A3 Computer Software in an IT system Flashcards
What are the different types of Operating Systems?
-Real Time Operating System (RTOS)
-Single-User, Single-Task Operating Systems
-Single-User, Multi-Tasking Operating System
-Multi-User Operating System
What is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)
-Monitors data inputs and processes and responds instanteously
What is a Single-User, Single-Task Operating System
Used by 1 person and 1 app, e.g old phones which can only do one thing at a time
What is a Single-User, Multi-Tasking Operating System
Runs many apps e.g Windows 10, iOS - for general purpose computing devices : personal computers, smartphones
What is a Multi-User Operating System
Many Users can use the PC system & resources at once, e.g UNIX : powerful servers, supercomputers - very expensive!
Functions/Roles of Operating System
(5 of them)
Operating Systems have many functions, these functions allow us to run the software, transmit data, communicate with peripherals & keep system secure, these include:
-Networking
-Security
-Memory Management
-Multi-Tasking
-Device Drivers
Role of Operating Systems (Networking)
> connecting to the internet eg. TCP/IP = protocols to transmit data over the internet
utility programs, managing & maintaining your network
Role of Operating Systems (Security)
> Operating System has pre-installed tools to protect PC from threats e.g AntiVirus & Firewall Software & user authentication (login system), backup facilities
Role of Operating Systems (Memory Management)
> Software app, need to be loaded into main memory so they can run
-PC has finite amount of memory
Functions for efficient use of memory; e.g paging, Operating Systems assigns apps to ‘virtual memory’. Virtual Memory is a portion of the hard disk that is used as an extension of your main memory = pagefile
Role of Operating Systems (Multi-Tasking)
> Operating System will assign small amounts of processor time to each app, this happens quickly so it seems like they are running simultaneously.
PCs have limited memory & processing power meaning that if you open too many apps it will slow down the PC
Role of Operating Systems (Device Drivers)
> Operating System is responsible for peripheral devices to input & output data to PC, uses device drivers
Device driver - small software program controls the devices you connect to your PC (come with pre-installed drivers so different devices can communicate with the PC & you can install more device drivers)
Different types of User Interfaces
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Command Line Interface (CLI)
- Menu Based Interface
- Adapted Interface
Graphical User Interface
-What its used for
-Advantages and Disadvantages
-Windows 10, iOS
->graphical icons & images
= WIMP interface
-> Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers
+ Easy to use, doesn’t need to learn complex commands. Intuitive Interface
+ Easy to move data by software app, copy & paste
- More processing power used & more main memory to run (old systems don’t have much)
- Slow to perform tasks for experienced users. Many tasks require more actions to complete
Command Line Interface
-What its used for
-Advantages and Disadvantages
(CLI) - for managing & maintaining network, efficient
-> Plain background with text prompt that would allow you to enter commands to perform actions
+ Experienced users find it quicker to complete task
+ Simplicity = less memory & processing power to run. Also can run on weaker PC systems & less space on hard disk required
- Need to know various commands, Difficult for beginners
- Not intuitive as it requires training
Menu Based Interface
-What its used for
-Advantages and Disadvantages
-> list of options - submenus
ATM, Self Service Tills, Fast Food Places
+ Easy to use, limited actions, clear options which means its user friendly
+ Easily adapted interface for different users (translates language & options can be spoken)
- frustrating with more sub menus = more time to navigate
- Limited options, complex actions can’t be performed
Adapted Interface
-What its used for
-Advantages and Disadvantages
->Alters its presentation, layout & options to suit the user
>windows - font size, colours, cursor sizes, screen resolution & can be altered to run on phone/tablet
+ Fits users needs = more accessibility & less confusion for beginners
- Needs to adapt to the understanding of the user = time consuming
Factors Affecting use & performance of an Operating System (3)
-Hardware
-Malware
-Virtual Memory
Factors Affecting use & performance of an Operating System ( Hardware )
-If Operating System runs out of RAM/CPU = freezing & crashing
-Overtime hard disk becomes fragmented which means the data that makes up files & apps are split into different locations across hard disk which means its harder to locate all data required = slows down loading time
Factors Affecting use & performance of an Operating System ( Malware )
-> corrupt data, affect network traffic & disabling / taking over functions of Operating System
-> slow down & crash system
Factors Affecting use & performance of an Operating System ( Virtual Memory)
-> Not efficient as main memory meaning less perfomance
-> When the Operating System has to constantly switch data between main memory & virtual memory = known as thrashing it degrades PC performance
-> or when pagefile is too small & can’t support main memory
What are utility softwares?
They perform single/specific tasks in maintaining performance. Keeps system working in good order
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( disk defragmenter )
-> Hard disk drives are prone to fragmentation - affects read/write times
-> Disk defragmenter - analyses hard disk & regroup data so that data relating to same application/file are in same location
-> If you don’t regularly run disk defragmenter the hard disk becomes heavily fragmented meaning running utility takes hours and even longer if using apps
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( Software Updates)
-> to keep it secure & access new features & remove bugs
-> software update utility, automatically updates apps
>Automatic updates, downloaded over internet which relies on fast internet connection. Lots of updates = more time taken = poor internet performance when downloading
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( AntiVirus)
-> Scans newly added files, software & storage devices connected
-> Size of storage devicee, amount of data being used & how fragmented it is } = more time for scan
-> Existing malware/other app running will interfere with scan & take more time
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( Firewalls )
-> Monitors traffic in & out of PC over network, blocks suspicious data (hackers) to prevent harm
-> Can slow down network speed
-> Malware may target firewall to prevent it from working- exploit security holes
Different types of Application Software
-> Productivity Software (in business)
-> Graphic/Multimedia Software
-> Personal Software (in home)
-> Communication Software
The Purpose, Features & uses of application software (Productivity Software)
->Word processing - to create & manipulate text & images to produce documents
-features: editing/formatting text, cut/copy, paste, grammar check, mail merge, print
->Spreadsheet - organise data into grid of rows & columns to perform calculations on data
-features: formulae, functions, graphs, sorting, data formatting & macros
->Database - to create, edit & manage databases
-features: validation, queries, reports, forms, import & export
->Presentation - produce slideshows to present info to audience
-features: multimedia content, animations, transition effects, templates, slide notes
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( Graphic/Multimedia Software)
->CAD - produce technical illustrations
-features: 2D/3D modes, rotate, zoom, walkthrough, wireframe
->Graphics Editing - to create & manipulate images on PC (logo design)
-features: layering, cropping, colour/brightness/contrast, editing tool (pen, brush, bucket….)
->Desktop Publishing - to arrange text & graphics to make professional documents for printing
-features: editing/formatting text, insert graphics, borders, line spacing, templates, cut/paste
-> Video Editing - rearrange & manipulate video footage
-features: format conversion, cutting/joining segments, audio import, video filter, subtitles, credits
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( Personal Software )
-> Home Finance - manage personal accounts (expenditure track)
features: budget planning, bill reminder, balance/transaction monitoring, investment portfolio
-> Educational - to learn new skills
features: guizzes, progress tracking, multimedia content
-> Entertainment - take part in leisure activity/hobby (video games/films)
features for streaming films: play/pause, rewind, change quality
Role & Performance of Utility Software in our computer system ( Communication Software )
-> Email - send electronic messages over internet
features: attachments, reply, forward, address book
-> Web Browsing - access web pages, view & navigate them
features: bookmark, navigation, tabs refresh
-> VOIP - to hold real-time voice & video convos over internet
features: block, call forward, caller identification
-> Instant messaging - hold real-time, text based conversation
features: file attachment,, group messaging, contact lists, emojis
The Factors affecting choice, use & performance of application software
Compatibility - can software run with the OS / run on hardware available / interoperability - if software can with other software app (Many come in suite, Microsoft Office)
-> softwares from same suite:
+ common file types
+ easier to share/import
+ easier to use, common input
Use
> If software has required functionality & features. (may have to get custom made software - expensive)
User Experience
> require IT skills/training which means it takes longer to implement and theres more costs
> ease of use
> changing software interface = takes time to adapt
Image File Types
( BMP )
- uncompressed (24 bit)
- larger file size
- not used in internet apps (web)
- used to store original quality images, professional pictures (weddings)
Image File Types
( JPG )
- compressed (24 bit, same colour depth as bmp)
- smaller file size, lossy compression (can’t decompress)
- sharing pics on internet, email, cloud storage
Image File Types
( GIF )
- compressed (8 bit = 256 colours)
- lossless compression (not as effective)
- limited colours = simple graphics
- used for logos
Image File Types
( PNG )
- compressed (lossless)
- smaller file size & less quality
- used on web for complex images that require transparency
Image File Types
( SVG )
- vector image (for Adobe Illustrator)
-> stores pixels as shapes/lines with means it can be resized without being pixelated - used on webpages
- work with most graphics software
- only for simple images (logos)
What’s a container in relation to video file types?
It stores video, audio on CODECs used. Many containers allow you to use different CODECs to compress/decompress data
Video File Types
( AVI )
- highest quality video
- limited compression features meaning larger file size
- widely compatible with media players
- good for streaming
Video File Types
( MP4 )
- high quality video
- limited compression
- more compression features
- better compatibility for streaming (lower file size)
Video File Types
( MOV )
- Apple format
- less compatiblity
- similar to MP4
Video File Types
( MKV )
- better quality than MP4
- flexible compression features
- more CODEC compatibility
- less compatibility with media players ( & phones )
- used for streaming, saving, sharing on the internet
Features & Implications of Application File Types ( Word Processors )
- DOCX, Better security from macro viruses, doesnt work on old Word
- DOC, Lower file size & less data corruption than DOCX
- XML, Less corruption, very compressible using ZIP
- RTF, Less formatting features meaning less file size, and more compatibility
Features & Implications of Application File Types ( Spreadsheets )
- XLSX, more security from macro viruses, doesnt work on old EXCEL
- XLSM, for storing macros
- CSV, no formatting & formulaes, just raw data, also works with any spreadsheet app & good for imports to database
Features & Implications of Application File Types ( Presentations )
- PPTX
- PPT
- PPTM, with macros
- PDF, can’t be opened by most devices & can’t edit
Features & Implications of Application File Types ( Databases )
- ACCDB, (new) supports multi-value fields, attach external files (images) & more encryption
- MDB, works with older Access versions
Software Licenses ( Open Source )
It gives user permission to use & view & modify source code
+ simple licensing & often free
+ can meet your needs, modify source code
+ developed & maintained by large community, fast bug & security hole fix
+ more compatibility with app
- author has no responsibility to keep software updated
- difficult to maintain updates
- no professional support, documentation not strong/ available, which means you have to rely on community for support
- malicious users can identify & export flaws (source code available)
Software Licenses ( Proprietary )
Users can use the software but can’t view/edit source code
+ ongoing support for updates, patches, bug-fixes
+ less regular cycle, has automated updates
+ well supported by company, good documentation & customer service
+ more/better usability, better interface & less features
- licencing means its more restrictive and complicated, software can be very expensive
- source code not available, can’t be adapted to user needs
- reliant on developer for updates, which means more time waiting creating less security and productivity
- it uses proprietary standards meaning its harder to switch & transfer data to different software
