Chapter 4

Software
Types of Software and Interrupts
 System Software:
o Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software resources, provides common services for
computer programs.

 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.

 Functions: Process management, memory management, file system management, device

management, user interface.

o Utility Programs: Perform maintenance tasks.

 Examples: Antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, backup software.

 Application Software:
o Software designed to perform specific tasks for users.

 Examples: Word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, games.

 Firmware:
o Software that is permanently stored in a hardware device, providing low-level control for the device's
specific hardware.

 Role of Interrupts:
o Mechanisms by which a computer responds to urgent tasks by temporarily halting the current code
execution.

o Types: Hardware interrupts (triggered by hardware devices), software interrupts (triggered by

software applications).

Types of Programming Languages, Translators, and IDEs

 High-Level Languages:
o Easier to read, write, and maintain.

o Examples: Python, Java, C++.

o Advantages: Portability, ease of use, abstraction from hardware.

o Disadvantages: Slower execution, and higher resource usage compared to low-level languages.

 Low-Level Languages:
o Closer to machine code, providing more control over hardware.

o Examples: Assembly language, Like Scratch.

o Advantages: Faster execution, and efficient memory usage.

o Disadvantages: Harder to read, write, and maintain.

 Assembly Language:
o Uses mnemonics and symbolic names to represent machine-level code.

o Requires an assembler to convert assembly code into machine code.

 Translators:
o Compilers: Translate entire code from high-level language to machine code before execution.

 Advantages: Faster execution after compilation, better optimization.

 Disadvantages: Longer initial compile time, difficult to debug.

o Interpreters: Translate and execute code line-by-line.

 Advantages: Easier debugging, immediate execution.

 Disadvantages: Slower execution, higher resource usage during runtime.

 Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):

o Provide comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development.

o Functions: Code editor, debugger, compiler/interpreter, version control.

 Questions
Short Questions
1. What is the primary function of an operating system?

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2. Differentiate between system software and application software.

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3. Explain the purpose of utility programs with an example.

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4. What is firmware and where is it used?

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5. Define interrupts and name the two types.

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6. Describe the main difference between a compiler and an interpreter.

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7. What are the advantages of using high-level programming languages?

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Long Questions
1. Discuss the role and basic functions of an operating system in a computer.

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2. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of high-level languages compared to low-level languages.

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3. Describe the role and functions of an integrated development environment (IDE) when writing code.
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4. Compare and contrast the operation of compilers and interpreters, including their advantages and
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5. Explain the concept of interrupts and how they are used to manage processes within a computer system.

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 Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following is a type of system software?

o A) Word Processor

o B) Web Browser

o C) Operating System

o D) Game

2. What is the main function of an operating system?

o A) To write code

o B) To manage hardware and software resources

o C) To perform specific tasks for users

o D) To permanently store data

3. Utility programs are used to:

o A) Develop software

o B) Perform maintenance tasks

o C) Manage hardware resources

o D) Create web pages

4. Firmware is:

o A) Temporary storage in a computer

o B) Software that is permanently stored in hardware

o C) A type of application software

o D) Used for writing code

5. An example of a high-level programming language is:

o A) Assembly

o B) Python

o C) Machine Code

o D) Binary

6. Which translator translates the entire code before execution?

o A) Assembler

o B) Interpreter

o C) Compiler

o D) Debugger

7. What is an advantage of using an interpreter?

o A) Faster execution after translation

 o B) Immediate execution and easier debugging

o C) Better optimization of code

o D) Lower resource usage during runtime

8. Which component of an IDE provides facilities for writing and editing code?

o A) Compiler

o B) Code Editor

o C) Debugger

o D) Version Control

9. Assembly language is characterized by:

o A) High readability and portability

o B) Use of mnemonics and symbolic names

o C) Slow execution speed

o D) High-level abstractions

10. Which of the following is a disadvantage of high-level languages?

o A) Difficult to read and write

o B) Slower execution compared to low-level languages

o C) Inefficient memory usage

o D) Harder to maintain

11. Interrupts are used to:

o A) Permanently store software in hardware

o B) Manage urgent tasks by halting current execution

o C) Write and compile code

o D) Perform maintenance tasks

12. The main disadvantage of using a compiler is:

o A) Slower execution

o B) Longer initial compile time

o C) Immediate execution

o D) Easier debugging

13. Which type of software is a word processor?

o A) System software

o B) Firmware

o C) Application software

o D) Utility software

14. What is the primary function of an assembler?

 o A) To translate high-level code to machine code

o B) To translate assembly code to machine code

o C) To manage hardware resources

o D) To perform maintenance tasks

15. Which feature is commonly found in an integrated development environment (IDE)?

o A) Web browser

o B) Disk cleanup tool

o C) Code editor

o D) Operating system