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Computer Studies SG Grade 12 - 2007

Modified 07 March 2007

Write the answers on foolscap. Set your work out in the correct way.  Draw a line after every section.  Marks will be taken off if the work is not set out correctly.

System software test - 1 period

Section A - ˝ each - 4 marks

For each select the best option from those given.

  1. What is thrashing?
    1. Importing data from Excel to Access
    2. Process of creating a file or updating a file
    3. When the application you are using stops responding
  2. What is the operating system that the computer uses often referred to as?
    1. Antivirus software
    2. Application
    3. CPU
    4. OS
    5. Software platform
  3. The BIOS is built-in software, typically placed on a ... chip that comes with the computer.
    1. config
    2. CPU
    3. RAM
    4. ROM
  4. What is the area in primary memory called that is reserved for the input and output of data?
    1. Buffer
    2. I/O device
    3. Operating system
    4. Spooler
  5. The FAT holds information on each of the ... on the disk.
    1. bytes
    2. clusters
    3. disks
    4. sectors
  6. The kernel of ... is released to the public under the terms of the General Public License.
    1. Novell's Netware
    2. Windows NT
    3. Linux
    4. Unix
  7. An operating system does which of the following:
    1. Accesses the Internet via a browser.
    2. Creates an environment in which applications run.
    3. Lets you play games.
  8. Define backup:
    1. Creates the file structures on a disk.
    2. Database that contains information on the system.
    3. Diagnoses the state of disks.
    4. Gives access to files and drives.
    5. Stores files in a continuous block of sectors.
    6. Way to protect important data.

Section B - 1 each - 8 marks

Indicate which of the following statements are true of false? Where you state false, give a reason for saying so by looking at the word(s) in bold

  1. A web browser is an example of communication software.
  2. An operating system is a single program.
  3. Examples of file management tasks are creation of files, file storage and file copying.
  4. If you have an operating system which uses multitasking, you should be able to work in Word while programs are being downloaded from the Internet.
  5. Linux is an operating system.
  6. The company which manufacturers the hard drive also puts a file system on the disk.
  7. Utility programs ensure that all running programs have access to hardware (computer resources).
  8. When a user wants to open a document in Word, Word alone is responsible for finding out where the specific file is stored and retrieval thereof.

Section C - 1 each - 38 marks

  1. Which of the following are examples of utility programs? Antivirus software; My SQL, Unix, Firewall, web browser, Defrag  (2 or 0 for all correct)
  2. Which of the following are not examples of system software? DBMS, drivers, games, operating systems, programming languages, utilities, word processing software (2 or 0 for all correct)
  3. Give a definition of an operating system. (4)
  4. What are the main areas that the operating system must manage?  (3)
  5. What are the three levels that make up an operating system? (3)
  6. Give six functions of an operating system. (6)
  7. List the names of three operating systems. (3)
  8. List and explain four desirable features of an operating system. (4)
  9. List four objectives/functions of an operating system. (4)
  10. Would you install a ‘Home’ or a ‘Server’ version of an operating system on a computer in a computer centre? Substantiate your answer. (2)
  11. List three features of a network operating system. (3)
  12. Some operating systems are embedded. What does that mean?  (1)
  13. Where would you expect to find embedded operating systems? (1)

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