A-level Computing 2009/CIE/Computer systems, communications and software/System software

Operating systems (a) describe the purpose of operating systems (b) describe the characteristics of different types of operating systems and their uses: batch, real-time, single-user, multi-user, multi-tasking and network (c) identify a range of applications requiring batch processing and a range of applications in which a real-time response is required

• Operating systems

User interfaces (d) describe different types of user interface: forms, menus, GUI, natural language and command line, suggesting the characteristics of user interfaces which make them appropriate for use by different types of user

• User interfaces

Utility software (e) describe the purpose of a range of utility software e.g. disk formatting, file handling, hardware drivers, file compression and virus checkers

• Utility software