Systems Software | OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277)
Systems Software
- 45 questions
- 3 subtopics
- J277/01
- J277/01
Systems Software is examined in J277/01, Computer systems.
It covers user interfaces, memory management and multitasking, peripheral, user and file management and utility software.
Sample questions from Systems Software
Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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User interfaces, memory management and multitasking
Why might an experienced technician prefer a command-line interface to a GUI?
Show the answer
Typed commands can be quicker for someone who knows them, and they can be combined into scripts to automate tasks. A command-line interface also uses far less memory and processing power. -
User interfaces, memory management and multitasking
Why must the operating system allocate memory to applications?
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Each running program needs its own area of RAM for its instructions and data. The OS keeps these areas separate so one program cannot overwrite another's data. -
Peripheral, user and file management
How does the operating system stop a slow printer from holding up the CPU?
Show the answer
The OS stores the document in a buffer, an area of memory that feeds data to the printer. The CPU carries on with other work while the printer takes the data at its own speed. -
Peripheral, user and file management
What does the file management function of an operating system do?
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The OS organises files into a hierarchy of folders, also called directories, on storage devices. Users can create, rename, move and delete files through the OS. -
Utility software
Why would a company install encryption software on its staff laptops?
Show the answer
A lost or stolen laptop could expose all the data stored on it. Full-disk encryption makes that data unreadable to anyone without the key. -
Utility software
Why should a solid state drive not be defragmented?
Show the answer
An SSD has no moving parts, so scattered data is read just as quickly. Defragmenting would add unnecessary write cycles, which shortens the drive's life.
The 3 subtopics
One subtopic is one session. Work down the list.
| Subtopic | What it covers | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| User interfaces, memory management and multitasking | The functions of an operating system, graphical, command-line and voice interfaces, how memory is allocated and released, and how the OS makes multitasking possible. | 15 |
| Peripheral, user and file management | Peripherals and device drivers, managing data transfer, user accounts and access rights, and how the operating system names, stores and organises files. | 15 |
| Utility software | What utility software does, encryption software, fragmentation and defragmentation, why solid state drives are not defragmented, and data compression utilities. | 15 |
How the guide is worked
Answering a question from memory stores it far better than reading the answer again. The guide runs that as a fixed procedure on one subtopic at a time, about twenty minutes a session.
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Step 1 · Closed book
Cover the answers. Work through one subtopic and write down what you can. Leave blanks where you have nothing.
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Step 2 · Open book
Go back to the top. Read each printed answer and write it out in full, including the ones you had right.
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Step 3 · Closed book again
Same questions, same order, from memory. The gap between pass one and pass three is the session result.
Read the full method, the return schedule and the research behind it.
Nearby topics
OCR GCSE Computer Science Active Recall Guide
Every topic, not just this one. 740 questions with their answers.