1.2.2 Applications Generation Flashcards
Applications software
Designed to be used by the end user to complete one specific task
4 types of application software
Off the shelf, bespoke, proprietary and open source
Database management software
Used to manage data in a database without having to access the database manually
Off the shelf software
Ready made software available for anyone to purchase
Bespoke software
Software that is custom created for a specific user
Open source software
Allows anyone to access the source code
Open source licenced but free to use
Anyone can sell a modified version but the owner has to accept changes to the source code
Open source advantages and disadvantages
+ free licence, people collaborate to improve it, new versions need the same licences
- can’t make money, support must be paid for
Closed source/ proprietary software
Does not allow access to the store code, users must pay the company for the licence to use the software. There are restrictions on how it can be used
Proprietary advantages and disadvantages
+ Support is usually free, can be free, free updates
- Source code not easily available, cannot be altered/shared
Freeware
Software is free to use but source code is unavailable
Systems software
Low-level software responsible for running the computer system smoothly, providing a platform for applications software
Examples of systems software
Operating systems, utility programs, library programs, translators
Disk defragmenter
Rearranges your data so that it is stored contiguously
Automatic backup
Stores your data in servers elsewhere in case of an issue. Automatic so you don’t forget to do it
Automatic updating
Upgrades the system software to upgrade performance and removes bugs without us remembering to do it
Virus checking
Uses firewalls to stop viruses getting onto devices and anti-malware to fix them, minimises risk of viruses affecting you
Compression software
Stores the data in a smaller area, allowing you to store more data and instructions.
File manager
Allows the users to move/view/rename/open their files
Low Level Language
e.g. machine code (made up of operand and opcode) - first generation language
assembly code (opcode replaced with mnemonic ) - second generation language
Used in embedded systems/mobile phones