SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE

1. Application

   • Applications for specific Tasks (Eg: Calculation, word-processing etc)
     • Off the shelf
       • Adv.
         • Cheaper
         • Well-tested before sales
         • Can be used straight away
       • Disadv.
         • Not customised to suit user needs
         • Software errors may not be rectified by developer
         • Might be difficult to learn how to use
     • Bespoke
       • Adv.
         • Customised to suit company / user
         • Increases company's efficiency
       • Disadv.
         • High cost

2. System

   • Operating system
     • Interface between applications and software
       • Manages system security
       • Manages System Resources
       • Manages Files and Folders
       • Manages data transfer
   • Utilities program
     • Software to perform / solve specific tasks
       • File Backup, File Compression, File Conversion
   • programming langauge
     • HIgh- level
       • Can be translated into machine code using compiler or interpreter
       • Adv.
         • Similar to English, therefore easy to undrstand
         • Can be used on different systems with little alteration
         • Easy to debug
       • Eg: HTML, JAVA
     • Low-level
       • Machine Language
         • 0s and 1s
         • Specific to machine
         • Very fast as no translation is needed
       • Assembly Language
         • Easier to understand than Machine Lanuage
           • Can be translated into machine code by using Assembler
       • Easily understood by computer

3. User iNterface

   • Command Driven Interface
     • ADV: If the user is familiar with the commands, the user can carry out the command faster
     • DISADV: User need to memorise all commands correctly
   • Menu Driven interface
     • ADV: No need to memorise commands
     • ADV: Easy to enter commands using keyboard / mouse / touchscreen
   • Graphical User Interface
     • WIMP
       • ADV:: User Friendly
         • ADV: Easy to learn
       • DISADV: Requires more system resources to run
       • DISADV: Slower Command Execution