Software Flashcards
What are the two types of software
1: Application Software : Programs that allows users to do work, create output etc
… e.g. office suites, letters, accounts, send email
2: System Software : Programs for running, maintenance, security etc of the system
.., e.g. OS, disk tools, antivirus etc.
Describe and Explain the Operating System
Purpose : Allows users to interact with the computer systems software and hardware
It includes :
User interface
CPU and Memory Management
Manages access to hardware, peripherals etc
Deals with security e.g. access rights
What is a single user system
One user on the computer at a time e.g. laptop
What is a multi user system
Many users can log on to the same system simultaneously and use the system resources … Usually done over a network/internet
eg office 365
What is a multi-tasking system
Single Processor can only perform one task at a time
Users want to use multiple applications i.e. email and web browsing and word processing simultaneously as it is more productive
This uses Time Slicing (Allows 1 process to appear to multitask)
Operating system shares processor time between the open applications and processes
Allow a process a set number of instructions (per second)
Takes an image of process state
Stores on HDD/RAM
Later be reloaded and process continues
What is a multi processing system
Multiple processors used … Multiple tasks simultaneously One processor (OS) co-ordinates … Tasks are distributed to different processors … Results returned to another processor for further processing e.g. quad core 4 processors windows on cpu 1 Word on cpu 2 Movie editor cpu 3 and 4
What is a Multi Threading
On one single CPU core On a single process / application … Sharing resources … e.g. 2 tabs in internet explorer Different tasks or functions can happen on different parts of cpu simultaneously
Explain how a multi user operating system can ensure that all user requests are being effectively managed by the processor
System appears to each user as if they are only user
Server must share resources effectively so that all users can equally share CPU cycles
Share processing across available processors
…. If one processor is not doing anything, other processors will share work with it
What is general purpose application software
A piece of software can be used by lots of different tasks and word processor
What is special purpose application software
Used by specific type of user to do specialist task
e.g. payroll SW
What are the advantages and disadvantages of custom built
User requirements will be met in full
No unnecessary or unwanted features in the application
DisAdvantages
Take long time to develop from analysis through to implementation
Increased costs us there is a need to employ a specialist team to produce the solution
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Off- the - Shelf
Advantages
Immediately available for use
Wide range of support resources
Reduced cost as development cost shared across many users
Disadvantages
User interface may be unnecessarly complex
May not meet organisation requirements
Users approach to completing tasks with new system may have to be ammended
What is proprietary software
It is software where someone retains the rights to for example the source code for the application
Proprietary software is copyright protected and there are limits are imposed upon its use, distributed and modification
The person, team or organisation responsible for the development of the application in this maintains exclusive control over it. Only the original authors of the application have the legal right to copy the application view the source code etc.
Subsequent users must sign a license agreement to show they agree to only use the application within the bounds originally set down by the applications original authors
What is open source software and lists it adv and DisADV
It is software which has its source code made readily available to other users for editing and redistribution Source can be downloaded and used for free. Source code can be modified to suit own purpose. Source code can be redistributed under same licence as original ADV Fast fixes to bugs No cost - free Multiple Versions Wide range of support Modify for your purpose DisADV Too many versions available Help may not be available No obligation to provide support
List the advantages and disadvantages of proprietary software
Adv Regular updates Support readily available Offer certain level of support obligation DisADV Buy fixes maybe to slow Security updates maybe to slow Help only available at certain times Costly
