Computer Hardware and Software - SS1 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Device drivers are software programs that facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices. They serve as intermediaries, translating high-level OS commands into low-level instructions that the hardware can understand. Device drivers ensure that the hardware components work seamlessly with the operating system, enabling proper functionality. For example, a printer driver allows the OS to send print jobs to the printer in a format it can interpret

Antivirus Software: Scans for and removes malicious software to protect the computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats.

Disk Defragmenter: Reorganizes fragmented files on a hard drive to improve data access speed and overall system performance.

Backup Software: Creates copies of important files and data to prevent loss in case of hardware failure or data corruption.

System Cleanup Tools: Removes temporary files, cached data, and unnecessary files to free up disk space and enhance system efficiency.

Disk Formatting Tools: Prepare storage devices for use by setting up file systems and partitions.

System Optimization Utilities: Adjust system settings to optimize performance, such as adjusting startup programs and managing memory usage.

Web Browser

A web browser is an application software designed to access and navigate the internet. It interprets HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to render web pages and display multimedia content. Browsers provide a user interface for interacting with websites, but they don't manage the computer's hardware resources or control the execution of other software applications.

Operating System

 An operating system (OS) is system software that manages hardware resources, controls program execution, and provides a user interface. It serves as the foundation for running various software applications, including web browsers. The OS manages tasks such as memory allocation, process scheduling, and input/output operations. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and software, ensuring proper resource allocation and coordination among different components.