Chapter 9 - Nature of applications Flashcards
Systems software
software needed to run the computer’s hardware and application programs, including the OS, utility programs, etc.
Utility programs - Disk defragmentation
program that will reorganise a magnetic hard disk so that files which have been split up into blocks and stored all over the disk will be recombined in a single series of sequential blocks; makes reading a file quicker
Utility programs - Automatic backup
user can specify where to store, what you want to backup and how to run it (e.g. as a zip file); can run manually or schedule to run automatically
Utility programs - Automatic updating
makes sure any software installed in up to date, so will regularly check internet for updates, and installs them if not; firewalls, antivirus updated to battle new threats, and apps updated with bug fixes, etc.
Utility programs - Virus checker
checks hard drive, incoming emails and internet downloads for viruses and removes them
Utility programs - Compression software
utilities to copy, move and delete file and folders; zipped or compressed files can be transmitted quickly over the internet / limit to size of file to transmit
Application software - General-purpose software
word-processor, spreadsheet or graphics package, can be used for many different purposes.
Application software - Special-purpose software
performs a single specific task or set of tasks e.g. payroll and accounts packages, hotel booking systems
Off the shelf – less expensive, ready to be installed and error-free, but may include features that are not required
Bespoke – customised features, but more expensive, takes more time to develop, includes errors
Open source + closed source
Open source – licensed for use free of charge, distributed with source code so anyone can modify
Closed source – restrictions regarding usage, copyrighted so can’t see or modify source code
