O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 4: Software MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
19 exam-style questions on Software, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Types of programming language, translators and IDEs10 questions
Ten Software questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. Which translator converts an assembly language program into machine code?
A
compiler
B
interpreter
C
assembler
D
linker
Show answer
Answer: C. An assembler translates assembly language mnemonics into machine code. Compilers and interpreters translate high-level languages.
2. Which IDE feature suggests the rest of a variable name or keyword while the programmer is typing it?
A
auto-completion
B
prettyprint
C
error diagnostics
D
run-time environment
Show answer
Answer: A. Auto-completion offers to finish identifiers and keywords. Prettyprint formats code with colours and indentation; error diagnostics highlight errors.
3. Which of these is NOT a function of an operating system?
A
managing memory
B
handling interrupts
C
translating high-level source code into machine code
D
managing user accounts and the security of their files
Show answer
Answer: C. Translating source code is done by a compiler or interpreter. The OS manages memory, files, peripherals, multitasking, security, interrupts and user accounts, and provides an interface.
4. Which of these is system software?
A
a spreadsheet program for budgets
B
a web browser
C
a photo-editing program
D
a disk defragmenter utility
Show answer
Answer: D. System software, such as the operating system and utilities, provides services the computer needs. Spreadsheets, browsers and photo editors provide services the user needs, so they are application software.
5. Which order is correct when a computer starts and runs an application?
A
the application runs the operating system, which runs the firmware
B
the application runs directly on the hardware
C
the operating system is loaded first, and it then loads the firmware, which runs the application
D
the hardware runs the bootloader (firmware), which loads the OS, which runs the application
Show answer
Answer: D. The bootloader is firmware run by the hardware; it loads the OS, and applications then run on the OS.
6. How does a compiler translate a program?
A
it translates the whole program before it runs, producing an executable file
B
it translates and runs one line at a time
C
it translates assembly language into machine code
D
it only checks the whole program for syntax errors and does not translate any of it
Show answer
Answer: A. A compiler translates all of the source code at once, creating an executable file that can be run later without the compiler.
7. A new printer is connected. What does the operating system use to communicate with it correctly?
A
a device driver for that printer
B
an interrupt service routine written by the user
C
a compiler
D
the printer’s MAC address only
Show answer
Answer: A. Managing peripherals includes using drivers: software that translates the OS’s general commands into instructions that particular device understands.
8. A programmer is writing a device driver that must control the hardware directly. Why might a low-level language be chosen?
A
low-level code is easier to debug
B
low-level code will run on any type of processor without being changed or translated again
C
it can directly manipulate hardware, such as specific registers and memory locations
D
low-level languages do not need a translator
Show answer
Answer: C. Low-level languages give direct access to hardware and can be very efficient. However they are machine dependent and hard to read and debug.
9. Which is an advantage of writing a program in a high-level language rather than a low-level language?
A
it is easier to read, write and debug, and is machine independent
B
it gives direct control of the hardware
C
it does not need to be translated
D
the translated program always runs faster and uses less memory than low-level code
Show answer
Answer: A. High-level code uses English-like statements, so it is easier to write and debug, and it can be translated for different machines. Direct hardware control and efficiency are advantages of low-level languages.
10. Which describes how the CPU handles an interrupt?
A
the current task is deleted and the interrupt is dealt with
B
the interrupt is held in a queue until every program that is currently running has completely finished
C
the CPU saves its current state, runs the interrupt service routine, then restores the state
D
the computer restarts to deal with the interrupt
Show answer
Answer: C. The CPU checks for interrupts after each cycle. For a higher-priority interrupt it saves the current task’s state, runs the ISR, then restores and carries on with the task.
19, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 2 topics: Types of software and interrupts, Types of programming language, translators and IDEs. Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 4 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
