Types of Software and Interrupts

Types of Software

In computing, software is classified into two main types: System Software and
Application Software.

1. System Software:

System software is designed to manage and control computer hardware so that

application software can function. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and
the user.

Examples of System Software:

∙ Operating Systems (OS): Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

∙ Utility Programs: Antivirus software, Disk defragmenters, Backup software ∙
Device Drivers: Printer drivers, Graphics drivers

Features of System Software:

∙ Provides a platform for running application software

∙ Controls hardware resources
∙ Ensures the system operates efficiently and securely
∙ Runs in the background

2. Application Software:

Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for users. It is built on top of
system software.

Examples of Application Software:

∙ Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

∙ Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari
∙ Media Players: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player
∙ Gaming Software: Minecraft, Fortnite

Features of Application Software:

∙ User-centric (designed for direct interaction with the user)

 ∙ Focused on completing specific tasks
∙ Requires an operating system to function

Example Questions:

Question 1 (2 Marks):

Define the term "System Software."

Answer:
System software is software designed to manage and control computer hardware,
providing a platform for running application software.

Question 2 (3 Marks):

State two examples of system software and explain their purposes.

Answer:

1. Operating System (e.g., Windows): Manages hardware and software

resources and provides services for application software.
2. Utility Software (e.g., Antivirus): Performs maintenance tasks such as
protecting the system from malware or optimizing performance.

Question 3 (4 Marks):

Explain the difference between system software and application software.

Provide an example of each.

Answer:

∙ System Software: Manages hardware and software resources. Example:

Operating System (Windows).
∙ Application Software: Designed for specific user tasks. Example: Word
Processor (Microsoft Word).

Question 4 (5 Marks):

Discuss how the operating system acts as a bridge between hardware and
application software. Include two key roles of the operating system.

Answer:
The operating system acts as an interface between hardware and application software
by:
1. Managing hardware resources (e.g., CPU, memory, and storage). 2.
Providing services such as file management and security for application
software.
This ensures that application software can run without directly interacting with
hardware.

Question 5 (4 Marks):

State two differences between system software and application software. For
each, provide one example.

Answer:

1. Purpose:
o System Software: Manages hardware and system processes. Example:
Device Driver.
o Application Software: Completes specific user-oriented tasks. Example:
Web Browser.
2. Usage:
o System Software: Runs continuously in the background.
o Application Software: Runs only when needed by the user.
Utility Software

Utility software is a type of system software designed to perform specific tasks that help
maintain, manage, and optimize a computer system. These utilities ensure that the
computer system operates efficiently and securely.

Descriptions of Utility Software

1. Virus Checkers (Antivirus Software):

∙ Scans the system to detect and remove malicious software like viruses, worms,
and Trojans.
∙ Provides real-time protection against threats and prevents malware from infecting
the system.

2. Defragmentation Software:

∙ Reorganizes fragmented data on a disk so that related pieces of data are stored
together.
∙ Improves the speed and efficiency of data retrieval by reducing the time taken to
 access files.

3. Disk Contents Analysis and Repair:

∙ Scansthe disk to identify errors, bad sectors, or corrupted files. ∙

Repairs minor disk issues, ensuring the system runs smoothly.

4. File Compression and File Management:

∙ File Compression: Reduces the size of files to save storage space and make
them easier to transfer. Examples: ZIP, RAR.
∙ File Management: Allows users to organize, move, rename, copy, or delete files
and folders.

5. Backup Software:

∙ Creates copies of important files or the entire system to protect against data loss
due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or malware attacks.

6. Security Utilities:

∙ Protectsthe system from unauthorized access by implementing measures such

as firewalls and password management.
7. Screensavers:

∙ Displaysimages or patterns on the screen after a period of inactivity to prevent

screen burn-in and enhance system aesthetics.

Example Questions

Question 1 (2 Marks):

What is the purpose of a virus checker?

Answer:
A virus checker detects and removes malicious software from the computer system and
provides real-time protection against threats like viruses and worms.

Question 2 (3 Marks):

Explain the role of defragmentation software in improving system performance.

Answer:
Defragmentation software reorganizes fragmented data on a disk, storing related pieces
of data together. This reduces the time taken to access files and improves the overall
efficiency of the system.

Question 3 (4 Marks):

State the difference between file compression and backup software. Provide an
example of each.

Answer:

∙ FileCompression: Reduces the size of files to save storage space and enable
easier sharing. Example: WinRAR.
∙ Backup Software: Creates copies of files or systems to recover data in case of
loss. Example: Acronis True Image.

Question 4 (5 Marks):
Describe three types of utility software and explain their

importance. Answer:

1. Disk Contents Analysis and Repair: Identifies and repairs corrupted files or
bad sectors, ensuring smooth operation.
2. Security Utilities: Protect the system from unauthorized access and prevent
potential breaches.
3. File Compression: Saves storage space and enables faster file transfers.

Question 5 (6 Marks):

A user is experiencing slow system performance and difficulty finding files.

Suggest two utility software programs that can help and explain how each
resolves the problem.

Answer:

1. Defragmentation Software: Speeds up system performance by organizing

fragmented data for faster access.
 2. File Management Software: Helps users organize files by moving, renaming, or
deleting them, making them easier to locate
Device Drivers

A device driver is a type of system software that allows the operating system and
application software to communicate with hardware devices. Each hardware device
requires a specific driver to function correctly.

Examples of Device Drivers

∙ Printer Driver: Converts text or images from the computer into a format the
printer can process.
∙ Graphics Driver: Allows the operating system to communicate with the graphics
card to render images and videos.

Example Questions

Question 1 (2 Marks):

Define the term "device driver."

Answer:
A device driver is a type of system software that enables communication between the
operating system and a specific hardware device.

Question 2 (4 Marks):

Why are device drivers essential for hardware devices to function correctly?
Provide two reasons.

Answer:

1. Device drivers translate instructions from the operating system into commands
the hardware can understand.
2. They ensure compatibility between hardware components and the operating
system, enabling seamless communication.
Question 3 (5 Marks):
A user connects a new external device to their computer, but it does not work.
Explain two reasons why this might happen and how it can be resolved.

Answer:

1. Missing Driver: The required driver for the device may not be installed. Solution:
Install the correct driver provided by the manufacturer.
2. Outdated Driver: The existing driver may not be compatible with the operating
system. Solution: Update the driver to the latest version.
Role and Basic Functions of an Operating System (OS)

The operating system (OS) is system software that acts as an intermediary between
users and computer hardware. It is essential for managing hardware resources,
software processes, and providing services for application programs.

Basic Functions of an Operating System

1. Managing Files:

∙ Organizes,stores, retrieves, and manipulates files on storage devices. ∙

Maintains a directory structure and file permissions.

2. Handling Interrupts:

∙ Responds to and manages hardware or software interrupts, such as user input or

system errors.
∙ Ensures smooth execution by prioritizing tasks based on interrupts.

3. Providing an Interface:

∙ Offers
a user interface, such as Command-Line Interface (CLI) or Graphical
User Interface (GUI), for interaction with the computer system.

4. Managing Peripherals and Drivers:

∙ Communicates with input/output devices (e.g., printers, keyboards) using device

drivers.
∙ Ensures seamless hardware-software interaction.
5. Managing Memory:

∙ Allocates and deallocates memory to programs and processes.

∙ Handles virtual memory to extend usable memory beyond physical capacity.

6. Managing Multitasking:

∙ Handlesmultiple processes simultaneously by allocating CPU time effectively. ∙

Ensures that programs run concurrently without conflict.

7. Providing a Platform for Running Applications:

∙ Supports application software by offering services like file handling and network
connectivity.
∙ Ensures that applications run efficiently on hardware.

8. Providing System Security:

∙ Protectsthe system against unauthorized access using firewalls, encryption, and

anti-malware measures.
∙ Ensures system integrity by maintaining secure user environments.

9. Managing User Accounts:

∙ Allows multiple users to access the system securely.

∙ Offers features like user authentication, access control, and individual
preferences.

Example Questions

Question 1 (2 Marks):

State two functions of an operating system.

Answer:

1. Managing memory by allocating space to running programs.

2. Providing an interface, such as a GUI or CLI, for user interaction.

Question 2 (3 Marks):
Explain how an operating system manages multitasking.

Answer:
The OS allocates CPU time to each running process in a time-sharing manner, ensuring
all processes run concurrently without conflict. It switches between tasks quickly to
provide the illusion of simultaneous execution.

Question 3 (4 Marks):

Describe how an operating system manages files and

peripherals. Answer:

∙ File Management: The OS organizes files in a directory structure, controls

access permissions, and ensures efficient retrieval and storage.
∙ Peripheral Management: The OS uses device drivers to communicate with
peripherals like printers and keyboards, ensuring proper functioning.

Question 4 (5 Marks):

A user is running multiple applications on their computer. Explain how the

operating system manages memory and multitasking in this scenario.

Answer:

∙ Memory Management: The OS allocates memory to each application and uses

virtual memory if physical memory is insufficient.
∙ Multitasking: It switches between applications, allocating CPU time to each
process to allow smooth operation and prevent conflicts.

Question 5 (6 Marks):

Discuss the role of an operating system in ensuring system security and

managing user accounts.

Answer:

∙ System Security: The OS uses measures like firewalls, encryption, and

 malware protection to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system
integrity.
∙ User Account Management: It allows the creation of user accounts,
authenticates users, and manages access permissions, ensuring a personalized
and secure user experience.
How Hardware, Firmware, and an Operating System Are Required to
Run Application Software

Running an application involves a layered interaction between hardware, firmware, and

the operating system. Each layer has a specific role and depends on the one beneath it
to function effectively.

Key Concepts

1. Applications are run on the Operating System (OS):

∙ Applicationsoftware (e.g., word processors, games) relies on the OS to interact

with hardware and perform tasks.
∙ The OS provides essential services such as memory management, file access,
and user interfaces required for running applications.

2. The Operating System is run on the Firmware:

∙ Firmware contains the low-level software that initializes hardware and starts the
operating system.
∙ Examples: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface).

3. The Bootloader (Firmware) is run on the Hardware:

∙ Thebootloader is part of the firmware stored in non-volatile memory, such as

ROM or flash memory.
∙ When the computer is powered on, the bootloader initializes the hardware,
checks system components, and loads the operating system into memory.

The Process in Action

1. Hardware Layer:
o Provides the physical components (CPU, memory, storage).
o Executes machine code and provides the platform for firmware.
 2. Firmware Layer:
o Starts the system by checking hardware components and loading the OS.
o Acts as a bridge between the hardware and OS.
3. Operating System Layer:
o Manages hardware resources and provides a platform for application
software.
o Allows users to run applications by handling tasks like input/output and
memory allocation.
4. Application Layer:
o Runs on the OS and performs specific tasks for users. Examples:
spreadsheets, browsers.

Example Questions

Question 1 (2 Marks):

What is the role of the firmware in running application software?

Answer:
Firmware initializes the hardware and loads the operating system, which is required to
run application software.

Question 2 (3 Marks):

Explain how the operating system interacts with the firmware to run an
application.

Answer:
The firmware initializes hardware components and loads the operating system. The
operating system then provides services like memory management and file handling,
which the application uses to perform tasks.

Question 3 (4 Marks):

Describe the role of hardware, firmware, and an operating system in the boot
process.

Answer:
 1. Hardware: Executes the machine code stored in firmware.
2. Firmware: Runs the bootloader, initializes hardware, and loads the operating
system into memory.
3. Operating System: Takes control, managing hardware resources and providing
a platform for applications.
Question 4 (5 Marks):

A user is running a game on their computer. Describe the interaction between the
application, operating system, firmware, and hardware in this process.

Answer:

1. Application: The game sends commands to the operating system to perform

tasks like rendering graphics.
2. Operating System: Manages hardware resources (e.g., CPU, GPU) and
communicates with device drivers.
3. Firmware: Ensures the operating system is loaded correctly and facilitates
hardware communication.
4. Hardware: Executes instructions from the OS, rendering graphics and
processing game logic.

Question 5 (6 Marks):

Discuss how the boot process involves the interaction of hardware, firmware, and
the operating system. Include an example of what happens at each stage.

Answer:

1. Hardware: When powered on, the CPU executes instructions stored in the
firmware. Example: Reads firmware code from ROM.
2. Firmware: Initializes hardware, checks system components, and loads the OS
bootloader. Example: Runs POST (Power-On Self-Test).
3. Operating System: Takes control, loads essential files into memory, and
prepares the environment for applications. Example: Displays the desktop
interface.
Interrupts and the Use of Buffers

An interrupt is a signal sent to the CPU to handle an urgent task or event. Interrupts
allow the system to respond quickly to hardware or software events while performing
other tasks. A buffer is often used in conjunction with interrupts to temporarily store
data, ensuring smooth and efficient data transfer between devices operating at different
speeds.
Interrupts

1. How an Interrupt is Generated

∙ Hardware Interrupts: Generated by hardware devices, e.g., pressing a key or moving

the mouse.
∙ Software Interrupts: Triggered by software conditions, e.g., division by zero or two
processes accessing the same memory location.

2. How an Interrupt is Handled

1. The interrupt signal is sent to the CPU.

2. The CPU pauses its current task, saving the Program Counter (PC) and other registers.
3. The Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), a set of instructions to handle the interrupt, is
executed.
4. The CPU restores its previous state and resumes execution.

3. Examples of Interrupts

∙ Hardware Interrupts:
o Pressing a key on the keyboard.
o Moving or clicking the mouse.
∙ Software Interrupts:
o Division by zero error.
o A program accessing an invalid memory location.

Buffers and Their Role in Interrupts

A buffer is a temporary storage area used to hold data being transferred between a fast
processor and slower hardware. Buffers prevent data loss and reduce the frequency of
interrupts by accumulating data before sending it to the CPU.
1. How Buffers Work with Interrupts

∙ Data is stored in the buffer while the CPU is busy.

∙ The CPU processes data from the buffer when it is free, reducing the number of
interrupts needed.
 ∙ Buffers are particularly useful in input/output devices like printers or keyboards.

2. Examples of Buffers

∙ Printer Buffer: Stores print jobs until the printer is ready to print.
∙ Keyboard Buffer: Temporarily holds keystrokes until the CPU processes them.

What Happens as a Result of Interrupts and Buffers

∙ Interrupts ensure that high-priority tasks are handled immediately.

∙ Buffers reduce the load on the CPU by managing data transfer efficiently, allowing the
system to handle multiple tasks smoothly.

Example Questions

Question 1 (2 Marks):

Define the term "interrupt" and give an example.

Answer:
An interrupt is a signal sent to the processor to temporarily pause its current task to
handle an urgent event.
Example: Pressing a key on the keyboard generates an interrupt.

Question 2 (2 Marks):

What is the role of a buffer in data transfer?

Answer:
A buffer temporarily stores data during transfer between devices operating at different
speeds, ensuring efficient data flow and reducing CPU interrupts.

Question 3 (4 Marks):
Describe the steps a computer takes to handle an interrupt.

Answer:
 1. The interrupt signal is sent to the CPU.
2. The CPU pauses the current task and saves the state (Program Counter and registers).
3. The Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) is executed to handle the interrupt. 4. The CPU
restores its state and resumes the interrupted task.

Question 4 (5 Marks):

Explain the relationship between interrupts and buffers in a computer system.

Include an example.

Answer:
Interrupts allow the CPU to address urgent tasks immediately, while buffers reduce the
frequency of interrupts by temporarily storing data.
Example: In a printer, the buffer stores print jobs, allowing the CPU to process other
tasks without constant interruptions from the printer.

Question 5 (6 Marks):

A user types on a keyboard while running a program. Explain how interrupts and
buffers ensure the system handles this input efficiently.

Answer:

1. Each keypress generates a hardware interrupt, notifying the CPU.

2. The CPU pauses its current task to process the keystroke.
3. A buffer temporarily stores keystrokes, reducing the need for frequent interrupts. 4. The
CPU retrieves data from the buffer when free, ensuring smooth program execution and
efficient input handling.

Question 6 (6 Marks):

Discuss how a buffer can improve the efficiency of a system that frequently uses
hardware interrupts. Provide an example.

Answer:
Buffers reduce the frequency of hardware interrupts by accumulating data before
passing it to the CPU. This allows the CPU to process data in larger chunks rather than
handling frequent, small interrupts.
Example: In audio streaming, a buffer stores data from a slow network connection and
feeds it to the audio processor at a steady rate, preventing playback interruptions.
Activity 4.1

Question 2

a. What could be used to stop the video constantly freezing while Mike is
watching it on his laptop?

Answer:
A buffer could be used to temporarily store parts of the video as it is downloaded. This
ensures that even if the data transfer speed from the internet is slower, the video can
continue playing smoothly using the data stored in the buffer.

b. How could interrupts be used to allow Mike to watch his movie at the same
time as printing is being done?

Answer:
Interrupts enable multitasking by allowing the CPU to switch between tasks based on
priority:

1. When the printer is ready to receive data, it sends a hardware interrupt to the CPU. 2.
The CPU pauses its current task (playing the video) and sends data to the printer buffer
(up to 20 pages can be stored in the printer memory).
3. Once the interrupt is handled, the CPU resumes playing the video.
4. This process repeats, allowing both the video playback and printing tasks to be carried
out simultaneously without interruptions.

c. What happens if the inkjet printer runs out of black ink during the printing
process?

Answer:

1. The printer generates an interrupt signaling the CPU that it has run out of black ink. 2.
The CPU pauses other tasks and runs an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) to address
the issue.
3. The ISR might display a message to the user, informing them to replace the black ink
cartridge.
4. The printing process is paused until the ink is refilled, after which the process resumes
from where it stopped.
Question 3
Choose four features of an operating system and describe their

functions. Answer:

1. Managing Memory:
o Allocates and deallocates memory for processes.
o Ensures efficient memory usage and prevents processes from interfering with
each other.
2. Managing Files:
o Handles the creation, storage, retrieval, and deletion of files.
o Maintains the file system structure and ensures data security.
3. Providing a User Interface:
o Offers a way for users to interact with the computer, such as through a GUI or
command-line interface.
4. Handling Interrupts:
o Ensures the CPU responds to urgent tasks or hardware requests.
o Executes ISRs to handle interrupts and resumes interrupted processes.

Question 4

What is meant by a descriptor in a device driver? What role does the descriptor
play when a new memory stick is plugged into a USB port for the first time?

Answer:

∙ A descriptor in a device driver is metadata containing information about the device,

such as its type, capabilities, and requirements.
∙ When a memory stick is plugged into a USB port for the first time:
1. The operating system reads the descriptor provided by the memory stick.
2. It identifies the device and ensures compatibility with the system.
3. The operating system loads the appropriate driver or prompts the user to install
one if unavailable.
4. The device is configured for use, allowing data transfer between the memory
stick and the computer.

Question 5

When a computer starts up, the OS is loaded into RAM.

a. Describe what is meant by a BIOS and state its function. What is the task of a
BIOS when a computer is first powered up?

Answer:
∙ BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): A firmware program stored on a ROM chip that
initializes and tests hardware components during the boot process.
∙ Function:
1. Performs a Power-On Self Test (POST) to check the hardware, including
memory, keyboard, and drives.
2. Locates the bootloader on the storage device to load the operating system into
RAM.

b. BIOS software and BIOS settings are different. Describe the different types of
memory needs for both the software and its settings. State why both types of
memory are used.

Answer:

1. BIOS Software:
o Stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory), which is non-volatile.
o ROM is used because the BIOS software needs to persist even when the
computer is powered off.
2. BIOS Settings:
o Stored in CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) or EEPROM
memory, which is volatile but retains data with a small battery.
o CMOS is used to store customizable settings like boot sequence, system time,
and hardware configurations.

Why Both are Needed:

∙ BIOS software provides the standard boot functions and cannot be altered easily. ∙
BIOS settings allow user customization, enabling flexibility for specific hardware
configurations.
Exam Style Questions

Question 2

a. Software that runs in the background and checks for malware; suspect
programs are quarantined and deleted if necessary

Answer: Virus checker/Antivirus software.

b. Software that rearranges data on a hard disk drive (HDD) to reduce the
scattering of the data stored on the HDD

Answer: Defragmentation software.

c. Software that manages access control and user accounts and also protects
network interfaces

Answer: Security software (e.g., firewall).

d. Program that supplies static or moving images on a monitor when the

computer has been idle for a period of time

Answer: Screensaver software.

e. Software that communicates with the operating system and translates data into
a format understood by an input/output device

Answer: Device driver.

Question 3

a. Describe the purpose of an operating system.

Answer:
An operating system manages the hardware and software of a computer system. It
provides a user interface, allocates resources such as memory and processing power,
manages files, handles interrupts, controls peripherals through drivers, ensures system
security, and supports multitasking.

b. What is meant by virtual memory?

Answer:
Virtual memory is a section of a storage device, such as a hard disk or SSD, that the
operating system uses as if it were RAM. It is used when the physical RAM is full,
allowing the computer to handle larger or more programs simultaneously.

c. What is meant by disk thrashing, and why does it occur?

Answer:
Disk thrashing occurs when the operating system excessively uses virtual memory,
causing constant data transfer between RAM and storage. This happens when there is
insufficient RAM, leading to a significant decrease in system performance due to the
high rate of read/write operations on the storage device.

d. What is meant by multitasking?

Answer:
Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks or processes
simultaneously. It uses time-sharing to allocate CPU time to each task in rapid
succession, giving the illusion of parallel execution.

e. Describe what an interrupt is.

Answer:
An interrupt is a signal sent to the CPU by a hardware or software component,
indicating that immediate attention is required. The CPU temporarily halts its current
task, executes an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) to address the interrupt, and then
resumes the paused task.

Question 4

a. Explain the differences between a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a

Command Line Interface (CLI).

Answer:

∙ GUI: Uses visual elements like icons, windows, and menus to interact with the system. It
is intuitive and user-friendly, suitable for non-technical users.
∙ CLI: Requires users to type commands into a terminal. It is efficient for advanced users,
offering more control and flexibility but lacking the ease of use of a GUI.
b. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using a GUI

interface. Answer:

∙ Advantage: Easy to use, especially for beginners.

∙ Disadvantage: Consumes more system resources compared to a CLI.
c. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using a CLI

interface. Answer:

∙ Advantage: More efficient and faster for experienced users.

∙ Disadvantage: Requires knowledge of commands, making it harder for beginners to
use.