1.5: SYSTEMS SOFTWARE 2.0

Question 1

How does an encryption software work?

Answer 1

-uses a complex algorithm to scramble the content so that it appears to be gibberish.
-only authorised users can descramble the content.

Question 2

What is fragmentation?

Answer 2

-when segments are split up over a disk

Question 3

what is a disadvantage with a fragmented disk? and what is its effect on the computer

Answer 3

-takes longer to read from and write to, making a computer run slower.

Question 4

What does defragmentation software do? and what is the affect on the computer?

Answer 4

-takes the fragmented files and rearranges the segments so that they run contiguously.
-this decreases read/write time, thereby speeding up/ enhancing computer performance.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a firewall?

Answer 5

-examines ingoing and outgoing traffic to help restrict and prevent unauthorised access over a network/external source

Question 6

What does user management enable to happen (3)?

Answer 6

-individual users to be created and deleted

-access levels to be given to users (such as administrator rights or standard user rights)

-auditing (keeping a log) of files (a user creates, accesses, edits and deletes)

Question 7

what does encryption software NOT do, and what does it do instead?

Answer 7

-encryption does not prevent someone from intercepting a message - instead it prevents them from comprehending it.

Question 8

What is a back up?

Answer 8

-a copy of data

Question 9

How do you prevent data loss?

Answer 9

-regular copies of the data should be made.

Question 10

What do network managers do? using what?

Answer 10

-make regular backups of all files on a network

Question 11

What does backup software do?

Answer 11

-automatically makes a backup at a scheduled time of day

Question 12

Where are backup made /sent to?

Answer 12

-high capacity secondary storage device, or to the cloud.

Question 13

What happens when data loss occurs? and why?

Answer 13

-data can be retrieved from the backup.
-(back up) software allows all backed-up files to be retrieved or just specified files.

Question 14

what are the 2 types of backups?

Answer 14

full backup
incremental backup

Question 15

what is the functions of a full backup and the possible A/D ?

Answer 15

-involves making a copy of every file on the computer or network.
-requires a lot of storage and is time consuming

Question 16

what is the functions of an incremental backup?

Answer 16

• takes a copy of any new or edited files created since the last backup

Question 17

what do network managers do to ensure that all files are up to date? and how is this more effective? (3)

Answer 17

-make an initial full backup and then switch to daily incremental backups.
-this way all data is backed up
-daily backups are small and less time-consuming.

Question 18

advantages of open source software: (4)

Answer 18

+Users can edit and customise software freely.​

+There is generally a very strong social support forum if you need help.​

+Usually free and good for companies with limited budgets.​

+Allows collaboration with other people who may want the same modifications.

Question 19

disadvantages of open source software: (3)

Answer 19

-Relies on support networks of other users.​

-To edit the code, you need expert knowledge.​

-De-bugging can be hard as no one person is necessarily responsible for the software.

Question 20

advantages of proprietary source software: (3)

Answer 20

+Generally provide free customer support.​

+Meet professional standards.​

+Always someone to go back to if you have problems.

Question 21

disadvantages of proprietary source software: (4)

Answer 21

-Cost may be significant.​

-Limited to expansion by only what is available.​

-Reliant on one company – what if it goes bust?​

-May not fully meet the needs of the customer