Chapter 9 - The Nature of Applications (1.2)

Question 1

What is systems software?

Answer 1

Low-level software responsible for running the computer system smoothly, interacting with hardware and providing a platform for applications software to run, user doesn’t interact with systems software but ensures high performance for user.

Question 2

What is a utility program?

Answer 2

Key piece of system software necessary to ensuring consistent, high performance for the OS, each utility program has a specific function linked to maintenance of OS.

Question 3

What are the 5 examples of utility programs?

Answer 3

1. Compression
2. Disk defragmentation
3. Antivirus
4. Automatic updating
5. Automatic backup

Question 4

What is compression and why is it needed?

Answer 4

Reducing the size of data to save storage space or for faster transmission between individuals

Question 5

What is disk defragmentation?

Answer 5

Rearranges the contents of the hard drive so they
can be accessed faster, thus improving performance (as the hard disk becomes full, read/write times slow down as files become fragmented because they are stored in different parts of memory)

Question 6

What is antivirus?

Answer 6

Detects potential threats to the computer, alerts the user and removes the threats.

Question 7

What is automatic updating?

Answer 7

Ensures the operating system is kept up to date, with any updates
being automatically installed when the computer is restarted, updates tackle bugs or security flaws so system is less vulnerable to malware and hacking threats.

Question 8

What is automatic backup?

Answer 8

Automatically creates routine copies of specific files selected by user. How often files are backed up is also specified by user, meaning that in the event of a power failure, malicious attack or
other accident, files are recovered.

Question 9

What is applications software?

Answer 9

Designed to be used by the end-user to perform one specific task, requires systems software to run, can be split into general-purpose, special-purpose or custom-written (bespoke) software

Question 10

What is general-purpose software?

Answer 10

Software that can be used for many purposes

Question 11

What is special-purpose software?

Answer 11

Software that performs a single task of a set of tasks

Question 12

What is off-the-shelf software?

Answer 12

Software is is already ready to use

Question 13

What are some advantages of off-the-shelf software? (3)

Answer 13

1. Less expensive as cost is shared between everyone else buying software
2. Can be installed immediately
3. Tested and error-free

Question 14

What is a disadvantage of off-the-shelf software?

Answer 14

May contain unwanted features, and some wanted features may be missing

Question 15

What is bespoke software?

Answer 15

Software that is specifically made for an individual/group of people

Question 16

What is an advantage of bespoke software?

Answer 16

Features are customised to user requirements and features can be added if needed

Question 17

What are some disadvantages of bespoke software? (3)

Answer 17

1. More expensive
2. Can take a long time to develop
3. May contain errors that don’t appear immediately

Question 18

What is Open Source software?

Answer 18

Software that anyone can use, it can be edited by anyone (software created from open source software must also be open source)

Question 19

What are some disadvantages of Open Source software? (2)

Answer 19

1. Support online may be inaccurate
2. Security is low

Question 19

What are some advantages of Open Source software? (3)

Answer 19

1. Can be modified and improved by anyone
2. Can get technical support from the internet
3. Can be modified and sold

Question 20

What is Proprietary (Closed Source) software?

Answer 20

Software that’s sold in the form of a license, the person who wrote it owns the copyright and there’s restrictions on how the software can be used, users have no access to source code and can’t modify/sell it to others

Question 21

What are some advantages of Proprietary software? (3)

Answer 21

1. Thorough and regular updates
2. Expert support as company owns the software
3. High levels of security

Question 22

What are some disadvantages of Proprietary software? (2)

Answer 22

1. License restricts how many people can use it at once
2. Users can’t modify and improve software themselves