Software — IGCSE Computer Science (0478) questions by topic
Software questions ask candidates to describe how an operating system manages memory, complete a table naming computer system terms, identify which option is not a function of an operating system, and state the purpose of firmware. Give, describe, state, identify and complete are the command words, with describe wanting a functional explanation of a role, not just a definition.
12 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers sit here, worth 3 to 10 marks. Because software terms are easy to confuse under pressure, such as firmware with the operating system, submitting your answers for instant marking flags the exact term mix-up before it costs marks across several related questions.
What examiners look for
- A recurring mistake is giving firmware for the wrong description, and giving CPU where a different term was needed.
- Examiners also note candidates giving a vague statement about a key being pressed and analogue data being converted to digital, using brand names when examples of software were required, and giving bootloader for one of the final blanks in a completion task.
- Strong answers gave the correct terms for hardware and operating system, and most candidates gave a correct task when asked to describe one.
- Reports praise candidates who described the difference between software types and gave a generic example of each.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
Each employee in a finance company has a computer and an electronic account. Each computer has an operating system. One function of the operating system is to manage memory.…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 13
A computer has an operating system. One function of the operating system is handling interrupts. Describe the role of the operating system in handling interrupts.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 11
A computer needs firmware and system software to operate. State the purpose of firmware.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
A student uses both system software and application software on their computer. Give one example of system software.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 13
A printer runs out of ink and needs a new ink cartridge. An interrupt is sent and a message is generated to notify the user that the ink cartridge is empty. Complete the paragraph…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 11
A computer has an operating system. The operating system provides several functions. Tick (✓) one box to show which of these is not a function of the operating system. [ ] A…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 12
Different types of software can be run on a computer. State what is meant by software.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 11
Complete the statements about different types of software. Use the terms from the list. Some of the terms in the list will not be used. You should only use a term once. List:…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 12
A user has both system software and application software installed on their computer. Describe the difference between system software and application software. Give an example of…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 13
Software is installed on a computer to manage files, memory and multitasking. State the name of the software that can do these tasks.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 11
The table contains four descriptions about a computer system. Complete the table by writing the correct term for each description. Term Description ------ ------------- ........ A…
Answer this question and get it marked →An interrupt is a type of signal that is used in a computer. State the name of the type of software that manages interrupts.
Answer this question and get it marked →Other IGCSE Computer Science topics
- Hardware (108)
- Algorithm design and problem-solving (43)
- Data representation (26)
- The internet and its uses (23)
- Data transmission (21)
- Boolean logic (19)
- Databases (16)
- Automated and emerging technologies (13)
- Programming (11)