IT Unit 1.2 - Understand Computer Software

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Unit 1 LO2 of CTEC IT.
Joe O'Dwyer
Flashcards by Joe O'Dwyer, updated more than 1 year ago
Joe O'Dwyer
Created by Joe O'Dwyer over 6 years ago
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Question Answer
Describe open source software? Software that allows access to the source code. Users can alter the code without breaking the license agreement. The software can be modified to suit their personal preferences and it's easier for developers to produce 'add-ons'. Open source isn't always free.
Describe closed source software? The opposite to open source. It is against the law and the license agreement to modify the source code. The source code can still be accessed, but this is via illegal hacking rather than through permission from the developer. Can limit opportunities for individual developers but may be more robust.
Describe off the shelf software? Very generic software which is available to the general consumer. Allows for very standard, non-specific tasks to be completed. Very cost-effective and lots of support available for it.
Describe bespoke software? Custom-built software which is not generic and only meets very specifc requirements. Only really bought by companies, given that they are very costly and need to meet specific criteria. Little support will be offered for bespoke software.
Describe shareware software? Software that requires a fee paying but offers a trial version or a demo/lite version. Trial versions will give the users full access to the software but only for a limited amount of time (normally 30 days). Demo/lite versions can be used for an unlimited amount of time but only allows for limited features.
Describe freeware software? Software which is free of charge. Can be either open or closed source. May have in-software purchases available to provide access to extra features for a small fee.
Describe embedded software? This is software that is written to control a device or a machine that is not a traditional PC. For example, cars and fridges that are now attempting to incorporate internet connectivity and other features typically found in a traditional PC, meaning that embedded software needs to be created to help them perform the necessary tasks.
Purpose of application software? Software that is designed to carry out user-required tasks. These are tasks that would be required whether or not a computer was available.
Describe productivity software and give some examples? Productivity software allows for users to carry out production tasks accurately, effectively and efficiently. Examples are word processing software, spreadsheets, databases and emails.
Describe development tools and give some examples? Software tools specifically used to aid developers in the creation of new software. Examples include compilers, debuggers and assemblers.
What does a compiler do? A compiler will convert the source code of high-level into a target language of low-level.
What does a debugger do? A debugger helps detect and correct any errors in a computer program.
What does an assembler do? It's a different type of compiler that will convert assembly language into machine code. It will perform a 'one-to-one' translation.
What is business software? Software that is specifically used to aid with business activities.
What is a Management Information System? A computerised database that gathers information from a range of sources in order to produce readable reports for managers of an organisation, which will allow for them to make decisions.
What is a CAD/CAM system? Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing. These applications are used to both design a product and programme manufacturing processes. CAD is specifically used for product design and the documentation of such designs. CAM will use the models created with CAD that generate toolpaths that drive machine tools to turn designs into physical parts.
What is utility software? Software that is required to protect the PC from external threats and keep it running properly.
Pros and Cons of antivirus? Pros: Prevents malicious viruses from harming data/programs stored on the PC. Cons: Some free antivirus won't use effective detection techniques. Antivirus can also slow the PC or network while performing a scan.
Pros and Cons of Firewall? Pros: It prevents harmful data packets/viruses from getting to a place where they can cause harm. Cons: Packet filtering can degrade the system's performance, given that every data packet needs to be checked.
Pros and Cons of a defragmenter? Pros: Programs run faster, longer hard drive life, more efficient security, reduced errors with data. Cons: The defragmentation process can be very time consuming and isn't very effective on SSDs.
What is an Operating System? The essential piece of software a computer needs to run. It communicates with all the computer hardware in order for this to happen.
Examples of tasks that OS completes? - Controlling the time that a certain task is allowed in the CPU. - Interrupting tasks when a more urgent one takes priority. - Memory Management - Peripheral Management
Examples of Operating Systems? iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS.
Characteristics of a Single User OS? Only one user can operate the device at a time.
Pros and Cons of a Single User OS? Pros: Supports one user at a time, easy to maintain, less chance of damage, concentrate on one task. Cons: Tasks can take longer to complete, unproductive (idle) time is higher.
Characteristics of a Multi User OS? Enables two or more users to have access at the same time. For example, schools will use multiuser OS.
Pros and Cons of a Multi User OS? Pros: Can allow for higher efficiency in the workplace. People can collaborate on documents and make quick, easy modifications. Cons: Extra facilities are required. It must be able to prevent several users accessing the computer processor at the same time and overwriting each others software or data. Can be hard to maintain privacy.
What is a single processor OS? The use of a single core processor with an OS, meaning that only one instruction can be processed at any one time.
What is a multiprocessor OS? An operating system that is capable of allocating instructions across multiple processor cores so that multiple instructions can be processed at any one time.
What is SMS? Short Message Service. Maximum 160 characters per message.
Pros and Cons of SMS? Pros: An internet connection isn't required to send an SMS. Cons: User is charged per SMS. If the user exceed 160 characters, the user is charged for 2 SMS messages.
Email is short for what...? Electronic Mail.
Pros and Cons of Email? Pros: Can sens a lot more text than SMS, as well as multimedia and other files. Cons: Often size limited (approx. 10 MB), requires an Internet connection.
What is messaging software with some examples? Software specifically designed to send a message over the internet. Examples are WhatsApp and Snapchat.
Pros and Cons of Social Media? Pros: Integrates many methods of communicating (posts, IM) into one service. Cons: Can often be the source of cyber bullying/harassment.
What is VoIP? Voice over Internet Protocol. This allows people to have real-life conversation over the Internet. Examples include Skype.
Pros and Cons of VoIP? Pros: If you pay for an internet connection, then you are normally able to make as many calls as you want. Cons: VoIP can require a lot of bandwidth to function smoothly.
What are Personal Assistants? Software that is now included on smartphones/tablets so tasks can be completed via voice command. Examples include Google Assistant, Siri, Cortana.
Pros and Cons of Personal Assistants? Pros: Allows smartphone tasks to be completed hands-free. Cons: Systems aren't perfected and can have difficulty attempting to understand strong accents.
What is teleconferencing? Holding a meeting over long distances, by means of speakers and microphones.
Pros and Cons of teleconferencing? Pros: It uses VoIP so that people are able to speak to others without having to travel and meet them. Cons: Technical difficulties could interrupt the meeting and there is no nonverbal communication, which is important in business.
What is videoconferencing? The same as teleconferencing, but with the added feature of video.
Pros and Cons of videoconferencing? Pros: Provides an experience closer to an actual meeting tham teleconferencing. Cons: Can be more difficult and costly to set up. People may also prefer to communicate without having a camera pointing at them.
Pros and Cons of Cellular/Satellite communication? Pros: These signals have been enhanced so they can now transmit data which allows for internet use, as well as phone calls and SMS messages. Cons: If a cellular connection is used, then you meed to be relatively close to one of the towers in order for it to work.
What is Instant Messaging? This is real time communication over the Internet. It works under the notion that the two people communicating are both 'online'.
Pros and Cons of Instant Messaging? Pros: The two people that are 'online' can communicate back and forth with quick replies. Cons: IM allows for easy transmission of viruses and sensitive information can often be leaked through IM as well.
What is a semantic error? Where all the syntax in the code is correct but the program doesn't perform the intended actions.
In which scenario will software completely freeze? If the software is performing too many tasks for the system to handle.
What is another self-preservation technique often used by systems? A reboot, to protect themselves against any harm that the faulty software may bring.
What should be done first to try fix a software problem? Check the log (troubleshooting tool) which will allow for the user to see the exact moment at which the problem occured and therefore the exact action that caused that problem.
What else should be done to aid the identification of software problems? Software developers, as well as network managers/IT technicians, need to document problems previously encountered. This will help with using the process of elimination which will lead to finding the cause of the problem.
What are protocols? Sets of rules that systems need to follow when communicating with each other.
What is TCP/IP? Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. These two protocols work together but with two different responsibilities.
Responsibility of TCP? To establish a connection between the transmitter and the recipient.
Responsibility of IP? Finding the correct destination of the data packets so they can be transmitted.
What do the different parts of the IP address represent? The geographical location and the individual network to which the device is connected.
What is UDP? User Data Protocol. Used for the same purpose as TCP/IP as it limks computers across the internet, but is an alternative as it is mostly used with connections with low latency or tolerate data packet loss.
What is SMTP? Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The internet protocol used for the transfer of email. Most email clients will use SMTP to send a message to the mail server, which will also use this protocol to relay that message to the receiving mail server.
What is FTP? File Transfer Protocol. Standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and a server on a computer network. Built on a client-server model and uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.
What is HTTP? HyperText Transfer Protocol. The protocol for transferring files on the world wide web. It runs on top of TCP/IP.
What is SNMP? Simple Network Management Protocol. The primary network management protocol which collects information from and configures network devices on an IP network.
What is ICMP? Internet Control Message Protocol. This is an IP supporting protocol that is used by network devices to generate error messages to the source IP address when network problems prevent the delivery of IP data packets. Any IP network device has the capability to send, receive or process ICMP messages.
What is POP? Post Office Protocol. This is an application-layer Internet standard protocol used by local email clients to retrieve emails from a remote server over a TCP/IP connection.
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