Topic 3

Topic 3

1. Software

   • Programs that run on a computer which control and make use of the hardware
   • Types
     • System software System software is software that is written to control and make use of the hardware. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware and also between the applications and the hardware. Applications Applications are what computer uses buy computers for. These are programs which do the real world tasks that users want. Applications need to make use of system software in order to make the hardware do what is required.
     • other types
       • Off the shelf Off-the-shelf software is designed to provide a general set of features that a broad range of customers will find useful. The most popular and widely used software is usually off-the-shelf, e.g. web browsers such as Google chrome and many apps and games that can be downloaded from stores such as the app store. Off the shelf software will be cheaper than custom software as the cost for developing the software can be spread across more customers. It is also likely to be free from issues as many people will have tested it.
       • Proprietary software Proprietary software (sometimes referred to as closed source software) is software that legally remains the property of the organisation, group or individual who created it. The organisation that owns the rights to the product usually does not release the source code, and may insist that only those who have purchased a special licence key can use it. The software developed by organisations is normally done so to make a profit for the organisation. The source code for proprietary software remains a trade secret and only the completed programs are released to customers. Examples of proprietary software include Microsoft Office. I.e. Word, Excel
       • Open Source Open source software is free and openly available to everyone. People who create open source products publish the code and allow others to use and modify it. Communities of programmers often work together to develop the software and to support users. Open source products are usually tested in public by online contributors meaning they are often extremely reliable owing to the large number of testers and developers. However one draw- back to open source software is that support materials are not as easily accessible and no printed material to support the user may be available.
       • Custom written Custom written or Bespoke software is specially designed and written for a single organisation or group of users. Businesses or scientific projects will often need bespoke software as the exact software needed may not exist. Bespoke software will be much the same file size as off the shelf software; however it will be more expensive. This is due in large part to the time it will take to develop the software. Examples include the universal credit system used to award benefits in the UK.
   • OS
     • The operating system is a large collection of programs that tells the hardware what to do.
       • functions
         • • Managing the computer’s memory • Providing a user interface • Managing hardware • Protecting data from being accidently overwritten

2. utilites

   • Utilities We have already discovered that a computers operating system is responsible for many functions. One of these functions is to manage a number of housekeeping tasks. These are things that need to be done in order to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. The operating system controls a number of utility software applications to carry out specific tasks. The first of which revolves around the security of the system.
   • file tansfer
     • One of the basic things you need to be able to do is to create, move, copy and delete files on the computer system. If you were to use a command line user interface to do this, you would type the instructions directly into MSDOS. For example, the command for copying a file looks like this C:> copy myfile. Txt newfile.txt
   • defrag
     • Very occasionally, the files can become so fragments that it might cause a program to stop running. To overcome this problem, it is a good idea to regularly defragment or “Defrag” the hard drive. All computer systems have a defragmenter utility pre-installed. When it is run, it will reorganise the hard drive by putting pieces of related data back together so that files are stored contiguously (next to each other). This may also free up more space on the hard disk.
   • cleanup
     • Over time some parts of the system become cluttered with old installations details, temporary files, and dead shortcuts and so on. A good disk clean-up tool will search for and delete files which are no longer needed. One of the benefits of doing this is that large amounts of storage space are released. This can then be used for other programs or files.
   • auto update
     • This is a very important utility that automatically searches the internet for updated versions or patches for critical software such as the operating system or web browser. If an update is found, it will be automatically downloaded and installed and you will be prompted to restart your machine in order to apply the patch.

3. malware

   • Malware A software which is infected or just a virus Trojans When it appears to download one thing which is ok but it turns out to be a virus Worms It spreads fast and slows the network down. Adware/ Spyware It sees what you do and want sites you go on. They also uses that data send you ads to do with it