Other Software Types Flashcards
What is systems software?
Systems software is software which is required to run the application software and hardware, e.g. drivers or translators.
What is applications software?
Software that isn’t utility or OS and is what the PC usually exists to use.
What is a disk defragmenter?
This utility software reorganises hard drives so that split up files are stored sequentially increasing read/write speed.
What is automatic backup software?
This utility software that stores extra copies of data, this can be set on a schedule, manually or automatically so that two hard drives store the data.
What is automatic update software?
Software which makes sure any or a certain piece of software is up to date by checking online, these can often automatically then download the update and install it
Give four examples of utility software.
Examples could include automatic backups
What is a virus checker?
Utility software which can check the hard drive, emails, downloads etc for viruses and remove them.
What is compression software?
Utility software which decreases the size of files e.g. zip files.
What is compression software?
Utility software which decreases the size of files e.g. zip files.
What is general-purpose software?
Software like a word processor or spreadsheet can be used for lots of different purposes.
What is special purpose software?
Software that only performs one specific task e.g. a hotel booking system or fingerprint scanner.
What is “off-the-shelf” software?
Software which is made widely available and is purchased by several individuals.
What is bespoke software?
Software made for a specific user usually for high cost.
Advantages/disadvantages of bespoke vs off-the-shelf software?
Bespoke is a lot more expensive, requires someone to set out requirements, may take a long time to develop and can contain errors which aren’t obvious at first. However, bespoke software will have features for exactly what the user requires and new features can often be added when needed. Off-the-shelf is likely to contain unwanted features or be missing features you want.
Open source vs closed source?
Open source is usually free and has the benefit of you being able to change it if you need to however it is often a lot more buggy than closed-source software and is likely to lack support and is more open to viruses as everyone has the source code (not always true for bigger open source software like Linux).
