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Types of software and interrupts
Explain the distinction between system software and application software, providing examples for each type. System software includes essential services like the operating system and utility software, while application software caters to user needs.
4
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40
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28
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSEComputer ScienceSoftware
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Types of software and interrupts outcomes4 objectives
- Explain the distinction between system software and application software, providing examples for each type. System software includes essential services like the operating system and utility software, while application software caters to user needs.
- Outline the functions and responsibilities of an operating system, which include file management, interrupt handling, user interface provision, peripheral and driver management, memory management, multitasking support, application execution platform, system security, and user account management.
- Recognize the necessity of hardware, firmware, and an operating system for the execution of application software. Applications operate on the operating system, which in turn runs on firmware, while the bootloader (firmware) is executed on the hardware.
- Explain the function and mechanism of interrupts, including how they are generated and processed through an interrupt service routine, as well as the consequences of interrupts. Software interrupts can occur from events like division by zero or simultaneous memory access by two processes, while hardware interrupts can be triggered by actions such as key presses or mouse movements.
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