Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC

SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 11: System and Application Programs

Activity # 11

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 11: System and Application Program
Examination based short answer questions
INSTRUCTION: Answer all questions in your own words as accurately as possible.

1. Briefly give the meaning of the word System Software. (1 mark)

Possible Solution:
System software is a program that manages and supports the computer resources and
operations while it executes various tasks.

2. In your own words clearly state the meaning of the word Application Software. (1 mark)
Possible Solution:
Application software is the name given to a group of programs that perform specific tasks for
end users. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphic
software and media players.

3. There are FOUR main types of application software available to the public.
(i) List all FOUR types. (4 marks)
Possible Solution:
 General Purpose Software
 Special Purpose Software
 Custom Written Software
 Integrated Software

(ii) Give an example of each. (4 marks)

Possible Solution:
1. General Purpose Software
a. word processor

2. Special Purpose Software

a. TurboTax

3. Custom Written Software

a. Games – Halo

4. Integrated Software
a. Adobe in Design

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 11: System and Application Programs

(iii) Explain any TWO of the types of application software. (2 marks)

Possible Solution:
TurboTax is an American tax preparation software package developed by Michael A. The
TurboTax software provides taxpayers additional support for their self-prepared returns by
offering Audit Defense from TaxResources, Inc.

4. State the meaning of the term Operating System in your own words. (1 mark)
Possible Solution:
An Operating System (OS) is a software program that makes it possible for the computer
hardware to communicate and function with the computer software. Without a computer
operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

(i) List THREE types of OS (3 marks)

Possible Solution:
MS DOS, UNIX, LINUX, Windows 98, Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8,
Windows 10.

(ii) State what type of software an OS is. (1 mark)

Possible Solution:

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE

5. The operating system has six main functions.

(i) List ALL the functions. (6 marks)

Possible Solution:

 Process Management
 File Management
 Memory Management
 Input/output device Management
 Security Management
 User interface

(ii) Explain the function of ANY THREE. (3 marks)

Possible Solution:

File Management
The file management function of the operating system involves handling the file system which
consists of two parts—a set of files, and a directory structure.

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 11: System and Application Programs

Memory Management
Memory management is the process of controlling and coordinating computer memory and
assigning portions called blocks to various running programs to optimize overall system
performance.

Security Management
The operating system can become very reliable where security is concerned. In security
management the operating system (OS) has the capability to lock files as well as the OS.

6. Software can be classified into TWO main groups. What are they? (2 marks)
Possible Solution:
System and Application software

7. State ONE disadvantage and ONE advantage of the following software. (6 marks)
(i) Custom written
Possible Solution:

ONE disadvantage
o They are very expensive as hiring a programmer to create software so are very costly

ONE advantage
o They are just what the company requires

(ii) Specialized
Possible Solution:

ONE disadvantage
 Developing this type of application software is very expensive. This software will affect a
company’s budget and their revenue flow.

ONE advantage
 The main advantage is that it meets the company’s needs. The user can be confident to
know that he has a specific software to accomplish his job task.

(iii) General Purpose

Possible Solution:

ONE disadvantage
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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 11: System and Application Programs

o Cannot perform specific tasks as would the custom written software.

ONE advantage
o It is very popular because it is usually relatively cheap

8. Explain the term user Interface. (1 mark)

Possible Solution:
A user interface (UI) brings structure to the interaction between a user and the computer. The
User Interface is the interaction between the User and the Machine, letting the user send
commands with the expected results.

9. State the two categories of interfaces. (2 narks)

Possible Solution:
Hardware Interface
Software Interface.

a. Explain each. (4 marks)

Possible Solution:

A hardware interface is used to connect two or more electronic devices together. For example,
a scanner typically connects to a computer via a USB interface. Therefore, the USB port on the
computer is considered the hardware interface. The scanner itself also has a USB interface,
which is where the other end of the USB cable connects.

Software Interface
This is the software that allows connectivity between hardware and cable.

10. What is the purpose of the following:

a. Translators (2 marks)
Possible Solution:

Translators are computer programs that convert a program written in a given programming
language into machine language. As you would have learnt, binary is the language that the
computer speaks, which means computers only understand binary language.

b. Utility software (2 marks)

Possible Solution:

They are software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer
perform better

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 11: System and Application Programs

11. List three types of translators used by computers. (3 marks)

Possible Solution:

Antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, security, and networking programs

a. Explain any one (2 marks)

Possible Solution:

Antivirus or anti-virus software (often abbreviated as AV), sometimes known as anti-

malware software, is computer software used to prevent, detect and remove malicious
software. Antivirus software was originally developed to detect and remove computer viruses,
hence the name.

12. Utility software include; (4 marks)

Possible Solution:

Antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, security, and networking programs

13. Complete the following statements: (6 marks)

Possible Solution:

i. Special purpose application software is designed to perform specific tasks mainly

for companies or industries.
ii. Integrated Software are programs that are an interconnected suite of several
application programs that share a common database and user interface.
iii. The term customization means to modify a program to suit a specific need for an
organization.
iv. A user interface brings structure to the interaction between a user and the
computer.
v. Custom-written software is software which is written by a programmer according
to the requirements of the company and is ready to use. For example: games,
billing, health and other programs.
vi. Programs such as a spreadsheet can be readily imported into or embedded in
another program such as a database management or page setting programs.

TOTAL 60 MARKS