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4.1 Software and Interrupts

The document outlines the differences between application software and system software, detailing their functions and examples. It explains the role of operating systems in managing hardware, memory, and user interactions, as well as the concept of interrupts, which are signals that prompt the CPU to pause its current task. Additionally, it describes interrupt handling processes and the types of interrupts that can occur.

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7 views6 pages

4.1 Software and Interrupts

The document outlines the differences between application software and system software, detailing their functions and examples. It explains the role of operating systems in managing hardware, memory, and user interactions, as well as the concept of interrupts, which are signals that prompt the CPU to pause its current task. Additionally, it describes interrupt handling processes and the types of interrupts that can occur.

Uploaded by

ajaj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Software and Interrupts

1.Application Software
2.System Software
3.Operation Software
4.Interrupts
Application Software vs System Software

Application Software System Software


Used to perform applications on a Set of programs to control and
computer manage the operations of the
computer’s hardware
Allows user to perform tasks Platform for other software to run
Users can use software as and when Communicates b/w hardware and
they require software
Single program (Notepad) or suite Human-Computer Interface
(MS Office)

Application Software Examples:


 Word Processor
 Spreadsheet
 Database
 Apps (games, video and music, GPS, camera facility)
 Image Editing
 Video Editing
 Control and Measuring software (allows interface with sensors)

System Software:
 Operating System
 Utility Software
 Device Drivers – allow hardware devices to communicate with the OS
 Compilers – translate code in high-level languages to code the
computer can understand
 Linkers – take multiple files compiled by a compiler and combines
them into a single program
Utility Software:
o Virus Checkers / Anti-Virus software:
 safeguards computer from malware
 Run in the background
 Constantly checks for virus attacks
 Check files and software before they are loaded on a computer
 Heuristic Checking – checking of software for behaviour that could
indicate a virus
o Defragmentation software:
 As HDD becomes full, blocks used for files become scattered
across sectors and tracks
 Defragmentation software reorganises fragmented files by putting
them into contiguous sectors.
o Back-up Software: prevent data loss, eg. Windows File History, MacOS
Time machine
o Security Software: manage account information such as User ID and
PW
o Device Drivers: software that communicate b/w OS and Hardware
Devices

Operating Software
 Allow user to communicate with the computer system
 Eg. Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS
 Operating system stored on HDD or SSD

Functions of OS:
1. Human-Computer Interface:
 Either as CLI (Command Line Interface) or GUI (graphical user
interface)

 CLI: user directly enters instructions/commands


 GUI: user interacts using pictures/symbols/icons
Eg. WIMP (Windows Icons, Menu, Pointing Device)

Interfa Advantages Disadvantages


ce
CLI  User is in direct comm. w/  User needs to learn
computer commands
 Not restricted to what can  Commands need to be
be seen typed takes time
 Alter config. Settings  Specific format, spelling
 Uses small amt. of for each command
memory

GUI o User doesn’t need to learn o User more memory


commands o User is limited to icons
o More user-friendly, icons provided on the screen
o Pointing device clicks and o Needs an OS (such as
app launches; easier than Windows) to operate
typing command

2. Memory Management
 Manages transfer of data b/w HDD/SSD and RAM
3. Security Management
 Runs anti-virus software
 User ID and access
4. Hardware Management
 Communicates w/ input and output devices
 Uses driver to link with devices
5. File Management
 Maintains where files are
 Create, open, edit, delete, rename, move files
 File name conventions (filename.ext)
6. Interrupt Handling
7. Platform for running Application Software
8. Multitasking
 Carry out more than one process at a time
 Each process will share hardware resources
9. Management of User Accounts
 Multiple users can log on
 Administrator account

Interrupts
 An interrupt is a signal sent to the CPU by hardware or software to
request attention.
 It causes the CPU to pause its current task and handle the interrupt
request, ensuring efficient multitasking.

 Two types of interrupts: Hardware and Software

 Examples of Interrupts:
o I/O Process (eg. printer needs more data)
o Hardware fault (eg. printer paper jam)
o User interaction (user presses certain keys)
o Software errors (eg. file not found)

 Buffer – area in the memory where data is stored temporarily during


communication between processor and memory
Interrupt Service Routine:
1. CPU finishes the current task and checks interrupt queue.
2. It checks the interrupt priority.
3. If it has higher priority, it stores the current task (stores data from PC
and all registers)
4. It calls the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) – a sequence of
instructions to handle the interrupt.
5. Post ISR, the status of the task is reinstated.
6. If lower priority – CPU continues with its FDE cycle

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