Application Software Flashcards
Describe Generic Software
It performs general tasks and is not limited to one particular application, it may not meet all the user requirements. Eg a spreadsheet application
Describe special purpose software
Designed for specific application, software will meet users exact requirements. Eg. Payroll software
An organisation requires new software, describe two way as it could obtain this software
A generic software solution or readily available software could be purchased ‘Off the Shelf’ from a computer store or web site. A purpose built software could be developed in house by an ICT team or could be outsourced to ICT specialists outside the business
Describe one advantage of using open source software
The software code is available and can be edited or modified without restriction, it encourages groups of developers to contribute to open source projects
Describe one disadvantage of using open source software
There is no guarantee program development will continue, you may be left with application with bugs, there may be a lack of support, you may not get support unless you pay for it
Describe the main features of open source software
Software which’s source code is in the public domain, no licence is required to use the software, users can edit the source code to modify, adapt or improve it, the software is usually developed in the public.
Describe two advantages of custom built software compared to off the shelf software
It should meet the exact needs of the user as it is designed specifically for them and they have a part to play in the analysis stage, the developers will be on hand to correct any errors which arise during initial use of system- will perform corrective maintenance.
What are four advantages of Off the shelf software over custom built software?
«Immediately available for use «Cost shared among many users «Should contain few errors «Should be support available from other users «Training materials already available
Describe three ways to measure the quality of a system
Suitability
Usability
Functionality
Describe the main features of batch processing
Transactions are grouped until a suitable quantity is reached or a set time is reached, all transactions undergo same processing, usually no need for human intervention, usually performed during off peak periods, ie at night.
A computer uses a stock control system, identify two ways a computer could use RAM
To hold stock control software while it is running, to hold stock data before saved, to hold part of operating system which needs to be in memory.
What is application software?
It performs specific tasks for user, these may be generic, eg word processing, or special purpose eg payroll software
Describe disk defragmenter
Reorganises files stored on a disk to improve efficiency of read/write. Over time data for a file may be stored in different part of disk, the defragmenter identifies all data for a file and stores it in contiguous space on disk.
Describe the purpose of Archive software
Removes data which is no longer in regular or current use, and stores it offline so it is available when required. Data can be required for legal means. Compression is often used.
