1.2.2 Applications Software

Question 1

What is the difference between applications and
systems software?

Answer 1

Applications software is utilised directly
by the end-user whereas systems
software ensures the high performance
of the computer.

Question 2

Give 3 examples of utilities.

Answer 2

• Compression
• Disk defragmentation
• Antivirus
• Automatic updating
• Automatic backup

Question 3

Give one advantage of using propietary
source code.

Answer 3

• Thorough, regular and well-tested updates
• Expert support and user manuals from
  company
• High levels of security as it is developed in
  a professional, controlled environment

Question 4

State two features of open source code.

Answer 4

• Does not require a license to be used
• Distributed with the source code
• Can be modified and sold on (under certain licenses)

Question 5

Give two advantages of using compiled
code over interpreted code.

Answer 5

• Faster to execute
• Does not require compiler to run

Question 6

Give two advantages of using interpreted
code over compiled code.

Answer 6

• Is platform independent
• Runs instantly without time waiting for
  compilation
• Useful for debugging

Question 7

What is assembly language?

Answer 7

A low-level language that has almost a
one-to-one relationship with machine
code. It is platform specific.

Question 8

Describe how the automatic backup utility works.

Answer 8

Automatically creates copies of files
specified by the user on a routine basis
eg. weekly. Ensures files can be
recovered.

Question 9

Give three examples of applications software.

Answer 9

• Desktop publishers
• Word processors
• Web browsers
• Spreadsheets
• Media players