Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Information Technology > The Roles of Software > Flashcards

The Roles of Software Flashcards

(42 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is software?

A

Software is the program or instructions executed by the hardware

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

System software is used to operate and maintain a device using:

A
  • Operating Systems
  • Utility programs
  • Program language transactions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are Operating Systems?

A

Software that manages the hardware and software interaction on a device

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

List the functions of the OS

A
  • User interface
  • Security management
  • File management
  • Resource management
  • Memory management
  • Process management
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are System Utilties?

A

These are specialized programs used to assist in maintaining and improving the efficiency of the computing device

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Four examples of system utilities are:

A
  • Backup
  • Storage efficiency improvements
  • Disk error checks
  • Antivirus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a Translator?

A

A Translator is a programming language processor that converts a computer program from one language into another

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Translators take a program written in _______ ________ _______ code and convert it into _______ _______ ________ code.

A

Translators take a program written in human readable source code and convert it into machine readable object code.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Translators take a program written in _______ ________ _______ code and convert it into _______ _______ ________ code.

A

Translators take a program written in human readable source code and convert it into machine readable object code.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Application software is software that…

A

Performs end-user tasks like writing a letter, adding a filter to a photo or listening to music

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Special purpose software is used to…

A

Perform narrowly focused tasks like photo editing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Sources of Software:
Off the Shelf -

A

Purchasing physically packed software or downloading it via the vendor’s online presence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Sources of Software:
Customized -

A

Off the shelf specially adjusted for the particular firm or person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Sources of Software:
Custom written -

A

Software designed uniquely for a particular firm or person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Sources of Software:
Software as a service -

A

Works mainly in or depends on a cloud service e.g. Google Suite

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Define the term ‘User Interface’.

A

User Interface is a hardware and software combination that facilitates the effective communication between users and their devices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Define the term ‘Hardware Interface’.

Study These Flashcards
A

Hardware Interface is the physical hardware components that allow the user to engage with the device

18
Q

What is Software Intereface?

Study These Flashcards
A

Software Interface is the programs that use hardware to allow the user to engage with the device

19
Q

What is Command Line Interface?

Study These Flashcards
A

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

20
Q

List 3 advantages of CLI

Study These Flashcards
A
  • 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
21
Q

List 3 disadvantages of CLI:

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Can be confusing
  • Command may fail with unprecise typing
  • Large number of commands to be learned
22
Q

Menu Driven Interface provides…

Study These Flashcards
A

A list of options or menus that users can navigate through by clicking or using arrow keys

23
Q

Examples of Menu Driven Interface are:

Study These Flashcards
A
  • ATM
  • Mobile phones
  • Settings menu an devices
24
Q

The advantages of MDI are:

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Easy to use
  • No commands to learn
  • Step-by-step options are given
25
The disadvantages of MDI are:
- Slow to use - Irritating if there are too many menu secrets - Hard to read if menu is poorly designed
26
Graphical User Interface (GDI) uses...
Icons, buttons, windows and menus that you can interact with using a mouse or touchscreen.
27
Advantages of GDI include:
- Easy to use - Easy to explore - Reasonable 'help' system
28
Disadvantages of GDI include:
- Large amount of hard disk something - Needs more RAM to run - Uses more processing power
29
What is Sound & Screen User Interface (SSUI)?
An Interface which lets you interact with a computer using your voice
30
List the 4 steps of SSUI
1. Say a command 2. The system captures your voice 3. The system processes your voice with speech recognition 4. The system does what is asked
31
Advantages of SSUI are:
- Users do not need to be trained - More flexibility - Suitable for handicapped people
32
Disadvantages of SSUI are:
- Only responds to commands that can be programmed - Highly complex program - Not widely available
33
What is Touch Based User Interface (TBUI)?
An Interface that allows you to interact with a device by touching its screen
34
List the steps of Touch Based UI
1. Use fingers to press on the screen 2. The screen's sensor's detect your touch 3. The device processes and performs the action
35
Advantages of Touch Based UI are:
- Intuitive to use - Can see all the quality options - Fixed to a large device
36
Disadvantages of Touch Based UI are:
- Only limited options can be offerred - Screen could become scratched - Not good in bright sunshine
37
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.
38
The advantages of Open Source Software are:
- Free to use - Customizable - Community support
39
The disadvantages of Open Source Software are:
- Limited official support - Less polished user interface - Has compatability issues with proprietary systems
40
What is Proprietary Software?
Software that is owned by a company or individual and is distributed with restrictive licenses
41
List the advantages of Proprietary Software
- Professional support is available - User-friendly interface - Regular security updates
42
List the disadvantages of Proprietary Software
- Requires purchasing license or subscriptions - Limited customization - Users may depend on one provider for updates or support

Information Technology (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions