Software Flashcards
Operating System
A suite of programs that manage the computer as a whole
User Interface
The means by which a user can interact with a computer system
Utility
A small program designed to carry out a limited maintenance task
Memory Management
Software which automatically handles the changing memory requirements of programs
Peripheral Management
Software responsible for handling input, output and storage devices
GUI
Allows users to communicate with a computer system using icons and menus
Security
Generic software type which protects the computer against threats such as spyware/viruses
Firewall
Network security tool which blocks unauthorised access while allowing outward communication
Defragmenter
Utility which speeds up hard drive read/write access by moving files physically closer together
Custom written
Software that has been written specifically to meet the needs of a particular user or group of users
Off the Shelf
Software that is mass produced for a wide range of users
Open Source
Freely licensed software – the code can be read and modified by anybody
Proprietary
Software without accessible source code, licensed under the exclusive legal right of the owner
Formatting
The process of wiping and preparing a disk drive for new use, carried out by software
Command line
User interface which requires instructions to be written in text, one at a time
