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#1. Software that is neither system software nor application software but supports program development, such as a debugger, is often called:
Programming software supports the writing and testing of programs. It includes editors, compilers and debuggers.
#2. A background program that provides a service, such as handling print jobs, is often called a:
A background program that provides a service is often called a daemon or service. It runs without direct user interaction.
#3. Software owned by a company and sold under licence, with source code kept secret, is:
Proprietary software is owned and licensed by a company, and its source code is not shared. Users must agree to its licence.
#4. The operating system manages virtual memory by moving data between RAM and the:
Virtual memory is managed by moving data between RAM and the hard disk. This lets programs use more memory than physically available.
#5. Malicious software designed to damage or disrupt a computer is called:
Malware is software created to harm or disrupt computers. Viruses and worms are examples.
#6. The property of a file that records when it was last changed is its:
A file’s modification date records when it was last changed. Operating systems track such metadata for each file.
#7. An update issued to fix errors or improve existing software is commonly called a:
A patch is a small update that fixes errors or improves software. Patches are released after the original software.
#8. Copying a file to a separate location so it can be recovered if lost is called:
Backing up copies files to a separate location so they can be recovered if the originals are lost. It protects against data loss.
#9. Software that has no copyright restrictions and may be freely used and modified is:
Public domain software has no copyright restrictions and may be used freely. It goes further than freeware, which may keep some restrictions.
#10. A container used to organise and group related files is called a:
A folder, also called a directory, groups related files together. Folders help organise data on a storage device.
#11. The intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet is called a:
In a spreadsheet, the intersection of a row and column is a cell. Cells hold data or formulas.
#12. The abbreviation GUI stands for:
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It allows interaction through visual elements.
#13. Giving a file a new name is called:
Renaming changes a file’s name while keeping its contents. It is a common file-management operation.
#14. Software provided free of charge, often with limited features or requesting donations, is:
Freeware is software made available at no cost. It differs from open-source software, which also provides the source code.
#15. Moving a file from one folder to another without leaving a copy behind is called:
Cutting and pasting moves a file to a new location without leaving the original behind. Copying, by contrast, leaves the original.
#16. The operating system keeps programs from interfering with each other’s memory through:
Memory protection prevents one program from accessing or altering another’s memory. The operating system enforces it to maintain stability.
#17. The process of preparing a disk for use by setting up its file system, erasing data, is:
Formatting prepares a disk for use by setting up its file system and usually erasing existing data. It readies the disk to store files.
#18. A program used to design graphics and edit images is:
Graphics software is application software for creating and editing images. It is used in design and photography.
#19. A program used to view pages on the World Wide Web is a:
A web browser retrieves and displays web pages. It is application software for accessing the internet.
#20. A collection of related application programs sold together, such as for office work, is called a:
A software suite is a bundle of related applications, such as a word processor and spreadsheet, sold together. It offers integrated tools.
#21. The part of the operating system core that manages the most basic functions is called the:
The kernel is the central part of the operating system that manages basic functions such as memory and processes. It runs with high privilege.
#22. A file with the extension txt is typically a:
A file with the txt extension is normally a plain text file. The extension tells the system how to handle it.
#23. An operating system that gives each user a small time slice of the processor in turn provides:
A time-sharing system gives each user a slice of processor time in turn, so many users appear served at once. It supports interactive multi-user computing.
#24. Which of the following is application software?
A spreadsheet is application software for a user task. The others are types of system software.
#25. The operating system acts as an interface between the user and the:
The operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. It hides hardware complexity from the user.
#26. The operating system function that controls communication with printers, keyboards and other devices is:
Device management controls input and output devices through their drivers. It coordinates communication between hardware and software.
#27. Which of the following is a core function of an operating system?
A core function of the operating system is managing the computer’s resources such as memory and the processor. The other tasks are performed by applications.
#28. Settings that control whether a file can be read, written or executed are called file:
File permissions control who may read, write or execute a file. The operating system enforces them for security.
#29. Grouping files logically so they are easy to find is the main purpose of:
Folders group files logically so they are easier to locate and manage. They are central to file organisation.
#30. A program used to store, organise and retrieve large amounts of structured data is a:
A database program stores and manages structured data for easy retrieval. It handles records and fields.
#31. Software designed to help the user perform specific tasks is called:
Application software helps the user carry out specific tasks such as writing or calculating. Word processors and spreadsheets are examples.
#32. A window that appears on top of others to show a message or ask for input is a:
A dialog box is a small window that conveys information or requests input from the user. It is a common element of graphical interfaces.
#33. A folder placed inside another folder is called a:
A subfolder is a folder contained within another folder. This creates a hierarchical structure.
#34. When an application needs a hardware service, it usually requests it through the:
Applications request hardware services through the operating system rather than accessing hardware directly. This provides a consistent and safe interface.
#35. The part of the operating system that manages which program uses the CPU and when is:
Process management controls which programs use the CPU and schedules their execution. It is a key operating system function.
#36. An operating system that allows several programs to appear to run at the same time provides:
Multitasking allows several programs to run apparently at once by rapidly switching the processor between them. Modern operating systems support it.
#37. A compressed archive that bundles several files into one is commonly given the extension:
A zip file is a compressed archive that can bundle several files into one. It reduces size and groups related files.
#38. The graphical way of interacting with a computer using windows, icons and a pointer is called a:
A graphical user interface uses windows, icons, menus and a pointer to interact with the computer. It is easier for most users than typing commands.
#39. Software distributed free for a trial period before payment is required is:
Shareware is offered free for a trial period, after which payment is expected. It is a distribution model.
#40. The operating system function that allocates and tracks main memory for programs is:
Memory management allocates memory to programs and reclaims it when finished. It ensures programs do not interfere with each other.
#41. The abbreviation OS stands for:
OS stands for Operating System, the software that manages the computer’s resources. It is essential system software.
#42. Making a duplicate of a file in a new location while keeping the original is called:
Copying creates a duplicate of a file in a new location while keeping the original. The two copies are then independent.
#43. An operating system that responds to input within a strict time limit, used in control systems, is a:
A real-time operating system guarantees responses within strict time limits. It is used in control and embedded systems.
#44. Arranging files into folders and subfolders creates what kind of structure?
Organising files into folders and subfolders produces a hierarchical, tree-like structure. This aids organisation and retrieval.
#45. The most important item of system software, which manages all other programs, is the:
The operating system is the central system software that manages hardware and other programs. Without it the computer cannot function usefully.
#46. Two files in the same folder generally cannot have exactly the same:
Two files in the same folder cannot normally share the same name and extension. This keeps each file uniquely identifiable.
#47. The process of starting up a computer and loading the operating system is called:
Booting is the process of starting a computer and loading its operating system into memory. It begins when the power is switched on.
#48. Permanently removing a file from storage is called:
Deleting removes a file from storage. Many systems first move it to a recycle area before permanent removal.
#49. A small program that allows the operating system to communicate with a hardware device is a:
A device driver enables the operating system to communicate with a particular hardware device. Each device typically needs its own driver.
#50. Data that describes a file, such as its size and date, is called:
Metadata is data that describes a file, such as its name, size and dates. The file system stores it alongside the file.
#51. A file’s size is most commonly measured in:
File size is measured in bytes and their multiples such as kilobytes and megabytes. Larger files occupy more storage.
#52. When several programs run apparently at once, the operating system switches the CPU between them, a technique related to:
Time-sharing rapidly switches the CPU between programs or users so each appears to run continuously. It underlies multitasking.
#53. An image file is commonly stored with an extension such as:
Image files commonly use extensions such as jpg. The extension indicates the image format.
#54. The operating system schedules tasks so that the processor:
The operating system schedules tasks to use the processor efficiently, switching between them to reduce idle time. This improves overall performance.
#55. Software is broadly divided into system software and:
Software is broadly divided into system software and application software. System software manages the computer; application software performs user tasks.
#56. Software that translates high-level program code into machine code is:
A translator, such as a compiler or interpreter, converts high-level code into machine code. It is a form of system software.
#57. A program used to organise data in rows and columns and perform calculations is a:
A spreadsheet organises data in a grid of rows and columns and performs calculations. Formulas automate arithmetic.
#58. An interface in which the user types text commands to control the computer is a:
A command line interface requires the user to type text commands. It is powerful but less intuitive than a graphical interface.
#59. A system in which jobs are collected and processed together without user interaction is a:
In batch processing, jobs are collected and run together without user interaction. It was common in early computing.
#60. An expression in a spreadsheet that performs a calculation is called a:
A formula in a spreadsheet performs a calculation, often referring to other cells. It automates arithmetic.
#61. Programs that perform maintenance tasks such as file management and disk cleanup are called:
Utility programs perform maintenance and housekeeping tasks such as backup and disk cleanup. They are a type of system software.
#62. Software licensing terms that a user must accept before installing are set out in the:
A licence agreement sets out the terms under which software may be used. Users must usually accept it before installation.
#63. Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to study and modify is:
Open-source software makes its source code freely available to view and modify. This distinguishes it from proprietary software.
#64. An operating system that allows several users to share a computer at the same time is:
A multi-user operating system lets several users share a computer’s resources at the same time. Mainframes commonly use such systems.
#65. Ready-made software sold to the general public for common tasks is called:
Off-the-shelf software is mass-produced for general use. It is cheaper than custom software but less tailored.
#66. The main background area of a graphical user interface, on which icons appear, is the:
The desktop is the main background area of a graphical interface. Icons and windows appear on it.
#67. A word processor is an example of:
A word processor is application software used to create and edit documents. It performs a specific user task.
#68. Which of the following is system software?
An operating system is system software that manages the computer. The others are application software.
#69. A program that plays audio and video files is a:
A media player is application software that plays audio and video. It is a common utility on personal computers.
#70. The operating system component responsible for reading and writing files on disk is the:
The file system component of the operating system manages reading and writing files on disk. It maintains the structure of stored data.
#71. The method an operating system uses to organise, name and store files is called a:
A file system is the method by which an operating system organises, names and stores files. It defines the structure of storage.
#72. Loading the operating system from storage into main memory happens during:
During booting, the operating system is loaded from storage into main memory. The computer then becomes ready for use.
#73. A user account requiring a password before access is granted is an operating system feature for:
Requiring a password for a user account is a security feature managed by the operating system. It restricts access to authorised users.
#74. A pointer or link that refers to a file in another location is called a:
A shortcut is a small link that points to a file or program in another location. Opening it opens the target file.
#75. The operating system provides security by controlling:
The operating system enforces security by controlling access to files and resources, often using user accounts and passwords. This protects data.
#76. The top-level folder of a storage device, from which all others branch, is the:
The root directory is the top-level folder from which all other folders branch. The file system forms a tree from it.
#77. A file that stores a picture is generally classified as a/an:
A file storing a picture is an image file. Its extension, such as jpg or png, indicates the format.
#78. The process of finding and correcting errors in a program is called:
Debugging is the process of locating and fixing errors in a program. It is part of software development.
#79. A program used to prepare slide-based presentations is:
Presentation software creates slide-based presentations. It supports text, images and transitions.
#80. A file that can be run to perform a task, often with the extension exe, is a/an:
An executable file contains a program that can be run. On some systems it carries the exe extension.
#81. A read-only file is one that can be opened and viewed but not:
A read-only file can be viewed but not altered. This attribute helps protect important files from accidental changes.
#82. A temporary holding area for deleted files, allowing recovery, is often called the:
The recycle bin, or trash, temporarily holds deleted files so they can be recovered. Emptying it removes them permanently.
#83. The area of the screen that lists open programs and system information is often called the:
The taskbar shows open programs and system information in many graphical interfaces. It helps the user switch between tasks.
#84. The main difference between system and application software is that system software:
System software manages and operates the computer, while application software performs specific tasks for the user. This is the key distinction.
#85. A situation in which two processes each wait for the other to release a resource, halting both, is called:
A deadlock occurs when processes wait indefinitely for resources held by each other. The operating system must detect or prevent it.
#86. Errors or faults in a computer program are commonly called:
Faults in a program are called bugs. Fixing them is known as debugging.
#87. The characters used to separate folders in a file path vary by system but are typically the:
File paths typically separate folder names with a slash or backslash. The exact character depends on the operating system.
#88. The part of a file name after the dot that indicates its type is the:
The file extension follows the dot in a file name and indicates the file’s type. For example, txt indicates a text file.
#89. The operating system feature that lets a single user run only one program at a time is:
A single-tasking operating system runs only one program at a time. Early personal computer systems worked this way.
#90. The complete address specifying the location of a file, including its folders, is called the:
A file path specifies the exact location of a file, listing the folders leading to it. It uniquely identifies the file’s position.
#91. A program used to create and edit text documents is a:
A word processor creates and edits text documents. It offers formatting and editing tools.
#92. The operating system function that organises how data is stored and retrieved on disks is:
File management organises the storage and retrieval of files on disks. It maintains the structure of folders and files.
#93. A named collection of related data stored on a computer is called a:
A file is a named collection of related data stored on a computer. It may contain text, images, programs or other data.
#94. When files on a disk become scattered in non-contiguous pieces, the disk is said to be:
A disk is fragmented when files are stored in scattered, non-contiguous pieces. This can slow access on some drives.
#95. The utility that reorganises fragmented files into contiguous blocks is a:
A defragmenter reorganises fragmented files into contiguous blocks to improve access speed. It is a utility program.
#96. A spreadsheet program is an example of:
A spreadsheet is application software used for calculations and data in rows and columns. It is a user tool.
#97. The small pictures on a graphical desktop that represent programs or files are called:
Icons are small pictures representing programs, files or functions in a graphical interface. Clicking them performs an action.
#98. Searching a storage device to locate a particular file by name is done using a:
A search or find function locates files by name or other criteria. Operating systems provide this to help users find files.
#99. Application software created specifically for one organisation’s particular needs is called:
Custom software is developed for a specific organisation’s requirements. It contrasts with general off-the-shelf software.
#100. Software that manages and controls the computer’s hardware and provides a platform for other programs is:
System software manages the hardware and provides a platform for applications. The operating system is the main example.