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

Operating system (OS) Utility programs Library programs Language translators
 * describe why a computer system requires an operating system
 * explain the key management tasks carried out by the operating system
 * 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
 * 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
 * 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