14. Software

Question 1

What is open source software?

Answer 1

Software for which the source code is freely available to download (e.g linux)

+/- anyone can contribute to fixing vulnerabilities and errors in the code
+ customer support

Question 2

What is bespoke software?

Answer 2

Software that is specifically made for a user or a company (e.g traffic management system)

+ scalability and security
- high initial costs and development time

Question 3

What is off-the-shelf software?

Answer 3

Pre-developed, readily available platform designed for a broad user base (e.g third party source packets, microsoft apps office)

+can be developed quickly
- underlying costs, inflexible

Question 4

What is computer automation?

Answer 4

Computer automation refers to the control of something in the physical environment by some form of computing system. They consist of sensors and actuators which gather input and produce output

Cycle:
Change Detetced -> New data proccessed -> Change made to physical environment -> sensors take readings -> (back to beginning)

Question 5

What is knowledge-based (expert) systems

Answer 5

Using a kbs, a user can interrogate a vast knowledge base to find a solution. The user enters the information he/she has, and the kbs infers an answer, if the system cant reach a conclusion, it requests more info.

Question 6

Weather Forecasting

Answer 6

Inputs: Sensors (positioned globally) detect temp,pressure,wind speed/direction, moisture

Process: Complicated calculations based on geographic models and previous weather when conditions were similar.

Outputs: Localised predictions of temp,wind etc with the accuracy diminishing the further forwards predictions are made

Question 7

CAD

Answer 7

Inputs: A mouse or touchscreen based input, allowing user to specify: positioning of parts,textures,materials and functionality.

Processes: - Calculating the cost of making componenets
- modelling physics
- Rotating design to be viewed from multiple angl
- Walk-throughs

Outputs - Still images of a design
- Animations of walk throughs
- Tabulated costs

Question 8

Robotics

Answer 8

Inputs: Combination of program code and the input of sensors

Process: Highly variable depending on application. A robot on a car might use a weight sensor to ensure its in the correction position before processing.

Outputs: Can be programmed to do anything, primally production and exploration. Output is via servos or downloading sensor logs.