This page contains the CBSE Computer Science with Python class 11 Unit-1 chapter 2 Software Concepts. You can find the solutions for chapter 2 of CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python Exercise. So is the case if you are looking for CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python related topic Software Concepts questions and answers for the Exercise.
Question a
a) ‘Hardware is of no use without software and software cannot be used without hardware.’ Explain.
Answer a
A computer system works properly only when both hardware and software are present together. Hardware means the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched, such as monitor, keyboard, CPU and memory devices. Software is the set of programs or instructions that tells the hardware what to do. The book clearly states that software gives hardware its capability. Therefore, hardware alone cannot perform any useful task without software, and software also cannot run by itself without hardware. So, both are equally important for the working of a computer system.
Question b
b) How can the software be classified? Name at least one software in each of the categories.
Answer b
Software can be broadly classified into three categories:
Types of Software
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System Software – This software is directly related to the working and control of the computer system. It helps in managing hardware and also assists in running application programs. Examples of system software include Operating System and Language Translators.
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Utility Software – This software is used for the maintenance and smooth functioning of the computer system. It helps in tasks such as protection, storage management, and system upkeep. An example of utility software is an Antivirus program.
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Application Software – This software is designed to help the user perform specific tasks. It is of two types: General Purpose Software and Customized Software. An example of application software is Microsoft Word (general purpose application software).
Thus, software is broadly classified into System Software, Application Software, and Utility Software, and each category has a different role in the computer system.
Question c
c) What is an operating system? Write names of any two popular operating systems.
Answer c
An operating system is the most important system software of a computer. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It controls and manages the working of the computer and allows other application programs to run properly. It also helps the computer manage its resources such as memory, monitor, keyboard, printer, and other devices.
Some popular operating systems used in personal computers are Windows, Unix, Linux, and Solaris. Any two examples are:
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Windows
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Linux
Question d
d) What is the role of a Page Map Table in Virtual Memory Management?
Answer d
In Virtual Memory Management, the operating system divides the main memory into equal parts called pages. Only a part of the program stays in the main memory as the active set, while the remaining part stays in the secondary memory.
The Page Map Table (PMT) helps the operating system keep track of this arrangement. Its role is to show which page of main memory is storing which block of secondary memory. In this way, the PMT helps in proper mapping between the program parts stored in main memory and those stored in secondary storage.
It also helps in mapping a virtual address to the correct location, whether that location is in main memory or in secondary memory. Therefore, the PMT makes virtual memory management possible and helps in efficient use of memory, allowing even larger programs to be executed.
Question e
e) Explain the major functions of an operating system.
Answer e
The operating system performs many important functions for the smooth working of a computer. Some of its major functions are processor management, device management, memory management, and file management.
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Processor Management – This function deals with the management of the CPU. The operating system decides how CPU time is to be given to different processes. This is called scheduling. The book mentions scheduling techniques such as Priority Scheduling and Round Robin Scheduling.
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Device Management – The operating system manages the communication between the computer and input/output devices. It helps in the proper use of devices like printers and other peripherals. For efficient device handling, techniques such as buffering and spooling are used.
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Memory Management – The operating system controls the use of main memory. When a program is to be executed, it is loaded into memory, and after execution that space is freed for other programs. Common memory management techniques mentioned in the book are partitioning and virtual memory.
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File Management – The operating system also manages files, folders, and directory systems. It keeps information about files using the File Allocation Table (FAT) and helps in creating, editing, copying, and allocating memory to files. It also ensures that files are opened with proper access rights.
Thus, the operating system acts as the main controller of the computer system and helps all parts of the system work in an organized manner.
Question f
f) What is the purpose of a language processor?
Answer f
The main purpose of a language processor is to convert a program written in a high-level language or assembly language into machine code, because a computer can understand only machine language, that is, instructions in the form of 0s and 1s.
A program written by the programmer is called the source program or source code. This source code cannot be executed directly by the computer. Therefore, a language processor acts as a translator program and changes the source code into object code (machine code), so that the computer can execute it.
Thus, the purpose of a language processor is to make human-written programs understandable to the computer. The three main types of language processors are Assembler, Compiler, and Interpreter.
Question g
g) Differentiate between:
(i)
An interpreter and a compiler.
(ii)
Priority Scheduling and Round Robin Scheduling
(iii)
Buffering and SPOOLING
(iv)
Time Sharing and Real Time Operating System
Answer g
(i) Differentiate between an Interpreter and a Compiler
Basis
Compiler
Interpreter
Meaning
A compiler translates the entire source program at one time into machine code.
An interpreter translates one statement at a time into machine code.
Working
It first completes the translation of the whole program and then the program can be executed.
It translates and executes each statement immediately before moving to the next one.
Error reporting
If there are errors, the compiler reports them after compilation, usually with line numbers.
If there is an error, the interpreter stops at that statement and shows the error immediately.
Speed of execution
After compilation, execution is generally faster because the whole program is already translated.
Execution is usually slower because translation happens line by line during execution.
Thus, a compiler works on the whole program together, while an interpreter works step by step.
(ii) Differentiate between Priority Scheduling and Round Robin Scheduling
Basis
Priority Scheduling
Round Robin Scheduling
Basis of CPU allotment
CPU time is given according to the priority assigned to a task.
CPU time is given in fixed time slices to each task one after another.
Order of execution
A task with higher priority gets CPU before a lower priority task.
Every task gets a fair chance in turn, so execution happens in a cyclic order.
Effect on other tasks
Lower priority tasks may have to wait longer if higher priority tasks keep coming.
Waiting is more balanced because all tasks get CPU time repeatedly.
Suitability
Suitable when some tasks are more important than others.
Suitable in systems where equal response to multiple tasks is needed.
Therefore, priority scheduling depends on importance of tasks, whereas round robin scheduling focuses on fair sharing of CPU time.
(iii) Differentiate between Buffering and SPOOLING
Basis
Buffering
SPOOLING
Meaning
Buffering is the temporary storage of data in a buffer while input/output transfer is taking place.
SPOOLING is the temporary storage of jobs on the disk so that they can be processed one by one by a shared device.
Purpose
It helps match the speed difference between the CPU and I/O devices.
It helps manage multiple jobs for a single device, such as a printer.
Storage used
Uses a temporary memory area called a buffer.
Uses secondary storage (usually disk) as a queue.
Example
Data may be kept in memory briefly while it is being read from or sent to a device.
Many print jobs can be stored and sent to the printer in sequence.
Thus, buffering handles temporary data during transfer, while spooling handles queued jobs for shared devices.
(iv) Differentiate between Time Sharing and Real Time Operating System
Basis
Time Sharing Operating System
Real Time Operating System
Meaning
It allows multiple tasks or users to share CPU time by dividing processor time into small parts.
It is an operating system designed to respond to tasks within a fixed time limit.
Working
The CPU switches rapidly from one task to another, giving each task a small time slice.
The system gives immediate and timely response, especially where delay is not acceptable.
Main focus
Its main focus is on sharing CPU time among many tasks.
Its main focus is on completing tasks at the right time.
Use
Useful in multitasking and multiuser environments.
Useful in control systems and applications where quick response is necessary.
Therefore, time sharing improves interactive use of the system, while a real time operating system is meant for time-critical applications.
Question h
h) Explain any two utilities.
Answer h
Any two utilities:
1.
Antivirus – scans, detects and removes malware/virus from the system.
2.
Disk Defragmenter – rearranges fragmented data on disk to improve file access performance.
Other examples: backup tool, compression utility, disk cleanup utility.
Question i
i) What is word processing? Discuss the purpose of word processing software.
Answer i
Word processing is the use of a word processor, which is a general purpose application software used to create documents. It allows the user to create, edit, and format documents easily. With the help of word processing software, different fonts, font sizes, bold, underline, and other formatting features can be used. It also allows the insertion of clipart and other graphics into the document. Popular examples given in the book are Writer (Open Office) and Microsoft Word.
The purpose of word processing software is to help in preparing different kinds of written work, ranging from a simple document to documents with special art effects. Since images, shapes, and colors can be added, it can also be used to design items like posters. Features such as Mail Merge and Macro have made word processing software even more useful and powerful. Therefore, word processing software is not only used for typing text, but also for creating well-formatted and attractive documents.
Question j
j) What is the difference between an Open Source Software and a Freeware? Write two examples of each.
Answer j
The difference between Open Source Software and Freeware is given below:
Basis
Open Source Software
Freeware
Meaning
It is software that gives users the freedom to use, modify, and redistribute it.
It is software that is available free of cost for use.
Source code
The source code is available to the user.
The source code is not available.
Modification
Users can make changes and improvements in the software.
Users can use it free, but cannot modify it.
Cost
It may be free to use, but it need not always be free of charge.
It is generally free of cost.
Ownership
It gives more freedom to users in use and distribution.
The author remains the owner of the software.
Thus, the main difference is that Open Source Software provides access to source code and allows modification, whereas Freeware is only free to use and does not allow modification because the source code is not available.
Examples of Open Source Software:
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Python
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Tux Paint
Examples of Freeware:
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Microsoft Internet Explorer
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Software bundled with an operating system
Question k
k) How are Freeware and Free Software different?
Answer k
Freeware and Free Software are different mainly in terms of source code availability and the freedom given to the user.
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Freeware is software that is available free of cost. It may be bundled with an operating system or some other software. The user can use it without payment, but the author remains the owner of the software. Its source code is not available, so the user cannot make any modifications to it.
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Free Software, on the other hand, is software that is freely accessible and can be used, modified, copied, and distributed by anyone. In this case, no licence fee has to be paid, and the source code is also available to the user.
Thus, the main difference is that Freeware is only free to use, whereas Free Software gives both free use and freedom to modify and distribute the software.