AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525 - 3.4 Flash Cards

Front

What are the two main categories of software?

Back

System Software and Application Software

Front

What is the purpose of System Software?

Back

System software manages the computer's hardware and provides a platform for application software to run. It's essential for the computer to function. Examples include operating systems (OS) and utility programs.

Front

What is the role of Application Software?

Back

Application software is designed for end-user tasks – things people use computers to do, like word processing, playing games, or browsing the internet.

Front

Give three examples of Utility Programs (a type of System Software).

Back

Antivirus, disk defragmentation tools, file compression software.

Front

What are four key functions of an Operating System (OS)?

Back

Processor management, Memory Management, Input/Output (I/O) device management, and Applications Management.

Front

What is Boolean Logic?

Back

Boolean logic is a system that uses only two values: TRUE (1) and FALSE (0). It is used in computer systems for decision-making and logical operations.

Front

What are the four basic logic gates covered in the AQA GCSE?

Back

NOT, AND, OR, and XOR

Front

Describe the function of a NOT gate and draw its truth table.

Back

Function: A NOT gate inverts the input. If the input is 1, the output is 0. If the input is 0, the output is 1.

Front

Describe the function of an AND gate and draw its truth table.

Back

Function: An AND gate outputs TRUE (1) only if BOTH inputs are TRUE (1).

Front

Describe the function of an OR gate and draw its truth table.

Back

Function: An OR gate outputs TRUE (1) if at least ONE of its inputs is TRUE (1).