Module 1.4 Flashcards
Explain what a web-based application is and how it is typically used.
A web-based application can be run directly from a server on the internet instead of having to be installed on a computer’s local disk drive. For example, you can browse to the Gmail website and run the application from the website itself.
Give three advantages of using web-based applications.
Any three advantages:
You can use the software from any computer or mobile device anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
The software is always up to date.
You don’t have to download or install the software, which saves storage space.
The hardware requirements of the computer or device you are using to access and run the
software are often not as high.
Compatibility issues are also not really a problem, as the software is not being installed and run
on the local device or computer.
Many of the online apps also provide some free online storage space.
What is the biggest potential disadvantage of using web-based software (besides the fact that the software might not have all the features or capabilities of traditional desktop versions)?
You cannot use the software if you do not have an internet connection.
Your father’s company wants to upgrade to a newer version of their accounting software.
Explain why it would be important for the new version of the software to be backward or downward
compatible by explaining what this means.
Software that is downward compatible means that the software will be able to access and use files created in previous (or older) versions. This would be important because the company would need to access their old accounting files created in the older version of the software.
Some older versions may not support features from newer versions. (not upward/forward compatible)
Give three common hardware requirements for software, besides the graphics card.
The type and the speed of the processor, the amount of RAM installed and the amount of available hard disk space.
What is the most common example of a software requirement that a new program might specify in order for it to be loaded and run properly?
The type of operating system.
Give two benefits of sending a document to someone in a PDF format?
To open and read the document, you do not need the original software used to create it. You only need a free PDF reader.
PDF documents are sometimes smaller and, if created using the official program from Adobe, can be locked to prevent editing.
Give two potential stumbling blocks with regard to using voice recognition software effectively, besides any hardware requirements.
You may have to invest a lot of time and effort to train the computer to recognise your voice correctly
for the best results.
Background noise and a poor quality microphone can also have a serious impact on the effectiveness of voice recognition.
Explain what we mean when we say ‘virtual assistants are intelligent’ by referring to a suitable example.
Virtual assistants ‘learn’ from all the interactions one has with them.
For example, remembering what your common grocery orders are, or letting you know when a new book is available from an author you like, etc.
List four other features that modern note-taking software provides, besides just ‘taking notes’.
Additional features include the ability to
keep handwritten notes, text, images, photos, links to web pages, other documents like PDF files
and video clips and sound bites (recordings), etc. in one document
use handwriting recognition to convert handwritten notes to editable text
search for terms or phrases in notes, even if the notes are handwritten or if they consist of
photographed text
record sound during a session in which you are taking notes – and synchronise the notes with the
recording.
Explain what a MOOC is in the context of e-learning.
A MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is a free course offered over the web and aimed at large-scale participation.
Computers can also offer training to people to help them to improve their skills. Give four general advantages of using computer-based training, besides any cost-related issues.
Advantages:
You can work at your own pace.
You can be immediately assessed, and given feedback by the software.
You are motivated to learn by the immediate feedback and by competing against yourself and
others.
Learning material can easily be updated and quickly customised.
Working with online content promotes green computing.
You can collaborate with others online.
What is a beta version of a program?
Beta versions are made available by software companies so that people can test the software, find errors and report them (along with suggested improvements) before the software is released for sale.
Briefly explain what a patch is, and what it is used for.
A patch is a downloadable software update that is used to enhance existing features and provide new features, fix bugs and patch security loopholes.
What are the disadvantages of using web based applications
Cannot use the software if you do not have an internet connection.
Performance of software affected by speed and quality of internet.
Web applications may have slower performance than desktop.
Software might not have all the features or capabilities.
What is subscription based software and how is it different to traditional licensing models
Traditional licensing models – the user pays ‘up-front’ for a license to use the software indefinitely.
With subscription software, the user pays a monthly or yearly subscription for the use of the software.
What is compatibility
Compatibility refers to the ability of your software to work with the hardware and software installed on your computer or device.
What are some examples of system requirements
processor- 2 GB or more of RAM (8 GB recommended)
memory- 2GB or more of RAM (8 GB recommended)
disk space- 3.1 GB of available hard disk space for installation
graphics requirements- 1024 x 768 display (1280 x 800 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB or more dedicated video RAM
operating system-
connectivity-
what is reference software
Dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and atlases are being replaced by reference software
The web much easier to use; mostly more up to date than a CD/DVD.
People increasingly use reference apps on mobile devices. (dictionaries, bird guides, cookbooks)
why are pdfs important
You can send it to anyone and they will see the document the way you created it. (important if someone else doesn’t run the same software as you)
people cannot edit the document.
what are the advantages of voice recognition software
Allows disabled users to control a computer by verbalising instructions.
Enter text by dictating it rather than typing it.
Situations where you can’t afford the distraction of looking at a screen and typing.
what are the disadvantages of voice recognition software
Have to invest a lot of time and effort to train the computer to recognise your voice.
Background noise and a poor quality microphone can have a serious impact on the effectiveness.
advantages of education and training software
Work at your own pace.
Immediately assessed and given feedback.
Motivated to learn by the immediate feedback and competing against yourself and others.
Learning material easily updated and quickly customised for different groups.
Working with online content promotes green computing.
You can collaborate with others online.
what troubleshooting steps can you take when a program freezes or is unresponsive
‘Freezing’ – non-responsive programs
The software seems to ‘freeze’ and become non-responsive.
The rest of the system works fine.
Close the ‘frozen’ application by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete (access the Task manager) and close the ‘frozen’ application.
what troubleshooting steps can you take when the software crashes
Reboot your system and try again.
Run the problem software without loading any other programs, to prevent conflicts.
Uninstall programs you have recently installed.
Check the online forums and help system.
Send an email to the company to inform them of the problem.
Make sure your software is up to date.
troubleshooting steps for read only files
Might be because it was loaded from read-only medium.
Copy file to another location and remove read-only attribute.
Copy the file and save it under different name or in a different folder.
Be careful in a network environment, as ‘read-only’ file might be in use by another user.
If program crashes, reload program to recover the file.
why do we constantly need to update our software
Any software will initially have ‘bugs’ in it. These are not viruses, but are ‘mistakes’ or errors that were introduced when the programmers wrote the software.
Security breaches and existence of ‘loopholes’ for malware and hackers
Beta versions of software are made available for people to test the software, find errors and report them.
Developers work continually on improving the versions of their software.
what are some guidelines for user centered design
layout and readability
Don’t put too much on a single page, slide, etc.
Group related items together
‘White space’
Clear labels and headings
Links must be used in consistent fashion and all work
font and colour
Appropriate colour combinations
No distracting colours and fonts
Legible text sizes –appropriate fonts and font sizes
Use formatting to emphasise important concepts
use of instructions and graphics
Simple concise language
Commonly known and used icons
Clear graphs, diagrams and tables
