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Learning objective

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.

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer ScienceSoftware

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Quick explanation

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

  • This point belongs to Types of software and interrupts, especially Types of software and interrupts outcomes.
  • You need to be able to 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.
  • The key ideas to know are Understand, Explain, and Describe.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

UnderstandExplainDescribe

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Types of software and interrupts outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Types of software and interrupts.

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Paper 1 structured question: Types of software and interrupts

Paper 1Computer Systems1 marks

Description

Components of a Computer System

A computer system consists of hardware, firmware, and an operating system. The operating system allows application software to run, while firmware interacts directly with the hardware.

  1. a

    State the three main components required for application software to run.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
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