Chapter 4: Software

What is compiler or interpreter?

A compiler translates the entire source code in a single run. An interpreter translates the
entire source code line by line. It consumes less time i.e., it is faster than an interpreter. It
consumes much more time than the compiler i.e., it is slower than the compiler.
What do you mean by linker?
Linker is a program in a system which helps to link object modules of a program into a single
object file. It performs the process of linking. Linkers are also called as link editors. Linking is
a process of collecting and maintaining piece of code and data into a single file.
What is the definition of a heuristic?
A heuristic is a mental shortcut commonly used to simplify problems and avoid cognitive
overload. Heuristics are part of how the human brain evolved and is wired, allowing
individuals to quickly reach reasonable conclusions or solutions to complex problems.
Malware (short for “malicious software”) is a file or code, typically delivered over a network,
that infects, explores, steals or conducts virtually any behavior an attacker wants. And
because malware comes in so many variants, there are numerous methods to infect
computer systems.
What is contiguous sector?
When referring to a computer hard drive, contiguous or continuous refers to sectors on a
disk that are by each other.
What is WIMP * Windows Icons Menus Pointer All of the above?
WIMP stands for Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers (or maybe Windows, Icons, Mouse,
Pull-down menus). WIMP is the style of graphical user interface that uses the above-
mentioned common widgets.
In computing, post-WIMP ("windows, icons, menus, pointer") comprises work on user
interfaces, mostly graphical user interfaces, which attempt to go beyond the paradigm of
windows, icons, menus and a pointing device, i.e. WIMP interfaces.
What are the examples of buffer in computer?
A buffer contains data that is stored for a short amount of time, typically in the computer's
memory (RAM). The purpose of a buffer is to hold data right before it is used. For example,
when you download an audio or video file from the Internet, it may load the first 20% of it
into a buffer and then begin to play.
Chapter 4: Software

What is printer buffer?

What Does Printer Buffer Mean? A printer buffer is a temporary storage area that holds the
data or documents to be printed by the printer. It is created and managed by the operating
system or printing management software to enable storing print jobs data when multiple
print jobs are assigned to a computer printer.
Bootstrap loader
A Bootstrap Loader (BSL) is a small program which can be activated immediately after a
microcontroller has been powered up, in order to load and execute another program in a
well defined manner.
Firmware is software that provides basic machine instructions that allow the hardware to
function and communicate with other software running on a device. Firmware provides low-
level control for a device's hardware.
Why is it called booting up?
The process of bringing up the operating system is called booting (originally this was
bootstrapping and alluded to the process of pulling yourself up "by your bootstraps"). Your
computer knows how to boot because instructions for booting are built into one of its chips,
the BIOS (or Basic Input/Output System) chip.
What is EEPROM used for?
EEPROM is a type of non-volatile ROM that enables individual bytes of data to be erased and
reprogrammed. That is why EEPROM chips are known as byte erasable chips. EEPROM is
usually used to store small amounts of data in computing and other electronic devices.
What is an interrupt in operating system?
An interrupt is an event that alters the sequence in which the processor executes
instructions. An interrupt might be planned (specifically requested by the currently running
program) or unplanned (caused by an event that might or might not be related to the
currently running program).
What is interrupt service routine in embedded system?
Interrupt Service Routines (ISR) are the portions of the program code that handle the
interrupt requests. When an Interrupt is triggered (either a hardware or software interrupt),
the processor breaks away from the current task, moves the instruction pointer to the ISR,
and then continues operation.
Chapter 4: Software

What is a computer register?

A processor register (CPU register) is one of a small set of data holding places that are part of
the computer processor. A register may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any kind of
data (such as a bit sequence or individual characters).
What are the 5 registers in computer?
Different processors have different numbers of registers for different purposes, but most
have some, or all, of the following:
1. program counter.
2. memory address register (MAR)
3. memory data register (MDR)
4. current instruction register (CIR)
5. accumulator (ACC)