The Roles of Software Flashcards
What is software?
Software is the program or instructions executed by the hardware
System software is used to operate and maintain a device using…
- Operating Systems
- Utility programs
- Program language transactions
What are Operating Systems?
Software that manages the hardware and software interaction on a device
List the functions of the OS
- User interface
- Security management
- File management
- Resource management
- Memory management
- Process management
What are System Utilties?
These are specialized programs used to assist in maintaining and improving the efficiency of the computing device
Four examples of system utilities are:
- Backup
- Storage efficiency improvements
- Disk error checks
- Antivirus
What is a Translator?
A Translator is a programming language processor that converts a computer program from one language into another
Translators take a program written in _______ ________ _______ code and convert it into _______ _______ ________ code.
Translators take a program written in human readable source code and convert it into machine readable object code.
Translators take a program written in _______ ________ _______ code and convert it into _______ _______ ________ code.
Translators take a program written in human readable source code and convert it into machine readable object code.
Application software is software that…
Performs end-user tasks like writing a letter, adding a filter to a photo or listening to music
Special purpose software is used to…
Perform narrowly focused tasks like photo editing
Sources of Software:
Off the Shelf -
Purchasing physically packed software or downloading it via the vendor’s online presence
Sources of Software:
Customized -
Off the shelf specially adjusted for the particular firm or person
Sources of Software:
Custom written -
Software designed uniquely for a particular firm or person
Sources of Software:
Software as a service -
Works mainly in or depends on a cloud service e.g. Google Suite
Define the term ‘User Interface’.
User Interface is a hardware and software combination that facilitates the effective communication between users and their devices
Define the term ‘Hardware Interface’.
Hardware Interface is the physical hardware components that allow the user to engage with the device
What is Software Intereface?
Software Interface is the programs that use hardware to allow the user to engage with the device
What is Command Line Interface?
A CLI is text-based - The user must text the commands to interact with the computer by typing the instructions into a terminal or conosole
List 3 advantages of CLI
- Fast
- Less memory needed to use
- Does not require Windows to run
- A low resolution can be used with a cheaper monitor
- Does not use as much CPU processing time
List 3 disadvantages of CLI:
- Can be confusing
- Command may fail with unprecise typing
- Large number of commands to be learned
Menu Driven Interface provides…
A list of options or menus that users can navigate through by clicking or using arrow keys
Examples of Menu Driven Interface are:
- ATM
- Mobile phones
- Settings menu an devices
The advantages of MDI are:
- Easy to use
- No commands to learn
- Step-by-step options are given
The disadvantages of MDI are:
- Slow to use
- Irritating if there are too many menu secrets
- Hard to read if menu is poorly designed
Graphical User Interface (GDI) uses…
Icons, buttons, windows and menus that you can interact with using a mouse or touchscreen.
Advantages of GDI include:
- Easy to use
- Easy to explore
- Reasonable ‘help’ system
Disadvantages of GDI include:
- Large amount of hard disk something
- Needs more RAM to run
- Uses more processing power
What is Sound & Screen User Interface (SSUI)?
An Interface which lets you interact with a computer using your voice
List the 4 steps of SSUI
- Say a command
- The system captures your voice
- The system processes your voice with speech recognition
- The system does what is asked
Advantages of SSUI are:
- Users do not need to be trained
- More flexibility
- Suitable for handicapped people
Disadvantages of SSUI are:
- Only responds to commands that can be programmed
- Highly complex program
- Not widely available
What is Touch Based User Interface (TBUI)?
An Interface that allows you to interact with a device by touching its screen
List the steps of Touch Based UI
- Use fingers to press on the screen
- The screen’s sensor’s detect your touch
- The device processes and performs the action
Advantages of Touch Based UI are:
- Intuitive to use
- Can see all the quality options
- Fixed to a large device
Disadvantages of Touch Based UI are:
- Only limited options can be offerred
- Screen could become scratched
- Not good in bright sunshine
What is Open Source Software (Source Code)?
The set of instructions written by a programmer in a specific programming language that tells a computer what to do.
The advantages of Open Source Software are:
- Free to use
- Customizable
- Community support
The disadvantages of Open Source Software are:
- Limited official support
- Less polished user interface
- Has compatability issues with proprietary systems
What is Proprietary Software?
Software that is owned by a company or individual and is distributed with restrictive licenses
List the advantages of Proprietary Software
- Professional support is available
- User-friendly interface
- Regular security updates
List the disadvantages of Proprietary Software
- Requires purchasing license or subscriptions
- Limited customization
- Users may depend on one provider for updates or support
