Application Skills Flashcards
What is the difference between Archive & Backup?
Backup is a copy of data that may be used to restore the original in the event that the files are lost or damaged beyond repair, while Archive is a collection of historical data specifically selected for long-term storage and future reference
What are Vector File Types?
Vector images are composed of define mathematically defined lines and shapes that combine to make an image
What are Vector Files good for?
Logo & Fonts
What are programs you can use for Vector Files?
-Adobe Illustrator
-Inkscape (Free software)
- Coral Draw
What are Raster File Types?
A Raster format breaks the image into a grid of pixels and records colour information for each pixel
List all common Raster File Formats?
- JPEG
- GIF
- PNG
- TIFF
- BMP
List some characteristics of JPEG?
- Good, photographic quality
- Small file sizes
- Does not support transparency
- Lossy compression
JPEG is most commonly used on?
The web
List some characteristics of GIFF?
- Transparent
- Very small file size
- Supports animation
Lossless Compression - 256 colours max
Josh wants to use a GIFF for a photo template explain why he shouldn’t use GIFF?
Because of colour limitations GIFF cannot be used for photogenic quality images
List some characteristics of PNG?
- Photographic quality (supports a large number of colours.
- Lossless Compression
- Transparency
True Or False: Opacity cannot be controlled?
False
What is TIFF & what are some of it’s characteristics?
- Very good quality (huge images, uncompressed)
- Includes support for layers
- HUGE file sizes (Too big for web)
“TIFF is a good file format to edit with” explain why/why not this is true?
The high quality and layer support makes it good to edit with, but should never be used on the web due to the file size
What does BMP stand for?
Bitmap
List some of BMP characteristics?
- BMP or Bitmap Image File is a format developed by - Microsoft for Windows
- Very good quality (huge images, uncompressed)
- HUGE file sizes (Too big for web)
- Does not support layers.
Explain why most people generally use TIFF instead of BMP?
Due to BMP being a proprietary format (owned by Microsoft), it is generally recommended to use TIFF files instead
List all the audio file formats?
- MP3
- WAV
- WMA
List some characteristics of MP3?
-A popular, compressed file format.
- Can be played in just about all media software.
- Small file size, but not the best sound quality.
- Perfect for storing large quantities of music on smartphones.
- Also easy to stream over the internet
List all characteristics of WAV?
- All music on CDs are WAV files
- Good quality audio, but large in file size
List all the characteristics of WMA?
- Developed by Microsoft (Used with Windows Media Player)
- Was intended to compete with MP3s. However, very few programs support WMA files
What performs the installation of applications?
The OS system
What is the installation file for Mac?
.dmg
What is the installation for Windows?
.exe
The iOS apps are download through the?
App Store
The Android apps are downloaded through the?
Play Store
List a few reasons why software updates occur?
- Software updates are improvements to the software (often to fix bugs or glitches)
- Updates can also improve security (eg - if a hacker finds ways to get into the computer through that software)
- Sometimes adds new features
Define “Software License”
A software license is a legal document governing the use or redistribution of software
List all types of software license?
- Freeware
- Shareware
- Proprietary
- Open Source
Define Freeware?
Freeware refers to software that is 100% free of charge. No restrictions on how many times you can download or open the program, and there is no expiration date
List the pros & cons of freeware?
Pros:
- Free to download
- Many free software programs have large and active communities online that offer support to users of free software via blogs and forums
Cons:
- While these programs are fully functional, some lack desirable features found in proprietary versions.
- Depending on the size of the company, there also may be little tech support provided for these programs.
- Often a lack of updates (depending on size of the company and popularity of software)
List some examples of Freeware?
- Adobe Reader (A freeware version of Adobe Acrobat - Pro/Standard)
- GIMP (Similar functionality to Photoshop)
- Audacity (Audio manipulation)
- Skype (Video conferencing)
- Cleaner(Utility software System maintenance.)
Define Shareware?
Shareware is software that is distributed free, on a trial basis with the understanding that the user will need to pay for it later
List the pros & cons of Shareware?
Pros:
- Allows a user to try the program for free to see if it meets their needs.
Cons:
- It will not be free forever OR will not have all the functions
Define Proprietary Software?
Proprietary software is any software that is copyrighted and bears limits against use, distribution and modification that are imposed by its publisher/vendor/developer
List the pros & cons of Propriety Software?
Pros:
- Usually rich in features and functions
- Often has great customer support
- Frequent patches and updates are released
Cons:
- Reliance on the developer for modifications and support. This can take some time depending on the size of the company.
List some examples of Propriety Software?
- Windows
- Photoshop
What is the difference between Open Source & Closed Source?
Open source software is software with source code that anyone can modify, and enhance, while Closed Source is is software that holds the source code safe and encrypted. Meaning, the user can’t copy, modify, or delete parts of the code without some type of consequence.
List the pros & cons of Open Source
Pros:
- Usually Free to download
- Software can be freely modified to your liking
Cons:
- May not come with extensive support
- May lack in features compared to proprietary software.
List some examples of Open Source?
- Mozilla Firefox
- Linux
What is Lossless Compression?
A form of data compression that reduce file sizes without sacrificing any significant information in the process
What is Lossy Compression?
Typically used when a file can afford to lose some data, and/or if storage space needs to be drastically ‘freed up
