2.3.6 Application Software

Question 1

Distinguish between system software and application software

Answer 1

Application SW- designed to enable an end user to complete a specific type of task. Examples of application software can include web browsers, web design SW and word processor applications

System software- designed to provide a platform for other software.
Mac OS Microsoft windows.

Question 2

Evaluate use of generic SW and special purpose SW

Answer 2

Generic
Designed to meet users general needs. Software titles often be used for a variety of purposes word processing sw. eg spreadsheets to do payroll.

Special purpose
Program designed to do one specific type of application. Eg. Video editing. Will meet exact needs of users who need SW to do eg. Payroll. Eg could use sage- specific.

Question 3

Diff between custom built and off the shelf SW

Answer 3

Customs built created by SW developers to meet specific needs of client.

Off shelf developed by large SW companies- general purpose

Question 4

Evaluate off the shelf

Answer 4

Already exists so instantly available
Lots of user support available because many people use the SW.
Development costs shared among all users in form of SW license.

May contain many features individual do no need.
Not meet all requirements for specific users.

Question 5

Evaluate custom built

Answer 5

Should fully match all user requirements with no extra unneeded functionality.

Will take a long time to develop
Client will have to meet all development costs because just for them.

Question 6

Different ways SW delivered to a device

Answer 6

Download

Web access

Question 7

Downloading SW to a device

Answer 7

Need an internet connection to download and install software

Question 8

Web access downloading SW to a device

Answer 8

Allows distributor to by pass retailers and allows delivery of applications directly to user.
Interconnection always needed.
Users essentially streaming access to product.

Question 9

Evaluate downloading SW

Answer 9

Guaranteed access at any time.

Requires space on storage device
App itself and data files could get deleted without a backup
Updating version will require internet connection.

Question 10

Evaluate web access

Answer 10

Less storage requirements for files.
Always be using up to date version.
Log into services on any device.

Must have internet connection to use.
Some features may be missing.

Question 11

Different way SW obtained/ developed

Answer 11

Proprietary

Open source

Question 12

Proprietary

Answer 12

Copyright protected.
Created owns right to copy or alter code.
Have to pay for license agreement can use SW as developers see it.

Question 13

Open source

Answer 13

Other developers are free to obtain/ view/ edit update source code.

Developers can make own version of SW legally

Question 14

Evaluate open source

Answer 14

Fast fixes to bugs
No cost
Multiple versions of application available to choose.
Wide range of support during life span of package.

Too many versions to choose from how knkw what best for u?
Help not always available.

Question 15

Feature of batch processing system

Answer 15

Input data collected in batch
All data processed together
Uses master and transaction files
Often takes place when system resources are not in high demand.

Question 16

Role of master file in batch processing

Answer 16

Contains data does not change between transaction eg. Name.

And data that will be updated during processing eg. Units used.

Must be sorted in same order as transaction file.

Question 17

Explain role of transaction file in batch processing

Answer 17

Contains new data will be processed to update master file. Eg. Units used this month.
Must be validated.
Will be merged with master file to create new master file.

Question 18

Batch processing

Answer 18

All processed together
Data collected
Output produced at a set time

Question 19

Real time processing system transaction

Answer 19

Processed when each transaction created

Output produced immediately no delay