COMPUTER SOFTWARE
1. (a). (i). Define the term computer software.
(ii). State the two major categories of computer software.
(b). Distinguish between system and applications software.
(c). State the three major divisions of computer system software.
2. (a). (i). What are operating systems?
(ii). Give five functions of operating system software.
(b). Outline six factors you would consider before buying an operating system
program for your computer.
(c). Explain any four types of operating systems by classification.
3. (a). (i). What are user interfaces?
(ii). Give three forms of user interfaces available for use.
(b). (i). Give five facilities that are available in a graphical user interface that
helps a user to perform tasks.
(ii). State four advantanges and two disadvantages of a graphical user
interface.
(c). (i). What is a line - user interface?
(ii). State three advantanges and two disadvantages of a line - user interface.
4. (a). Describe the following facilities as used in relation to user interfaces:
(i). Dialogue box.
(ii). Menu.
(iii). Drop lists.
(iv). Radio buttons.
(v). Check box.
(vi). Icon.
5. (a). (i). What are utility programs?
(ii). Describe any ten utility programs commonly used.
(b). State any five utility programs that can be used in file management.
(c) (i). Give six uses of an anti-virus program.
(ii). List five examples of anti - virus programs commonly used.
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(c). Give four advantages of backing - up data in a computer laboratory.
6. (a). What are computer programming languages?
(b). State the two categories of programming languages.
(c). (i). State three advantages and two disadvantages of using a high level
programming language.
(ii). List four examples of high level programming languages.
7. (a). (i). What is a language translator?
(ii). State three examples of program translators.
(b). Define the following terms as used in programming:
(i). Bug.
(ii). Source - code.
(iii). Compiler.
(iv). Machine code.
(v). Interpreter.
(c). Explain eight characteristics of a good programming language.
8. (a). (i). Define an application program?
(ii). State five factors you will consider before buying an application program.
(b). (i). What is a freeware program?
(ii). State three advantages and two disadvantages of using a freeware
program.
(c). Explain the following terms as used in relation to computer programs:
(i). Shareware.
(ii). Open - source program.
9. (a). (i). What is a software suite?
(ii). Give four advantages and two disadvantages of using a software suite.
(iii). List three examples of software suite programs.
(b). (i). Give the difference between custom - made and off - the - shelf software.
(ii). State three advantages and two disadvantages of using custom made
over off - the - shelf programs.
(c). Explain six categories of application programs available for use.
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10. (a). Describee four ways of obtaining computer software programs for use while
at home.
(b). List three causes of software failure in an organisation.
(c). State four system requirements generally needed when installing a computer
program.
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