Y10 _ 1.5 Systems Software

What is the main purpose of an operating system?

• To browse the internet
• To manage hardware and software resources and provide a user interface
• To create documents
• To protect against viruses

Answer explanation

The OS manages hardware/software resources, provides a user interface, and acts as an intermediary between user and hardware.

Which type of user interface uses icons, windows, and a mouse pointer?

• CLI
• GUI
• Natural language
• Menu-based

Answer explanation

A GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses icons, windows, menus, and a pointing device for interaction.

What does OS stand for?

(a)  

Answer explanation

OS stands for Operating System.

What is a device driver?

• A person who delivers hardware
• Software that allows the OS to communicate with a specific hardware device
• A type of virus
• A USB cable

Answer explanation

A device driver is software that translates OS commands into instructions a specific hardware device can understand.

What does CLI stand for?

• Computer Logic Interface
• Command Line Interface
• Central Logic Interpreter
• Computer Language Input

Answer explanation

CLI stands for Command Line Interface, where users type text commands to interact with the system.

Which OS function manages how files are stored and organised on a disk?

• Memory management
• File management
• Peripheral management
• User management

Answer explanation

File management handles organising, storing, retrieving, and naming files and folders on storage devices.

What is multitasking in an operating system?

• Running only one program at a time
• Running multiple programs apparently at the same time by switching between them quickly
• Using multiple monitors
• Having multiple users

Answer explanation

Multitasking allows the OS to run multiple programs by rapidly switching CPU time between them.

What type of software is the operating system classified as?

• Application software
• Systems software
• Utility software
• Programming software

Answer explanation

The OS is systems software — it manages the computer's resources and provides a platform for applications to run.

What is encryption utility software used for?

• Making files smaller
• Converting data into a coded form to prevent unauthorised access
• Removing viruses
• Organising files

Answer explanation

Encryption software scrambles data into an unreadable format to protect it from unauthorised access.

What does defragmentation do?

• Deletes unnecessary files
• Rearranges fragmented data on a hard drive so files are stored in contiguous blocks
• Scans for viruses
• Updates the operating system

Answer explanation

Defragmentation reorganises fragmented file data on an HDD so related data is stored together, improving access speed.