked/halted/ a requested I/O transfer;
unrunnable processes;
List of inactive/dormant jobs; Waiting to be admitted to the

system;
I currently running processes

I interrupt
2
[11]
Page 51 of 60
Examiner reports
Q1.
The vast majority of students gained the mark in this question part for correctly identifying
that an operating system was system software.
Q2.
Most students that gained a mark identified that the Operating System manages memory.
However, the students demonstrated a lack of understanding of the term “resource
management.”
Q4.
The majority of students secured all of the marks for question part (a) and it was pleasing
to see more correct responses to part (b) than on a previous COMP2 paper when this
topic was asked about. Many students recognised that library programs provide
subroutines for a programmer to call and make use of during the development of their own
code.
Securing the marks for part (c) proved to be more challenging than expected. Students
struggled to explain precisely what is meant by an imperative high level programming
language. Weaker students made an attempt at describing the use of English-like
keywords but often just mentioned that the code is written in English and failed to secure
the mark. Explaining the term imperative was often missed but it was pleasing to see
ideas such as 'following a programmer defined sequence' from more able students.
Part (d) was answered well by the majority of students. They were able to identify that it
was bespoke software and pointed out how this can be designed to meet the exact
requirements of the company. Securing the disadvantage mark was harder but it was
pleasing to see some students clearly putting across the point that as there was only one
customer they would have to cover all of the production costs making the software likely to
be more expensive. Just stating that it would be 'more expensive' was not enough to
secure the mark.
Q6.
The focus of this question was operating systems, and in particular real time operating
systems. A good range of responses were made, with just under half of students achieving
at least four of the seven available marks. Most students had a good understanding of the
role and functions of a standard operating system but responses were weaker in relation
to real time operating systems. Students often made the point that real time operating
systems had to respond within a fixed time frame, but were unable to develop this further
to explain how this was achieved. Answers often focussed on the hardware requirements
of a real time system instead of the operating system. A commonly held misconception
was that real time systems were always designed to respond very quickly.
Q7.
(a) In this part , candidates were expected to complete a figure representing the
classifications of various types of software. Over half of the candidates achieved
three or more marks for this part. Candidates should be reminded that answers such
as 'Microsoft Word document' will not be accepted as generic terms such as word
processor are required. The most challenging item for candidates to identify was
Page 52 of 60
translator software.
(b) This part was well tackled with a good number of candidates securing all of the
marks. For part (i) a few candidates provided the answer 'assembler' which was not
accepted as the name for the second generation of programming language. The
majority of candidates either answered with assembly code or assembly language
which both secured the mark. Part (ii) was also generally well known, but there was
confusion over what would be used to translate the assembly code into machine
code. Most candidates secured at least one mark, but if they then discussed
compiler or interpreters they did not secure the second mark which was for
mentioning assembler. Part (iii) was found to be slightly more challenging and
around 40% of candidates secured the mark. Good answers talked about
differences between processors or the architecture of machines with a few including
detailed examples. Weaker responses demonstrated some confusion over what the
meaning of executable and discussed problems in the actual program itself, for
example a bug in the code.
Q8.
(a) This parts (i) to (iii) all required students to determine IP addresses. In each part,
approximately three quarters of students did so correctly. Common mistakes were to
write IP addresses that were formed from three octets instead of four, to write IP
addresses that were not appropriate for the segment or to give a value of 0 for the
last octet of an IP address.
(b) This part was well tackled with the vast majority of students achieving at least one
mark and just under half achieving both marks. Many students discussed collisions
or the effects of cable failure. Students who missed out on the second mark usually
did so because they failed to explain their answer in enough technical detail.
(c) This parts (i) and (ii) were about Software as a Service, or SaaS. The vast majority
of students achieved one mark on each part, although only just over a third achieved
both marks for part (i). For part (i), the most commonly seen correct responses
related to the fact that the software could be used on Internet-connected computers
outside of the office and that the hardware requirements would be lower for SaaS.
Some candidates made good points about the company not having to update the
software, but others mistakenly suggested that the company would only have to
update the software once, confusing SaaS with a thin client system. With SaaS, the
company would not have to update the software at all as this would be handled by
the provider of the SaaS. For part (ii), the most commonly seen correct response
was that unreliability of the Internet connection or service would make the software
inaccessible.
(d) This part was poorly tackled, with just under half of students achieving any marks.
The most commonly seen correct response was that a LAN would use baseband
and a WAN broadband. Other valid responses included that a LAN would have
faster transmission speeds and lower latency than a WAN and that more security
issues might need to be dealt with on a WAN. Some students compared the
communication media that would be used. Those who did so in detail often achieved
a mark, but many made vague or incorrect points such as that a LAN would be
wireless and a WAN wired. Some students assumed that a WAN and the Internet
were the same thing and gave responses relating to IP addresses that did not really
answer the question.
Q9.
The majority of students correctly identified that the first part of this question concerned
Page 53 of 60
the Data Protection Act. Students did struggle, however, to identify the principle required
for part (b) and then to name another for part (c). It was common to see statements about
certain activities for protecting data rather than stating actual principles. Part (b) was
looking for the idea of data security and some students correctly identified the difference
between internal and external security. The common answers for part (c) included keeping
data up to date and not keeping data longer than necessary.
The majority of students correctly identified that HTTPS would be the preferred protocol
for transmitting this data and over 60% secured the second mark for this question part
with the common answer of HTTP not being a secure protocol. There appears some
confusion over what HTTPS actually is and answers such as ‘the website could be
hacked’ or ‘the website is not secure’ did not gain marks. At this level we would encourage
students to appreciate that HTTPS is a protocol involving the encryption of data
transmitted between two devices for the purpose of making the transmission secure but
the protocol doesn't imply that all of the data on a website is actually secure.
Part (e) was answered well by students with the majority scoring 2 or 3 marks. Mistakes
included identifying the web server software as either an operating system or a utility
program. It seems possible that students do not have experience of servers and how they
operate.
Q10.
The majority of students could explain clearly what was meant by hardware and software.
Those that lost marks tended to be vague in their answers with not enough detail to
secure a mark at this level. Some of the weaker students mentioned that software is a
program but left off the necessary statement that the programs would be executed by the
hardware. A small number of students gave responses along the lines that hardware is
‘touchable’ which is not an appropriate description.
Q11.
The majority of students secured all of the marks for question part (a) and correctly
distinguished between hardware and software. A compiler was occasionally identified as
being hardware, rather than software. The wireless router was identified as being made
up of hardware and software by a pleasing number of students.
The majority of students attempted to state one role of the operating system, but their
answers occasionally failed to provide enough clarity to secure the mark. A group of
students wrote about providing a user interface but did not include anything to distinguish
this from the user interface of application software.
The purpose of library programs was not well known; students provided answers
concerning either collecting together resources or archiving files. It seems that the use of
library programs to provide access to pre-written procedures was only known to a small
group of students.
The advantages and disadvantages of bespoke software have appeared on past papers.
The majority of students could provide an advantage and this was usually centred around
the software meeting the exact needs of the client. Providing a disadvantage proved
harder and this was usually through students either not providing enough information or
not being precise enough. Being expensive is not enough to secure a mark, but the
students who identified that it would be expensive due to all of the development and
production costs being met by the one client were rewarded with the mark. A few students
stated that bespoke software would not be tested. This was not awarded a mark as it is to
be expected that the software would be tested by the software developer. There was a
mark, however, for pointing out that bespoke software might have more limited testing
Page 54 of 60
than software that has been available for a long time. In the same way, students should be
careful about stating that bespoke software would have no support as this might not be
the case. However, it is to be expected that bespoke software would have limited 3rd party
support compared with software such as office applications that have a wide variety of 3rd
party support (for example through books and training courses).
Q12.
This question was very well answered, with the majority of students being able to describe
three different types of management that would be performed by an operating system and
thus scoring full marks.
Q13.
Part (a) was very well answered with the majority of candidates correctly identifying the
category to which each software program belonged. Candidates who dropped marks
tended to put Flight Control Software down as special purpose rather than the correct
answer of bespoke.
Part (b) was generally well answered. Common mistakes were answering, ‘operating
software,’ rather than the correct answer of, ‘operating system.’ Candidates need to be
aware of the correct term. Some candidates failed to understand the question and used
the labels from part (a) of ‘general purpose’, ‘special purpose’ and ‘bespoke’.
Q14.
Part (a): This topic was poorly understood. Many candidates did little more than rephrase
the terms given on the question paper in their responses. An interactive operating system
is one in which the user and computer are in direct two-way communication. A network
operating system contains a layer of software that redirects requests to remote resources
in a way that is transparent to the user. Stating that a network operating system was used
to connect to a network was not enough; various hardware and software components are
involved in this. Some candidates confused a network operating system with the use of
thin-client computing or assumed that one would only be used on a file server.
Part (b): The responses to this question part were much better than those to part (a), with
almost half of candidates achieving both available marks. Good candidates identified that
an event-driven program would respond to events by calling specific subroutines and were
also able to give an example of an event. Some responses also mentioned the use of a
system loop or event handlers. The most common mistake was to write an answer that
was too vague and could equally be applied to programs that were not event driven, such
as, "an event driven program reacts to user inputs or runs certain code based on the
inputs made".
Q15.
Part (a) asked candidates to identify system software and the majority managed to do this
successfully. A few candidates answered with ‘device driver’ which was also awarded a
mark.
It was surprising to see only half of candidates secure the mark for part (b)(i). Marks were
lost by candidates giving vague answers or by giving examples of application software,
rather than explaining what it is, which the question required. Correct responses identified
that general purpose application software can perform many tasks for the user.
The majority of candidates secured the mark for part (b)(ii) by producing a correct
Page 55 of 60
example of general purpose application software. A few candidates gave brand names of
software packages, for example ‘Word’, even though they are warned against this on the
front page of the examination paper.
Q16.
Similar questions about hardware and software categories have been asked before.
Definitions of what is hardware and software were both well known, although there was a
substantial minority of candidates who thought that hardware was confined to peripherals.
Software was slightly less well described as we were looking for two linked points that
included a 'sequence of instructions' and that they would 'run' on the hardware. Often
candidates omitted one or the other of these points. The table about classes of software
was generally well answered and for once few brand names were used.
Q17.
Part (a): Most candidates scored at least one mark for this question part by explaining that
the operating system provided a virtual machine or abstracted the user from the complex
hardware.
Some however only described the provision of a user interface, which was not sufficient to
gain the mark for abstraction from the hardware.
Part (b): Most candidates showed some understanding of the differences between the two
types of operating system, with many scoring high marks. The most commonly made
mistake was to discuss the same point repeatedly, usually that a desktop operating
system would perform a wider range of tasks. Good answers also referred to
upgradability, the range of software applications that could be run, the range of hardware
that might be supported and the likely minimum hardware requirements of the operating
system. Some candidates assumed erroneously that embedded systems and real time
systems were the same things. On this occasion we were lenient when marking answers
that had made this assumption.
The vast majority of candidates wrote appropriately structured answers with only minor
errors in grammar and spelling. A bigger problem was the legibility of some answers, but
very few were impossible to read.
Q18.
This question was very well answered with many candidates gaining full marks. The use
of language was mostly very good, although often the actual quality of the handwriting left
much to be desired. There was also some confusion between special purpose and
bespoke software types. The part relating to bespoke application programs was
sometimes vaguely answered with poor examples that were special purpose examples
such as payroll accounting or tax planning programs. A common way of missing a mark
was to state the example as a brand name rather than a generic name. Finally there is still
some confusion as to what an application package is. Utility and library software were
often given, inappropriately, as one of the types.
Q19.
Candidates were better able to explain the purpose of system software than of application
software, although some of the explanations of system software that did gain credit were
quite superficial and only just worth a mark. System software is software that is required to
manage the operation of the hardware. Application software was often poorly explained. It
is software that allows the user to complete user-oriented tasks which the user would want
to do regardless of whether they had a computer or not. All software performs tasks.
Page 56 of 60
Many good examples of types of system software were given, most commonly the
operating system and library programs. The most frequently seen error was to give
examples of utility programs such as a disk defragmenter when the question had
specifically asked for types other than utilities.
Q20.
A significant number of candidates described hardware in such a way as to make it
appear that only peripheral devices were classified as hardware. Hardware is all the
physical components (electronic circuits) of the computer. Although this time marks were
awarded for explaining the term by example, this is unlikely to be the case in future
examinations.
Software are the programs which run on the hardware. Candidates who stated that
software is a series of instructions missed the mark available as this is not a precise
enough explanation.
Only a sequence of instructions can be classed as a program. Some candidates
mistakenly think that data are software.
Q21.
Most candidates correctly categorised the software given in the table. However, a minority
of candidates failed to understand the instructions of writing the category letter given in
the question into the table.
Q22.
Well answered. The most common omission was 'library software'. Candidates would be
well advised to study the published mark scheme for a 'ruling' on the classification of
some software where there is possible debate as to which is a 'best fit' classification.
Q23.
(a) This was the first time candidates had been asked for an essential feature of a
program development environment for the creation of program code and a correct
answer was given only by the more able candidates.
(b)(c)(d)
These questions should have been straightforward bookwork-type questions as

candidates were asked to describe how a compiler and an interpreter process a
source program and there were many ways in which the candidates could score the
marks. Candidates often let themselves down by their poor communication skills
and answers such as, 'read a whole program and produce an .exe out of this,' said
nothing other than a re-wording of the stem of the question. The word 'it' –
commented on in previous Reports on the Examination - was again in evidence for
part (d) and the answer was then unclear as to whether the candidate was referring
to the compilation process or the running of the executable code.
Many answers stated the compiler output as being the executable code, despite this
being stated in the question.
Q24.
Well answered; the majority of candidates scored the maximum three marks.
Page 57 of 60
Q25.
(a) This was a single mark question which the vast majority of candidates scored. If
candidates answered this at the executable program level then we are expecting an
answer which describes a ‘sequence of instructions’ – ‘set of’ is considered
insufficient as it opens up the possible interpretation of a set of menu selections or
similar.
(b) There were still some scripts which used brand names despite the clear instruction
on the front page rubric not to do this. Although a straightforward question, the
majority of candidates were often unable to score the full four marks.
Q26.
This was a similar style of question to that previously set and candidates scored well.
Some candidates failed to read the rubric of the question ‘no letter should be used more
that once’ and so lost a possible mark.
Q27.
(a) Surprisingly few candidates were able to provide a definition of software; there were
all too many vague answers such as “the things which cannot be touched”.
(b) Again some candidates failed to read the question paper rubric that “credit will not
be given for brand names”, and candidates lost as many as three marks despite
clearly knowing a correct software example.
A wrong answer of “bespoke software” for example 5 was not uncommon.
For (b) most candidates scored five or six marks, but the maximum seven was rarely
achieved.
Q28.
Some candidates demonstrated no understanding of this topic; more than one candidate
seemed to be referring to the stock control of some resources for part (a). More gained
marks from a reasonable attempt at part (b).
Part (c) asked for tasks that a network operating system would have in addition to those of
an operating system for a stand-alone computer. This was one question where full
answers enabled the candidate to gain marks. Answers such as ‘managing the transfer of
files’ or ‘manage data being input and output’ were insufficient as operating systems for
stand-alone computers have these tasks as well. A good set of answers was ‘Network
storage / file sharing across computers’, ‘Printer access - sharing printer queues from
different computers’, and ‘multiple users – control access / security’.
Q29.
This question was straight forward book work but it was very poorly done. Most
candidates ignored the fact that there were three marks for part (a) and failed to answer in
sufficient depth. Although many candidates had some idea that a server is likely to provide
some resource, few were able to describe the client-server relationship.
Most candidates had some knowledge of event driven operating systems but many failed
to obtain full marks due to weak explanations. Few candidates showed that they
understood the nature of an event in this context.
Page 58 of 60
Q30.
(a) Although a new style question for this area of the specification, candidates mostly
scored the full four marks.
(b) This was the first time this question had been asked and it was poorly answered.
Whilst it is appreciated that candidates may well not have had practical experience
of the use of library programs in their own programming experience after some three
months, they would have experienced DLL files when installing software.
Common wrong answers were the confusion of library programs with either utilities,
or a vague statement referring to information stored in a large archive.
Q31.
(a) Most candidates scored the one mark.
(b) Although not examined on previous papers, candidates scored highly on this
question no doubt able in many cases to draw on their own experiences.
Some candidates missed out on full marks with a weak explanation of the benefit to
be gained – e.g. ‘more storage’ on its own is not a benefit for changing the hard
drive.
A worrying misconception of a few students was that it is possible to change in

isolation either the data bus or address bus.
(c) Again well answered with the majority of students able to suggest an additional
component. Candidates who did not appreciate the meaning of PCB then wrongly
suggested components such as DVD drives or an additional hard drive. More
worrying were the candidates who suggested the additional component could be a
motherboard or the processor.
Q32.
Most candidates scored well on this question.
(a) There were still some scripts where the candidates suggested a brand name such
as Internet Explorer, and consequently scored zero.
(b) The question asked for ‘features’ and the majority of candidates were able to
describe these. The common wrong answer was to just say what a browser does i.e.
display web pages, and not describe specific features, which were generally well
known. One-word answers however were very common.
(c) This part was well answered by many candidates.
(d) IP addresses appear to be well understood.
(e) Some candidates lost the mark with the inclusion of some domain name before the
top-level identifier.
Q33.
Candidates generally did well on this question. More marks were obtained on part (b) than
on part (a).
(a) Most candidates were able to give one or two satisfactory examples but there were
Page 59 of 60
some examples of product names, despite the question stating specifically that they
would not be accepted.
(b) Many candidates obtained full marks. The most common mistake was to state
product names.
Q34.
(a) Generally answered well but some candidates continue to answer with brand names
such as Windows XP. Some candidates were unable to express themselves clearly
in part (i).
(b) Many candidates gave poor descriptions in part (i) but most candidates were able to
give a suitable application.
(c) The main failing was candidates’ inability to express themselves clearly.
Q35.
Many candidates were able to complete the pointer column in the table correctly but could
not adequately describe a suitable data structure for this table. Most stated array or linked
list but very few noticed that the columns required different data types and therefore an
array of records or a linked list of records or several arrays were required for full
marks. In part (iii) many candidates could write a suitable algorithm, some even provided
very elegant, recursive, solutions. However, a few candidates reassigned values to the
head pointer as they worked their way through the list. This is not appropriate. Others
printed the pointer rather than the name. A possible solution gaining full marks would be:
ListPointer “ HeadPointer
While ListPointer < > –1 Do
Print ListArray[ListPointer].Name
ListPointer “ ListArray[ListPointer].Pointer
EndWhile
In part (iv) very few candidates seemed to remember that the list they were working with
in the question was that of runnable processes, and that only one process at any one time
can be running, so a list of running processes would not be sensible. This leaves
suspended processes (waiting for a resource) and inactive jobs (waiting to be admitted to
the system).
Page 60 of 60

6.1 - Hardware and Software (Part 1)

Uploaded by

6.1 - Hardware and Software (Part 1)

Uploaded by

_______________________

Time: 250 minutes

Marks: 196 marks

(a) What is meant by hardware?

(b) What is meant by software?

1. General purpose application software

(b) Another software classification is library programs.

Explain the purpose of library programs.

(d) A company has software made for it.

if x > 0: 00011100 00110000

(b) Describe two differences between a compiler and an interpreter.

Beyond those of a standard operating system, describe the additional operational

(b) (i) Machine code is the first generation of programming language.

What is the second generation of programming language?

(ii) A program written in a second generation programming language has been

The diagram below shows the topology of the LAN.

(a) Suggest suitable IP addresses for:

(i) the ‘Router 2’ port labelled A ______________________________________

(ii) the ‘Router 2’ port labelled B ______________________________________

(iii) the network adapter card in the computer labelled C ____________________

(i) Explain two advantages of using software as a service instead of using

(ii) Explain one disadvantage of using software as a service instead of using

Why concerned ______________________________________________________

Suggested protocol ___________________________________________________

Below is a list of different categories of software:

Operating system, Utility program, Special purpose application software, Bespoke

You should not use a category more than once.

Word processor used to write the pupil

The parent portal web application

The web server software run by the

Explain what is meant by these two terms.

Put one tick on each row to identify each component as either:

• hardware and software.

Component Software Hardware Hardware and

(ii) State one purpose of library programs.

(i) State one advantage of purchasing bespoke software.

(ii) State one disadvantage of purchasing bespoke software.

(b) The diagram below shows an incomplete classification of system software.

Suggest suitable labels for boxes 1 to 3 in the diagram above.

Interactive operating system: ___________________________________________

Network operating system: _____________________________________________

Explain how an event–driven program works.

What type of software is being described?

(b) (i) Explain what is meant by general purpose application software.

(ii) Give one example of general purpose application software.

(c) An IT manager needs to buy software to manage stock control.

(i) Hardware: _____________________________________________________

(ii) Software: ______________________________________________________

(b) Utility programs are one type of system software.

Name two other types of system software.

(a) What is meant by hardware?

(a) What is meant by software?

Air Traffic Control Software

D – General Purpose Software

E – Special Purpose Software

(b) The next stage in the development may use a compiler.

(c) An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter.

Explain how an interpreter attempts to run a program.

(i) Give one advantage of using an interpreter.

(ii) Give one advantage of using a compiler.

• hardware and software.

A printed circuit board which

Main memory chips in the PC

Complete the entries in the table. All entries must be different.

Software category Example

(iii) A DLL file that is used by several

General purpose applications (iv)

Income tax calculation software

Translator software for the C++ programming

(b) A second role of an operating system is the provision of a virtual machine.

(b) Operating systems are often described as event driven.

(i) Explain what is meant by the term event driven.

(ii) Give an example of an event.

Software Description (letter below)

Route planner software

New point of sale software for