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.
