Types of Software and Interrupts
The two families of software, what an operating system actually does, and how a computer handles 'stop what you are doing'.
System software runs the computer; application software does a job for the user.
PICK ONE, THEN PICK ITS GROUP
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//System vs application software
System software runs the computer itself: the operating system, device drivers, utilities, compilers and linkers. Application software does a job for the user: word processor, browser, spreadsheet, photo editor, game.
//What the operating system manages
Memory, files, security, hardware and peripherals, processes (multitasking), the user interface, and user accounts. If asked for 'roles of an OS', list several of these with a few words each.
//Interrupt handling
An interrupt is a signal that makes the processor pause. The current state (register contents) is saved onto a stack, the interrupt service routine (ISR) runs, then the saved state is restored and the original work continues exactly where it left off. Examples: a key is pressed, the printer runs out of paper, a divide-by-zero happens, a timer fires.
CHECK YOURSELF
1.Which is the main difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
2.What happens FIRST when an interrupt occurs?