Chapter4 Part 1 Flashcards
What is a software?
It is the link between humans and the computer, enabling people to communicate certain problems to the computer via instructions that tells the computer what to do, how to do & where to send the results to
What is meant by application software?
Any software designed to perform coordinated function for the user
(Word processor, accounting application, web browser, media player, etc)
Classified into:
1) desktop application
2) web application
3) mobile application
Compare Smartphones to desktop PC’s
Smartphones have lower processing power, limited battery life, more sensors, dependent on the internet
What is a mobile application?
Smartphone & tablet applications developed for a specific mobile OS
Native apps developed for a given operating system (os) wont work on another operating system
What is meant by web applications?
Websites that looks and feel like applications, run by a browser written in HTML, easy to access, doesn’t require CPU power, enables online collaboration, accessible on a wide range of devices
Compare and contrast installed and web applications
Installed apps advantages:
1) Best performance and provides full access to underlying hardware
2) User Interface elements are guaranteed to be consistent with the platform look and feel
Disadvantages:
1) Higher development costs, maintaining multiple code bases
2) More developers needed, due to specific requirements
Web application advantages:
1) No need to distribute using App store or Google Play Store
2) Multi-functionality
3) Lower deployment costs
Web application disadvantages:
1) Browser based user experience
2) Internet connection is required
3) Slower performance, not device optimized
List some examples of common software issues
1) place to get the software from
2) cost of software
3) compatibility with the system
4) maintenance of the software
5) how to fix the bugs and errors
6) understanding its privacy and security issues
7) copyrights association
What is meant by software distribution?
The place where you get your applications from (google play store, App Store, Microsoft store) or delivered as web applications using server-side software
How do software get revenue?
1) subscription
2) in app purchases
3) advertisements
4) the app costs money to get
How does a software get maintained?
1) updating (usually free, enhances and fixes some bugs)
2) upgrading (significant new features/improvements, usually not free)
List some of the performance issues
1) network issues
2) poor battery
3) low RAM storage
4) multiple apps running at the background
Ways to fix software problems
1) Restart the software
2) Shut down and restart your computer
3) Free up RAM by closing other open programs
4) Undo any recent hardware or software changes
5) Scan for viruses and malware
How to protect yourself against harmful apps?
1) Only download apps from official app distributers
2) Check suspicious app permissions
3) Beware of app advertisements
4) Switch off permissions for apps you don’t use
5) Update your device firmware
What is meant by cross platform?
Software that are available on different operating systems
