Software Types Flashcards
What are the two types of software?
- Systems software
* Applications Software
What is systems software?
The software needed to run the computer’s hardware and applications programs.
What are some examples of systems software?
- Operating systems
- Utility Programs
- Library Programs
- Translators
What are some examples of applications software?
- Off the shelf
- Custom Written
- Proprietary
- Open Source
What is the OS?
A set of programs that lies between applications software and computer hardware
What are some functions of the OS?
- Resource Management
- Provision of a user interface
- Interrupt Handling
- Multi tasking
What is utility software?
System software designed to optimise the performance of the computer or perform tasks such as: • Backing up files • Restoring corrupted files •Compressing or decompressing data • Encrypting data before transmission
What are some examples of utility programs?
- Disk de-fragger
- Auto Backup
- Auto Update
- Virus checker
- Compression Software
What is a disk defragmenter?
A program that will re organise a magnetic hard disk so that the files which have been split up into blocks and stored all over the disk will be recombined in a single series of sequential blocks.
Why is using a disk defragger useful?
So file scan be read more quickly.
What does the automatic backup do?
- Where backup is stored
- What you want to backup
- How you want to run the backup
- When you want to run the backup
What does automatic update do?
• Makes sure that any software installed on the computer is up to date
What does a virus checker do?
Scans permanent storage for viruses by comparing files to known virus definitions.
How do virus programs use heuristics?
- Knows what types of behaviour are likely to be used by a malicious program.
- Used to guess which programs or files may contain a virus based upon their behaviour.
What does compression software do?
- Reduces the size of files.
* Faster transmission of files over the internet.
What is applications software?
Software the performs tasks that benefit the user.
What are the different types of applications software?
- General Purpose
- Special Purpose
- Bespoke
What is off the shelf?
Read made software available to anyone to purchase.
What is bespoke?
Software that is custom created for a specific user.
What is open source software?
Software that allows anyone to access the source code.
What are some features of open source software?
- Software is licensed for use but there is no charge for the license, anyone can use it.
- Open source software must be distributed with the source code so anyone can modify it.
- Developers can sell the software they have created.
- Any new software created from open source software must be open, this means that it must be distributed or sold in a form that other people can read and edit.
What is closed source?
- Software that does not allow access to source code.
- Users must pay the person or company who owns the copyright for a license to use the software.
- There may be restrictions on how the software is used.
What is an advantage of using closed source?
- Support available from the company.
- regular updates available
- Large user base and training courses.
What are some differences between off the shelf vs bespoke?
- Less expensive.
- May contain many unwanted features
- Ready to be installed immediately..
- well documented and error free
What are some differences between bespoke vs off the shelf?
- more expensive
- Features customised to user requirements and other features can be added as needs arise.
- may take a long time to develop
- May contain errors.
