A-level Computing/CIE/Theory Fundamentals/System software

Specification link Operating system (OS) describe why a computer system requires an operating system explain the key management tasks carried out by the operating system Utility programs show an understanding of the need for typical utility software used by a PC computer system: disk formatter virus checker defragmenter software disk contents analysis/disk repair software file compression backup software Library programs show an understanding that software under development is often constructed using existing code from program libraries describe the benefits to the developer of software constructed using library files, including Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files draw on experience of the writing of programs which include library routines Language translators show an understanding of the need for: assembler software for the translation of an assembly language program a compiler for the translation of a high-level language program an interpreter for execution of a high-level language program explain the benefits and drawbacks of using either a compiler or interpreter show awareness that high-level language programs may be partially compiled and partially interpreted, such as Java