Cambridge IGCSE · Computer Science (0478)

Types of software and interrupts: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Types of software and interrupts.

10 questions23 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

When a hardware device, such as a keyboard, generates an interrupt, which component is primarily responsible for processing this event and deciding the necessary action?

Question 2

1 mark

Within the operating system, what is the primary function of peripheral management and its use of device drivers?

Question 3

1 mark

A software interrupt is generated when a program attempts to perform an impossible operation. Which of the following is an example of such an event?

Question 4

1 mark

A user wants to create a digital drawing on their computer. Which type of software would they use, and how is it classified?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following is a valid example of a software interrupt as defined in the syllabus?

Question 6

2 marks

An operating system manages the hardware and software. Identify the specific function of the operating system that provides the bridge between the user and the computer hardware, allowing for interaction via icons or menus.

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Question 7

3 marks

The operating system performs memory management to allow multiple programs to run simultaneously. Explain how the operating system uses this function to protect the data of different programs while they are stored in the RAM.

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Question 8

6 marks

Explain the role of interrupts in improving the efficiency of the CPU when communicating with slow peripheral devices, such as a printer or a keyboard.

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Question 9

3 marks

State the primary difference between system software and application software. Provide one example for each type of software to illustrate your answer.

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Question 10

4 marks

A computer system is performing multitasking, allowing a user to run a web browser and a music player at the same time.

(a) Explain how memory management prevents these two applications from interfering with each other.
(b) Describe how the operating system uses interrupts to manage these multiple tasks on a single-core processor.

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