Chapter 2 : Software - Application Software Flashcards
Define Generic Application Software
It allows the user to perform several different tasks
The user adapts the software to meet their particular needs.
Examples of Software Categorisation
Generic Applications Software
Custom Written Applications Software
Example of Generic Application Software
DTP - used to produce leaflets
Graphics - to create images
Digital editor - to edit sound for presentation
Word processor - to produce letter
Communication software - used for sending mass emails
Application found in Business
Stock control - to ensure there is always stock available of different types
Order processing - to ensure that order are completed and that new stock arrives
Payroll - to control the pay and tax of employees
Word processor - to write letters to customers
Spreadsheet -to produce accounts of the business
Desk top publishing - productions of an instruction manual
Presentation software - to produce presentations to be used with groups
Web authoring - to produce a company website
Database - to store customer records
Define Custom Written Application Software
It allows the user to perform one or a few specific tasks
E.g. software to control a specific process on a production line
The software is created to meet a particular need or problem
Why Custom- written Software
Process is unique one-off
Can be written to allow ease of changes to production
One-Off
VS
Off-The-Shelf
Certain customer made more expensive
Bought from the shop
Define Knowledge Based Systems
Contain a large database of facts which are used by an interface engine to arrive at a solution
It allows the computer to make intelligent decisions based on input
Four parts of Knowledge Based Systems
Knowledge Base
Interface Engine
Rule Base
User Interface
Define Interface Engine
Attempts to work out the answer to the users query by using the rule base.
Define Knowledge Base
Database containing expert information
Define Rule Base
Links knowledge and contains all of the rules which link the data together
Define User Interface
Allows the user to communicate with the system
