System: You are ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI.
User: I will send you a body of text, I will then state what you do next.
User: 230 28 Hardware and software INTRODUCTIONThe term ‘system’ is often used to refer to the various physical components of your computer – the monitor, keyboard, etc. A computer system has two main elements: hardware  and software . It is only when the two ar e combined that you create a fully working system. There is no point in having one without the other. Some deﬁ  nitions of a computer system add in a third vital element – the user. In this chapter we will look at the main elements of hardware and software that make up a computer system.SPECIFICATION COVERAGE3.6.1 Hardware and software LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this chapter you will learn: •the deﬁ  nition of hardware and software•that hardware is classiﬁ  ed into internal and external components •that there are many different types of software•many programs are created to make a computer system work, suchas o perating systems, library and utility programs•speciﬁ  c software exists to convert programming code into machine code•how the operating system manages resources. ●HardwareComputer hardware is the physical components of the computer. Sometimes this is described as ‘the parts you can touch’. This is not particularly helpfulas many elements of hardware are contained inside your computer and canonly be seen (or touched) by taking off the case. Therefore, it is importantto distinguish between the internal components, which are the processingand storage devices, and external components, normally referred to asperipherals.KEYWORDSHardware: a generic term for the physical parts of the computer, both internal and external. Software: a generic term for any program that can be run on a computer.HARDWARE 231●External components (peripherals): The external components of hardware the parts that you can touch, for example the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and printer. The external components are used either to get data into or outof the system. Consequently, they are referred to as input and output (I/O)devices. Some storage devices are also external, for example DVD and ﬂashdrives may be added as peripherals. Input devices include the keyboard,mouse, scanner, digital camera and microphone. Output devices include themonitor, printer and speakers. Figure 28.1 External hardware devices ●Internal components (processing and storage): the internal hardwarecomp onents are housed within the casing of the computer and includethe processor, the hard disk, memory chips, sound cards, graphics cardsand the circuitry required to connect all of these devices to each otherand to the I/O devices. Figure 28.2 Internal hardware components2328 Hardware and software●Software Hardware is useless on its own unless we have some programs to run onit. Software is the general term used to describe all of the programs thatwe run on our computers. These programs contain instructions that theprocessor will carry out in order to complete various tasks. This covers an enormous range of possibilities from standard applications,such as word processors, spreadsheets and databases, to more specificapplications, such as web-authoring software and games. It also includesprograms that the computer needs in order to manage all of its resources,such as file management and virus-checking software. As users, we tend tobe aware of the software that we use on a regular basis, yet this is only onepart of the software that is on our computers. The range of software is so great now that some classification is needed inorder to make sense of it all. A first level of distinction is made betweenapplication software and system software. Application software  refers to all of the programs that the user uses in orderto com plete a particular task. In effect, it is what users use their computers for. People do not buy computers for the sake of it, they buy them because theyhave a need to do something: write essays, email, manage a business, createweb pages, etc. To carry out any of these, application software is needed thathas the necessary features.
 There is a wide range of application software available and, in most cases,a number of different applications to choose from that complete the sametask. For example, you need application software to access web pages on theInternet – it is called a browser. There are three main ones to choose from: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox; and many more lesswell known ones. All of them do the same thing although there are subtledifferences between them.
 System software Whereas application software is what we use our computers for, systemsoftware covers a range of programs that are concerned with the moretechnical aspects of setting up and running the computer. Many aspectsof system software are invisible to the user which means that they willnot even realise that they have system software on their computer. Systemsoftware exists to support the applications software.
 There are four main types: utility programs; library programs; compilers,assemblers and interpreters; and operating system software. Utility programsThis covers software that is written to carry out certain housekeeping taskson your computer. They are normally supplied with the operating systemthough they can be purchased separately. Utility programs  are often made available as free downloads. Utility programs are designed to enhance the use of your computer and programs though your computer will stillwork without them.KEYWORDApplication software: programs that perform specific tasks that would need doing even if computers didn’t exist, e.g. editing text, carrying outcalculations. KEYWORDUtility programs: programs that perform specific common task  related to running the computer, e.g. zipping files.SOFTWARE233A common example of a utility program is compression software which allows you to compress files, making them much smaller. Other examples include anti-virus software, back-up software and registry cleaners.
 Library programs  are similar to utility programs in that they are written to carry out common tasks. The word library indicates that there will be a  number of software tools available to the users of the system.
 Whereas some utility programs are non-essential, library programs tend to be critical for the applications for which they were built. For example, the Windows operating system uses Dynamically Linked Library (DLL) files, which contain code, data and resources. These are similar to executable files and are loaded dynamically by Windows as they are required. There are hundreds of DLL files that carry out a wide range of actions including controlling dialog boxes, managing memory, displaying text and graphics and configuring device drivers. The Python programming languages also has an extensive library that contains built-in modules that provide various standard system functions and solutions. For example, the library contains code modules for handling common data types, displaying fonts and graphics and performing mathematical and functional operations. Translators: compilers, assemblers and interpretersTranslators  are software used by programmers to convert programs from one language to another. There are three types: compilers , assemblers and interpreters . At some point, every piece of software, whether it is application software or system software, has to be written by a programmer. A program is simply a series of instructions written by a programmer that the computer’s processor must carry out. In order to write software, programmers use programming languages which allow them to write code in a way that is user-friendly for the programmer. However, the processor will not understand the programmers’ code, so it has to be translated into machine code, that is, 0s and 1s. Compilers, assemblers and interpreters are used to carry out this translation process. There is more detail on how these work in Chapter 29.
 Operating system softwareAn operating system is a collection of software designed to act as an interface between the user and the computer and manages the overall operation of the computer. It links together the hardware, the applications and the user, but hides the true complexity of the computer from the user and other software – a so-called virtual machine .
 When you are using a computer you are obviously aware of the applications software you are using, whether it is an Internet browser, a spreadsheet or a game of some sort, but you are much less aware of the software that is running in the background. The systems software is dominated by the operating system (OS). The OS in a modern computer is very large. For example, Microsoft Windows 8 needs a minimum of 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of hard disk space KEYWORDS Translators: software that converts programming language instructions into 0s and 1s (machine code). There are three types – compilers, assemblers and interpreters.
 Compiler: a program that translates a high-level language into machine code by translating all of the code.
 Assembler: a program that translates a program written in assembly language into machine code.
 Interpreter: a program for translating a high-level language by reading each statement in the  source code and immediately performing the action.
 Operating system software: a suite of p rograms designed to control the operations of the computer.
 Virtual machine: the concept that all of the co mplexities of using a computer are hidden from the user and other software by the operating system.KEYWORDLibrary programs: code, data and resources that can be called by other programs.23428 Hardware and softwarewhen the computer is in use. This gives you some idea of the complexity of the OS. This is because the OS carries out many tasks. For example it: ●controls the start-up configuration of your computer, including whaticons to put on your desktop and what backdrop to use ●recognises when you have pressed a mouse button and then decides what, ifany, action to take ●sends signals to the hard disk controller, telling it what program totra nsfer to memory●decides which sections of memory to allocate to the program you are intending to use and manages memory to ensure all of the programs you want to run are allocated the space they need●attempts to cope with errors as and when they occur. For example, if apri nter sends an ‘out of paper error’ or you fail to save a file correctly, itis the operating system that displays the appropriate message ●makes sure that your computer shuts down properly when you have finished ●controls print queues●manages the users on a network – it maintains the lists of usernames and passwords and controls which files and resources users have access to. ●Resource managementComputers are capable of running many programs, seemingly at the sametime. It is the job of the operating system to make sure that each program isallocated enough memory to operate efficiently.In a computer with only one processor , only one program can actually be live at any one moment in time. In order to allow more than one program to appear to run simultaneously, the operating system has to allocate accessto the processor and other resources such as peripherals and memory. Oneof the main tasks that an operating system has to do is to make sure that allthese allocations make the best possible use of the available resources. Usually the most heavily used resource in a computer is the processor. The process of allocating access to the processor and other resources is calledscheduling . The simplest way that an operating system can schedule access tothe pr ocessor is to allocate each task a time slice. This means that each task isgiven an equal amount of processor time. This process of passing access to theprocessor from one task to the next is also known as ‘round-robin’ scheduling. Time slicing is a crude system because a particular task might not need allor even any of its allotted time slice with the processor. For example, a wordprocessor might be waiting for the slowest part of any computer system, theuser, to press a key. Waiting for this to happen is a waste of processor timeand so a more sophisticated scheduler might pass the time slice on to thenext task before the word processor’s time slice has expired.
 Managing input/output devices The operating system also controls the way in which the various input andoutput devices are allocated, controlled and used by the programs that areusing them. Common examples would include: ●allocating print jobs to printers●rendering the windows, frames and dialog boxes to the screen ●controlling the read/write access to the hard disk.KEYWORDSResource management: how an operating system manages  hardware and software to optimise the performance of the computer. Processor: a device that carries out comp utation on data by following instructions, in order to produce an output.
 Scheduling: a technique to ensure that dif ferent users or different programs are able to work on the same computer system at the same time.RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 235Accessing some devices is a relatively slow process compared to the speed at which the processor can handle requests. At the same time there are likely to be competing requests where several processes are waiting for the same device. For example, reading and writing to a standard hard disk is relatively slow. Rather than wait for each process to end before it can continue, the OS can effectively create a queue of commands that are waiting for the device and then handle each request in sequence or based on priority.
 Every input/output device has a device driver, which is a piece of software that enables the device to communicate with the OS. Device drivers are often built in to the OS or installed when new devices are attached. When the OS starts up it loads the various drivers for all of the input/output devices it detects. There is more on how input/output devices connect to the computer in Chapter 32. Memory management In the same way that the operating system of a computer controls the way files are stored on a secondary storage system, such as a hard disk, the operating system also controls how the primary memory or RAM is used. The operating system stores details of all the unallocated locations in a section of memory known as the heap. When an application needs some memory, this is allocated from the heap, and once an application has finished with a memory location or perhaps an application is closed, the now unneeded memory locations are returned to the heap. When a user asks for a file to be loaded, it is the job of the memory management  routines to check to see if enough memory is available and then alocate the appropriate memory and load the file in to those locations. The operating system controls the use of main memory by creating a memory map, which shows which blocks of memory have been allocated to each task. This way an operating system can control more than one task in the RAM at any one time. The amount of memory needed by each task is dependent on the size of the program itself, the variables that will be needed and any files that might be generated by the task, but it is up to the operating system to decide how much space can be allocated.
 When the operating system processes a request to load an application or file from the hard disk it is the job of the memory management system to decide whereabouts in the RAM the file will be stored. As you add to a file it is highly likely that the work will need more than one block of RAM. In this case, a type of linked list is used to show where each subsequent block is stored. App1 File1 unusedIn this stylised example of a memory map, the application, App1  was  loaded first and work started on File1 . App1 File1 App2 File1 unused After a while the application App2  is loaded, then work carried on with File1 . Because App2  is now in the memory, File1  is now spread across two sections of RAM.
 App1 File1 App2 File1 File2 File1 unusedKEYWORDMemory management: how the operating system uses RAM to  optimise the performance of the computer.236  28 Hardware and softwareA little work is done using App2  which generates File2 , and then work recommences on File1  which is now spread across three sections of RAM and so on.
 App1 unused App2 unused File2 unusedFile1  is now saved and then deleted from RAM, the memory map now looks something like this.
 App1 App2 File2 unusedThe operating system might now decide to rationalise this and move the applications and existing files so that all the unused space is put together. Even with this simple example you can see that managing the memory can be a complex task for the operating system to control.
 Virtual memory and pagingIn some cases, the application or file you are trying to work with will be too big to fit in the available RAM. In this case a process called virtual memory can be used. This involves using secondary storage such as a hard disk to store code or files that would normally be held in RAM. The operating system then treats that part of the hard disk as if it is part of the RAM, hence the name virtual memory.
 An alternative method is to hold a kernel or central block of the code in RAM. Other sections of code known as ‘pages’ are loaded from the secondary storage as and when they are needed. Using this method allows very large applications to run in a small section of RAM. This in turn frees up memory for other applications to use. A word processor will hold instructions about how to cope with the text  itself in the kernel but if the user selects a less commonly used task, such as spell checking or mail merging, the appropriate page of the program will be loaded into RAM from the hard disk. This downloading often causes a noticeable delay in the operation of the application.
 File managementOne of the many tasks the operating system has to deal with is managing files – this includes controlling the structures that are used to store the files. The hard disk on a home computer is likely to contain many thousands of files and without some sort of logical storage structure it would be impossible to find a specific file amongst so many. The operating system on a home computer uses folders or directories. These allow the user to group similar files together so that, for example, all the files for your Computing course might be kept in one folder whilst all the photos from your digital camera would be kept in another. In the case of the photos, it is highly likely that there will be folders within folders. The way folders like these are arranged is known as a hierarchical structure – it looks rather like an inverted tree and indeed the start or base folder is normally referred to as the root folder. Each file has a filename but because of the folder structure it is possible to use the same filename for different files. In the coursework/photo example there might be a folder called miscellaneous  and a file called latest in each area. Obviously this is not particularly good practice, especially if you want to move files between folders and you lose track of which folders you are working with. It is a good practice to use folder and file names that indicate what they are being used for.KEYWORDFile management: how an operating system stores and  retrieves files.RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 237As hard disks get larger and larger, it is becoming increasingly common to split up or partition a hard disk. This means that although you actually only have one hard disk in your computer, the operating system splits it up into a number of partitions or logical drives. This means your computer seems to be fitted with more than one hard drive. You might use this system to store your applications on one logical drive and your data on another.
 Module2Module 1MockAS Module2Module 1MockAExam papersWo rksheetsMark bookSchoolFigure 28.3 Hierarchical ﬁle structure Practice questions can be found at the end of the section on page 264.
 TASKS1 Explain the terms hardware and software, differentiating between  different types of hardware and software.2 Identify two utility programs that are not normally part of an  operating system.3 Explain the term virtual machine in the context of an operating system.  This should include details of the main tasks performed by the OS.4 Explain how it is possible for two programs to apparently be running at the same time. 5 Explain how it is possible for two files with the same name to be  stored in a file structure.6 Explain the difference between resource and ﬁle management.
 STUDY / RESEARCH TASKS1 What type of software is a DLL and what is its purpose? 2 What are the most common operating systems in use for mobile  devices?3 Compare two commonly used operating systems. Why would you  choose to use one over the other?4 Open source operating systems such as Linux are not as widely used as Windows or Mac OS. Why not? 5 In a computer system with multiple processors, what implications  does this have for how the OS handles resources?KEY POINTS•A computer system is madeup of har dware and software. •Hardware is usually classifiedin terms of internal and external components.
 •System software includes theoperating system, library and utility programs.
 •Compilers, interpreters andassemblers are programs that convert high-levelprogramming language intoexecutable instructions.
 •The operating system playsa critical role in managing resources.
User: Make the following text more clear.
Format it properly.
Do NOT change the meaning of the words or methods used to obtain the answer or anything like that.
This is for AQA A(S)-Level Computer Science. I repeat, do not alter the words as it could have an effect on the marks acquired from the marking scheme.
However, remove any redundant information or USELESS examples that are not needed for a student to know, or simplify unnecessary information (if it has a definition or keywords, it is not unnecessary).
If you can, use different values for the examples.
For things that will not score a mark or are generally useless, for example, "we will cover" or a fun fact, change the wording. This is for AS Level, do not include information about topics that are ONLY A-Level Content (if it says it is)
Link the 'sections' of your answer to the following spec-points (by title):
e.g. "**Topic** (Spec Points: a.b.c. Whatever)
3.6.1.1 Relationship between hw and sw
Content
Additional information
Understand the relationship between hardware and software and be able to define the terms:
hardware
software.

3.6.1.3 System software
Content
Additional information
Understand the need for, and functions of the following system software:
operating systems (OSs)
utility programs
libraries
translators (compiler, assembler, interpreter).

3.6.1.2 Classification of software
Content
Additional information
Explain what is meant by:
system software
application software.
Understand the need for, and attributes of, different types of software.

3.6.1.4 Role of an operating system (OS)
Content
Additional information
Understand that a role of the operating system is to hide the complexities of the hardware.
Know that the OS handles resource management, managing hardware to allocate processors, memories and I/O devices among competing processes.


You MUST make sure they are ALL met. Everything it says on there you should meet.
SOMETIMES the specification does not always mention everything. If you encounter something from the body of text that is not necessarily mentioned on the specification point, still try to include it but condense it. Do not make the notes unecessary or useless.

I already provided the available exam questions you MAY choose to add on to the notes, with 'des' explaining what it's about, and 'fil' meaning the Question ID.
The content, too. Delivered in the form 'fil', JSON
Ignore exam questions that contain 'Skeleton Program'. Do not only put like 2 exam questions, try to put more!
For the exam questions, in the original text, there is a label named 'Tasks'. Those (usually) six questions are NOT the exa questions. The exam questions are the ones that were given in JSON form to you, do NOT do the 'Tasks'. Do the exam questions that contain HTML in JSON!

In the markscheme, a ';' typically means that a mark was gained.
When mentioning exam questions, you *must* answer them, according to the markscheme, scoring full marks. No 'do it yourself'.

Include ALL definitions (KEYWORDS) from the original text I sent in your notes. When I mean all, I mean ALL.

If necessary for scoring marks, try to embed the exam-questions into your notes, sometimes without even referencing the fact that it is an exam question. For example, if an exam question is a definition or benefits, use the answer in your notes.
Remember. DO NOT ADD USELESS STUFF. Your task is to create the MOST EFFICIENT (SHORTEST [for an explanation] BUT STILL SCORES ALL MARKS) possible notes resource, which will score all marks easily, so its wording has to be mostly like that of the exam questions. By any means, if necessary, please include examples and exam questions! At the end you can have a 'try these exam questions' thing.
At the end of your answer, you will give a 'breakdown'/'summary' of each thing you covered which will tell the most concise FULLY MARK-SCORING explanation possible.

In summary, your answer must:

* Be efficient, useful
* For topics in an exam that may require some form of mathematical working, always show an example of a question.
* Be clear – provide clear, step-by-step examples/instructions when needed.
* Follow the entire specification and everything it says.
* Link your section to a spec point. E.g. **Topic** (Spec Points: a.b.c Whatever)
* Score ALL marks.
* Include ALL exam questions S at the end (except ones that contain 'Skeleton Program'), with the same wording as the original ones in the JSONs sent to you – and INCLUDE THE QUESTION CONTENT, AND THE ANSWERS/MARK SCHEME. Only the ones that I provided to you, include Question IDs.
* Remove redundant, unnecessary and useless information that would not be brought up in an exam answer.
* Be helpful to the reader
* Provide the full notes, covering ALL spec-points (and showing the spec-points covered in each section).
* Include ALL definitions (KEYWORDS, usually represented explicitly and specifically in the original text as Keyword: Definition), do not change the wording (unless that definition is an exam question). MAKE ALL THE DEFINITIONS FULL (yet consice, as they can sometimes even be 2 marks). Incorporate the definitons into the notes.
* Include a seperate section named 'Definitions' that covers the keywords and their simplest definition that scores all marks. These are (usually) found in the original text.
* Include a summary at the end (after definitions) that goes through everything you need to score all marks.

At the end of the formatted text, after everything is done, fill out the JSON:
Remove the type clarification.
{
"chapter": (int),
"page": (int),
"chapter_name": (str),
"topics": (list)
}

User: And these are the available exam questions, with 'des' explaining what it's about, and 'fil' meaning the Question ID.
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User: These are the content of said exam questions, these are the ONLY exam questions, you will use these later, delivered in form 'fil', JSON: {'Q22S206P1': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Define the term &#x2018;software&#x2019;.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p><p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p><p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 1 mark)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright">Software is the name given to programs / code / instructions that are executed;</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[1]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Almost two-thirds of students achieved this mark. The most common incorrect answer defined software as &#x201C;virtual or intangible part of a computer&#x201D; which is too vague. Some students also described &#x201C;apps&#x201D; and failed to include systems software.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'QS19S25P01': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">A computer system can be defined as hardware and software working together.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">What is meant by the term hardware?</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 1 mark)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">The electronic / electrical / physical / mechanical components of the computer system;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0"><b>NE.</b> Tangible without further explanation.</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[1]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">The majority of students answered this question well. Where marks were not gained, the most common error was suggesting that hardware only existed outside the main computer system (i.e. that it was a peripheral).</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'QS19S25P02': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">A computer system can be defined as hardware and software working together.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">What is meant by the term software?</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 1 mark)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Instructions / code / programs;</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[1]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">The majority of students answered this question well. Where marks were not gained the most common problem was vagueness of answers such as ‘digital components’ or ‘non-tangible parts of a system.’</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'Q23S206P1': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Libraries are a type of system software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Describe what libraries are <b>and</b> why programmers use them.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 2 marks)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Marks are for AO1 (knowledge) and AO1 (understanding)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>Mark as follows:</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>AO1 (knowledge) &#x2013; 1 mark: Max 1 mark</b> for explaining the term</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Provides routines that can be included/used in a program;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>AO1 (understanding) &#x2013; 1 mark: Max 1 mark</b> for a reason/need for library</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Improves the speed of development // reduces workload // requires (writing of) less code;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0">Improves reliability;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0">Provides operations that the programmer may not know how to code themselves;</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[2]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">This question was about libraries and only half of students achieved both marks. The most common incorrect answer defined libraries as being used to &#x201C;store data&#x201D;. Some students gave vague responses for the reasons for libraries, such as &#x201C;easier/simpler to organise code&#x201D; perhaps confusing libraries with subroutines. Over 25% of students gained zero marks or failed to attempt this question.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'Q22S206P2': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Translators are one type of system software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Give <b>two</b> other types of system software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">Type 1&nbsp;&nbsp;________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">Type 2&nbsp;&nbsp;________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 2 marks)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Marks are for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright">Operating systems / OS;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright m-t-0">Utility programs;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright m-t-0">Libraries;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright"><b>A.</b> Specific examples of utilities (such as virus checker, disk defragmenter) unless the student has already given the type utilities as a response.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright m-t-0"><b>R.</b> Interpreters, compilers, assemblers.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright"><b>MAX 2</b></p>\r\n<p class="mark">[2]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Over half of students achieved both marks by correctly stating two other types of system software. Far too many students gave types of translators (interpreters, compilers or assemblers) in their answers despite the question asking for &#x201C;two other types&#x201D;. Other incorrect responses included describing OS functions, eg memory management.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'QS19S25P04': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Some of the following types of software are examples of system software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Shade in <b>two</b> lozenges to indicate which types of software are system software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><img src="AA_COM/QS19S25P04_files_Q/img01.jpg"/>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 2 marks)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Marks are for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>1 mark</b> for Compiler checked</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0"><b>1 mark</b> for Operating system checked</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>R.</b> Award 0 marks if more than two lozenges shaded</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[2]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Most students identified the correct answer for this question part.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'QS19S25P03': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">A computer system can be defined as hardware and software working together.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Explain the key difference between system software and application software.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 2 marks)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Marks are for AO1 (understanding)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">System software is software that controls/manage the operation of (some aspects of) the computer system // software which enables user to operate a computer // system software is required to operate a computer;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Application software is for carrying out tasks that are user-oriented / that the user would want to do even if they did not have a computer system;</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[2]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">More students were able to define system software than application software. System software was often defined as managing the computer system. A common incorrect answer was that it was the ‘more technical aspects’ of the software. More effective answers referred to application software being user-oriented or completing tasks that would need to be completed even without the computer. Incorrect answers suggested application software was for ‘completing a particular task’ or attempted to answer by example, which was not enough.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'Q23S208P2': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">One physical resource that the operating system manages is the processor.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">Name another physical resource that the operating system is responsible for managing.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 1 mark)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question"><b>Mark is for AO1 (Knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new">(Main) memory (<b>A</b>. RAM);</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0">Secondary storage (<b>A.</b> example of secondary storage device);</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0">I/O devices (<b>A.</b> example I/O device);</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new"><b>R</b>. Processors.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0"><b>R.</b> File system.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new m-t-0"><b>R.</b> Scheduling.</p>\r\n<p class="mark">[1]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Over 85% of students could name another physical resource that the operating system manages. The incorrect answers included naming the processor (given in the question) or not naming a physical resource.</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}, 'QS18S25P02': {'question': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">State <b>one</b> resource that the operating system manages.</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new answer-toggle">_______________________________________________________________________</p>\r\n<p class="mark">(Total 1 mark)</p></h5>', 'markscheme': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question indentright"><b>Mark is for AO1 (knowledge)</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright"><b>Mark as follows:</b></p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright">Processors <b>A.</b> CPU;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright m-t-0">Memory / Memories <b>A.</b> RAM;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright m-t-0">I/O devices (among competing processes) <b>A.</b> examples;</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright"><b>A.</b> Hardware</p>\r\n<p class="indent1new indentright"><b>Max 1</b></p>\r\n<p class="mark">[1]</p></h5>', 'examinerreport': '<h5 class=\'contentSeparator\' style=\'page-break-inside: avoid;\'><div class=\'qnumber-hidden\'></div><p class="question">Most students that gained a mark identified that the Operating System manages memory. However, the students demonstrated a lack of understanding of the term “resource management.”</p></h5>', 'notes': '', 'resources': ''}}
User: Now, the user will ask questions after this message. Use everything I gave you and the knowledge you have acquired, and from the notes you made, to answer their question in a very concise way that WILL score ALL marks. Just like the notes. For this, your answer will not have the same structure as the revision notes. Think of it as answering an exam question: short, consice, useful, scores ALL marks. Just like the exam questions provided to you, you will not leave your response in a 'notes' manner. You are just answering an exam question: which means it has to be very short unless explicitly specified by the user that it must be long and detailed. So, keep it short, concise, and only a couple of sentences that score ALL marks. Remember, it is an A-Level exam question and you will style it as such: incredibly concise sentences (essentially like bullet points but without the bullet points) that score marks. Most sentences won't even have commas, this does not mean you can't use them. Also do not repeat the question in your answer, just do it. Score all marks, assume how many marks there are based on the question if it is not provided to you. Imagine that for every sentence you make, you score a mark (for simpler questions), for high (>5 mark) questions that may differ.
In summary, you must:
* Answer very concisely. Kind of like bullet points but as a short para. Most of the time, a sentence, or point, will be a mark.
* Do not repeat the question at the start.
* Don't over-do your answer. Please. 1 mark (e.g., usually, 'What' questions) is like one very short sentence usually. Remember the summary from the notes? Your answer will essentially be like that for most questions but a bit (a bit!) more developed. Remember, this is just A-Levels. Use some of the exam questions that I provided as an example of how you should model your answers.
* When you're listing examples, don't list every example in the universe.
* Score all marks. Be helpful.
User: What is allocating processor time amongst all running programs
Assistant: Allocating processor time among running programs is known as scheduling. The operating system manages this by assigning time slices to each program, allowing multiple processes to run seemingly simultaneously by quickly switching between them.
User: This devices carries out computation on the data by following instruction. What is it
Assistant: The device that carries out computation on data by following instructions is the processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit).
User: Operating system controls the use of main memory by creating a .....
Assistant: Operating system controls the use of main memory by creating a memory map.
User: What performs background tasks
Assistant: Utility programs perform background tasks on a computer system.
User: What Enables a user to interact with a computer System
Assistant: Operating systems enable a user to interact with a computer system.
User: Refers to the use of secondary storage to store data temporarily. What is it
Assistant: This refers to virtual memory, which uses secondary storage to store data temporarily when the main memory (RAM) is insufficient.
User:  Kernel Loads and unloads software into main memory what is it
Assistant: The kernel is the core part of an operating system that loads and unloads software into main memory.
User: Writ ethe notes you made
Assistant: **Hardware and Software Relationship (Spec Points: 3.6.1.1)**

- **Hardware:** The physical components of a computer system, including electrical, electronic, mechanical parts such as the monitor, keyboard, and internal components like the processor and memory. (Exam: QS19S25P01)

- **Software:** Programs, code, or instructions executed by the computer to perform tasks. It requires hardware to function fully. Examples include operating systems and applications. (Exam: Q22S206P1, QS19S25P02)

**Classification of Software (Spec Points: 3.6.1.2)**

- **System Software:** Controls or manages computer operation. It includes operating systems, utility programs, translators (compilers, assemblers, interpreters), and libraries. Necessary for computer and application functionality. (Exam: QS19S25P03)

- **Application Software:** User-oriented programs for tasks like word processing and browsing. It performs tasks users would do even without computers. (Exam: QS19S25P03)

**System Software (Spec Points: 3.6.1.3)**

- **Operating Systems (OS):** Manage computer resources, acting as an interface between the user and hardware, handling tasks like memory management, and process allocation. (Exam: QS19S25P04, Q23S208P2, QS18S25P02)

- **Utility Programs:** Perform common tasks like file compression and maintenance, enhancing computer operation.

- **Libraries:** Provide routines reusable in multiple programs, reducing development time and increasing reliability. Libraries like DLLs in Windows improve functionality. (Exam: Q23S206P1)

- **Translators:** Include compilers, interpreters, and assemblers that convert high-level programming languages into machine code (binary). (Exam: Q22S206P2)

**Role of an Operating System (Spec Points: 3.6.1.4)**

- **Virtual Machine Concept:** OS abstracts complex hardware functions, allowing users and applications to interact with a simplified model.

- **Resource Management:** OS allocates and manages resources such as processors, memory, and I/O devices among programs to ensure optimal performance. Employs techniques like scheduling (time slicing) and creating memory maps for efficient memory use. (Exam: Q23S208P2, QS19S25P04, QS18S25P02)

**Definitions:**

- **Hardware:** Physical components of the computer, both internal and external.
- **Software:** Code, programs, or instructions executed by the computer.
- **Application Software:** User-oriented programs for specific tasks like editing texts.
- **Utility Programs:** Programs performing maintenance and management tasks.
- **Library Programs:** Code, data, and resources accessible to other programs.
- **Translators:** Convert programming language instructions into machine code.
- **Operating System Software:** Controls computer operations, managing resources.
- **Virtual Machine:** Concept where OS abstracts hardware complexities.
- **Resource Management:** OS managing hardware for optimal computer performance.
- **Scheduling:** Technique allocating processor time among programs.

**Summary:**

- **Hardware and Software:** Defines the physical (hardware) and programmatic (software) elements, with their reliance on each other for a functional computer system.
- **Classification of Software:** Differentiates between system software (necessary for running a computer) and application software (user-oriented tasks).
- **System Software Types:** Includes OS, utility programs, libraries, and translators, each playing distinct roles in managing and executing operations.
- **Role of Operating System:** OS functions to manage resources and provide a simplified interface to users, performing tasks like scheduling and memory management.

**Try these exam questions:**

1. A computer system can be defined as hardware and software working together. What is meant by the term hardware? (1 mark) (QS19S25P01)
   - **Answer:** The electronic, electrical, physical, mechanical components of the computer system. [1]

2. Define the term ‘software’. (1 mark) (Q22S206P1)
   - **Answer:** Software is the name given to programs/code/instructions that are executed. [1]

3. Explain the key difference between system software and application software. (2 marks) (QS19S25P03)
   - **Answer:** System software controls/manages computer operation; application software is for tasks the user wants to do. [2]

4. Describe what libraries are and why programmers use them. (2 marks) (Q23S206P1)
   - **Answer:** Libraries provide routines for programs; improve development speed, reduce workload, increase reliability. [2]

5. Name another physical resource that the operating system is responsible for managing. (1 mark) (Q23S208P2)
   - **Answer:** Main memory/RAM; secondary storage; I/O devices. [1]

6. State one resource that the operating system manages. (1 mark) (QS18S25P02)
   - **Answer:** Processor/CPU; memory/RAM; I/O devices. [1]

Fill in the JSON:

```JSON
{
  "chapter": 28,
  "page": 230,
  "chapter_name": "Hardware and Software",
  "topics": [
    "3.6.1.1 Relationship between hw and sw",
    "3.6.1.3 System software",
    "3.6.1.2 Classification of software",
    "3.6.1.4 Role of an operating system (OS)"
  ]
}
```
User: give me a small section for bespoke section, just put a disclaimer saying the topic is technichally not in the specification and is a 'ghost topic'
Assistant: **Bespoke Software (Disclaimer: Ghost Topic)**

Bespoke software is custom-designed software tailored to fit specific business needs and requirements. Unlike off-the-shelf software, which provides general functionality for a wide audience, bespoke software is developed to address unique challenges and optimize operations for a particular organization. Its primary advantage is customization to meet the exact specifications of the user, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage. However, bespoke software often requires more time and financial investment initially, but its long-term benefits can outweigh these costs through increased functionality and adaptability.
User: smaller more concise
Assistant: **Bespoke Software (Disclaimer: Ghost Topic)**

Bespoke software is custom-developed to meet specific organizational needs, offering exact functionality and improved efficiency tailored to the user. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, it is more costly and time-intensive initially but provides long-term advantages in adaptability and performance.
User: shorter, bullet-points
Assistant: **Bespoke Software (Disclaimer: Ghost Topic)**

- Custom-developed for specific needs.
- Offers tailored functionality and efficiency.
- More costly and time-consuming initially.
- Long-term benefits in adaptability and performance.
User: give an example of bespoke softwre
Assistant: An example of bespoke software is a custom CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system designed specifically for a company's unique sales process, integrating seamlessly with their existing tools and databases to enhance customer interactions and data management.
User: Is bespoke software an application software
Assistant: