Software Flashcards
What is an Operating system?
software that manages a computers hardware and provides a user interface
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is peripheral management?
controls the sending/ receiving of data from peripherals
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is storage management?
deals with how storage devices are formatted and the way which files are stored/retrieved
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is memory management?
manages how memory is allocated to applications so they do not clash
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is process management?
allocated processor time to each active process in the memory (multitasking)
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is security?
makes sure only the allocated programs are running and that there is no unauthorised access
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM: what is a user interface?
provides a way for the user to interact with the computer to perform tasks.
What is hacking?
gain unauthorised access to data in a system or computer.
What is Malware?
malicious software is a viruses that interfere with the normal operations of your computer. Viruses can be harmful and can result in loss of data or system crashes.
What is off the shelf software?
pre-made software you can buy online or in a shop
What are the advantages of off the shelf software?
- you can buy it straightaway
- cheaper
- regular updates
- online support
What are the disadvantages of off the shelf software?
- its made to suit many people so there may be features not included or extra features making it more comlicated
What is custom written software?
software written specifically for a customer which is not available to the general public
What are the advantages of custom written software?
- does exactly what you want it too
- no-one else has the software
What are the disadvantages of custom written software?
- you may have to wait months or years to get it
- it is much more expensive due to you having to pay full development costs
- there are not as many guides
- no regular updates or fixes
What is freeware?
Licensed at no cost or for an optional fee.
What is application software?
programs that are needed to perform tasks to the user.
What is proprietary software?
software owned by a company/ individual and a licence is sold to the user.
restrictions are always in place for example the user cannot access the source code.
What is open-source software?
software with the source code available to the user allowing them to edit the software and improve it.
Why might you chose proprietary over open source software?
- there are regular updates
- support and training courses
Why might you chose open source over proprietary software?
- cheaper/free
- helps them become better programmers
What are system utilities?
Provides extra functionality that makes it easier to use.
What is formatting?
preparing a data storage device for use
usually pre-formatted but the process involves marking the surface of the disk to indicate the start of each recording block.
What is file transfer/management?
Provides a logical vie of how the files are organised to make it easy for the user.
What is disk de-fragmentation?
files are stored on the hard disk in blocks wherever there is space. Therefore the file may be split into segments, which is efficient as it takes a longer time to find all the segments. The disk defragmentater moves the separate parts so they can be stored together, also grouping the free disk space.
back-up utility is probably one of the most important security method due to…
people accidentally deleting files
How does antivirus software protect the computer?
- prevents harmful programs from beings installed on the computer
- Prevents important files, such as the operating system, from being changed or deleted
- If a virus managed to install, the software will detect it when it performs its regular scans and delete i
Why is it important for the user to update antivirus software?
because new viruses are regularly created
What is spyware?
a program that secretly records what you do on your computer.
What uses spyware?
To find out passwords, bank details.
To track internet activity to display pop-up ads.
parental control also uses spyware-type programs.
What is a firewall?
prevents unauthorised access to or from a network. Blocks messages which do not meet a certain criteria: e.g. computers address, type of traffic, specific web site address. used in school to block certain web pages.
What are system clean-up tools? (maintenance utilities)
detects files that are no longer needed. This frees disk space, reduces time time to boot up the system, improves the performance of the computer.
What is automatic up-dating? (maintenance utilities)
makes sure all the software is automatically up to date. important for firewall and antivirus software.
What is system information and diagnosis?
Gives information about the hardware, statistics about its use and information that will help diagnose any problems with the computer.
What are stand alone utility programs?
utility programs which do not come with the operating system: sold separately.
What is a GUI interface?
- Graphical user interface
- uses visuals and pointers to select items.
- also called WIMP (windows, icons, menus and pointers)
- require very powerful computers
What is a command line interface?
a screen with a prompt where commands are entered. it is what all PCs used to use however now only experts use it.
What is a menu driven interface?
a more user friendly interface where the keyboard is used to select item or menus and taks are performed
What is a peripheral?
computer hardware that is not part of the CPU
system information utility
displays important data about the current state of
the computer
e.g. temperature, free memory, network speed, %
processor used
system diagnosis
attempts to detect/resolve items that are not
working correctly
e.g. missing drivers, network connection
What are firewalls used for?
to prevent unauthorised access into a network
What are user access levels used for?
to prevent any accidental deleting of files
What are network policies/ restrictions used for? e.g. students only allowed to log in during school hours, from certain computers
ensures that attempts to enter in the system are likely to be genuine.
What are Passwords protected user accounts used for?
to ensure that only authorised people can access the network.
