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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 - Answers

Section A - ½ each - 4 marks

For each select the best option from those given.

C c
E e
D d
B b
B b
C, D c,d
B b
F f

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

T
F - many - An operating system is a single program.
T
T
T
F - buyer - The company which manufacturers the hard drive also puts a file system on the disk.
F - operating system - Utility programs ensure that all running programs have access to hardware (computer resources).
F - operating system - 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

Which of the following are examples of utility programs? Antivirus software; My SQL, Unix, Firewall, web browser, Defrag (2 or 0 for all correct)
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)
Give a definition of an operating system. (4) An operating system is a
1. set of programs
2. that monitors and controls all hardware
3. and software activities within a computer system
4. and acts as the user's interface with the computer.
What are the main areas that the operating system must manage? (3)
1. Programmer/Application software
2. User
3. Hardware
What are the three levels that make up an operating system? (3)
1. Kernel
2. User interface
3. Utilities
Give six functions of an operating system. (6)
1. Controlling the CPU
2. Controlling memory
3. Controlling storage
4. Controlling the peripherals
5. managing the way programs access resources
6. Managing security
List the names of three operating systems. (3)
1. Windows 9X
2. Windows NT
3. Mac OS
4. UNIX
5. LINUX
List and explain four desirable features of an operating system. (4)
1. Efficiency - Carry out tasks quickly, with minimum disruption of application software
2. Reliability - Crucial, because failure can cause a loss of operational data - computer then useless
3. Maintainability - Modifications (changes) to the OS can easily be made
4. Small Size - Should not take up a large part of the computer's memory
List four objectives/functions of an operating system. (4)
1. Use the resources of the computer as effectively and efficiently as possible
2. Minimize the time taken between starting data processing and obtaining results - minimize turnaround time
3. Maximize the quantity of processing per time unit - maximize output
4. Conceal the difficulties of dealing directly with the hardware of the computer
5. Present an interface (link) to applications software
Would you install a ‘Home’ or a ‘Server’ version of an operating system on a computer in a computer centre? Substantiate your answer. (2)
1. Server -
2. is a whole bundle of different software that provides the services required of a network
List three features of a network operating system. (3)
1. control and maintain a database of users, user groups and their respective access rights to the network - domain controller
2. allow users to share files / printers, etc. - file and print server
3. control and manage mail on the local network / Internet - mail server
4. protect network from malicious code / hackers - firewall
5. cache pages accessed from your network to speed up the Internet - Internet cache server
Some operating systems are embedded. What does that mean? (1)
1. operating system is embedded on ROM chip
Where would you expect to find embedded operating systems? (1)
1. handheld / palmtop devices

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