03 - Operating Systems & Applications | 03. Understanding Applications Flashcards
What is an application?
An application (or “app”) is a computer program that performs a certain task. You’re using an app right now to read this! A web browser is just one of the many apps you have on your computer.
Nearly everything you do on a computer involves an app. Want to type a letter? The word processor is an app. Need to join a meeting? Zoom and Skype. Need to access the Settings? That’s an app, too!
T/F | The role of the computer itself is to make sure users can use apps securely and efficiently.
TRUE
Broadly speaking, what are the number of application types and what are they?
There are 4 broad application categories: productivity, collaboration, business, single vs cross platform
Broadly speaking, what is a productivity application?
Productivity apps allow users the ability to perform daily tasks and engage with information in an efficient way. A word processor is considered a productivity app. A lot of time is saved by typing documents on a word processor rather than a typewriter. A web browser is a productivity app too as it is much faster to search a term online rather than page through an encyclopedia.
Broadly speaking, what is a collaboration application?
These apps help people work together and communicate in an efficient way. Email and video-conferencing applications would fall into this category.
Broadly speaking, what is a business application?
Apps in this category revolve around certain business needs. Included here might be a stock-trading app, an accounting app, or a supply-chain management app.
Broadly speaking, what is a single vs platform application?
Depending on the app, though, it may or may not be able to run on multiple operating systems. An app that can only run on Windows, for example, is a single-platform app because it cannot also run on Mac or Linux. An app that can run on multiple operating systems is called a cross-platform app. This single- vs. cross-platform distinction is a fundamental difference between apps.
Why would hardware struggle to keep up with all of the requests?
Sometimes apps will operate in the background. Between foreground and background apps, you can sometimes lose track of all the apps you’re running.
What is another way of saying you want to force an app to close?
Killing an application. End task.
Sometimes, an error may occur and an app stops responding to your computer. When this happens, you will not be able to interact with the app until it starts responding again. But since you may be waiting indefinitely, you may just want to force the app to close so that you can relaunch it.
On PC’s what application do we use to see what applications are running?
Task Manager
On Mac’s what application do we use to see what applications are running?
Activity Monitor
Apps that cannot work on more than one operating system are called?
Single-platform apps
Apps that can work on more than one operating system are called?
Cross-platform apps
