129761-2015-syllabus

Syllabus content
1.5 System software
Candidates should be able to:
1.5.1 Operating system
• describe why a computer system requires an operating system
• explain the key management tasks carried out by the operating system
1.5.2 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
1.5.3 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
1.5.4 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
Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science 9608. Syllabus for examination in 2015.
21