Chapter 4 – Software: Basic Definitions and Descriptions

What best describes the difference between system software and application software?

• System software is used to write code, while application software manages hardware.

• System software manages computer resources and hardware, while application software performs user-specific tasks.

• System software is only used by developers, while application software is used only by end users.

• System software includes web browsers, and application software includes operating systems.

Which of the following is NOT a basic function of an operating system?

• Memory management

• Handling interrupts

• Compiling high-level code

• Managing files

Which of these is an example of system software?

• Word processor

• Spreadsheet application

• Linux operating system

• Web browser

Which of the following is an example of application software?

• BIOS firmware

• Antivirus utility

• Device driver

• Video game

Firmware is best described as:

• Software installed by the user on a regular basis.

• Low-level software embedded into hardware for initialization and control.

• A type of high-level application software.

• Software that compiles high-level languages.

A hardware interrupt is generated when:

• A. A division by zero occurs in a program.

• B. Two applications access the same memory location.

• C. A key is pressed on the keyboard.

• D. A program’s syntax error is detected.

Which situation is an example of a software interrupt?

• Pressing a mouse button

• A network cable being unplugged

• A division by zero error

• A printer running out of paper

The Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) is used to:

• Compile high-level code into machine code.

• Handle and resolve interrupts when they occur.

• Provide a graphical user interface.

• Manage file storage on a disk.

What is the primary role of a bootloader in a computer system?

• To provide error diagnostics for software development.

• To initialize hardware and load the operating system at startup.

• To translate high-level code into machine language.

• To manage user accounts and security.

Memory management in an operating system involves:

• Creating graphical interfaces.

• Allocating and deallocating memory for processes.

• Translating code from one language to another.

• Handling network communications exclusively.