Flashcards
Applications
Cards in this deck (23)
- 1Broad classification of software1. Systems software
2. Applications software - 2Systems softwareSoftware needed to run the computer's hardware and application programs
- 3Types of systems software1. Operating system
2. Utility programs
3. Libraries
4. Programming language translators
1, 3 and 4 will be covered in other flashcard sets - 4Utility programs/softwarePerforms functions related to the maintenance of a computer system or its performance
- 5Examples of utility applications1. Automatic backup
2. Automatic updater
3. Virus checker
4. Compression software
5. Disk defragmenter - 6Backup utilityResponsible for backing up specified sources to a specified destination
Can back up files as a zip file (full backup) or without zipping (mirror backup)
Backups can be scheduled to run at regular intervals or run manually - 7Automatic update utilityEnsures software installed on the computer is up-to-date
Will use the Internet to check for new versions of pre-installed software
Firewalls and anti-virus software must be updated to ensure all threats can be countered
Other applications should be updated to gain access to bugs and improvements that become available to people with that package - 8Virus checkerChecks hard drive and other potential sources for viruses or other forms of malware and removes or contains them
May be built into the operating system or downloaded separately - 9Compression softwareCompresses files to a smaller form to transmit them more quickly over the Internet
This may allow data to be transferred despite small bandwidth limits - 10Application softwareAny other type of software present on a computer
- 11Categories of application softwareGeneral-purpose or special-purpose
Open-source or closed-source - 12General-purpose applicationWide range of tasks can be performed by the same application
Examples include a word processor, spreadsheet or graphics package - 13Special-purpose applicationDesigned to perform a specific task or set of tasks
Can be off-the-shelf and ready to use or bespoke and tailored to specific needs - 14Advantages of bespoke softwareFeatures are tailored to the customer's individual needs
Other features can be added as needs arise - 15Disadvantages of bespoke softwareMore expensive as requirements have to be analysed and met by specialists
May take longer to develop
Limited testing, so errors may surface later - 16Advantages of off-the-shelf softwareCheaper as the cost is shared among all buyers
Can be installed and used immediately after purchase
Well-documented and well-tested
Minimal errors through heavy user testing and feedback - 17Disadvantages of off-the-shelf softwareMay contain a lot of unwanted features
Some desirable features may be missing - 18Open-source softwareSource code is openly available to download
Anyone can modify the code to help further develop or maintain the software
Examples include Linux (OS), Blender (3D modelling) and Audacity (audio editing) - 19Advantages of open-source softwareOften free
Large developer base so many features can be implemented - 20Disadvantages of open-source softwareNot as thoroughly tested as closed-source programs
People can edit code and introduce bugs as well as repair them
Lack of help and support because development isn't centralised - 21Closed-source softwareSoftware is compiled and provided to the user without revealing the source code
Users cannot reverse-engineer the application or adapt the code for personal gain/malicious use - 22Advantages of closed-source softwareThoroughly tested, so fewer errors are present
Often more polished than open-source software
Often dedicated help and support lines - 23Disadvantages of closed-source softwareUsers often have to purchase a license to use the software
Often restrictions on the software e.g. user/device limit
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- A level OCR A level Computer Science (Topic 2 - Systems Software) Flashcards on Applications, created by James Norman on 26/01/2020.
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- James Norman
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