Computer Software

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  • Created by: Mulla52
  • Created on: 01-06-17 16:46
What is software?
The term given to the programs we run on our computers. The programs are the stored set of instructions that are given to the processor to carry out. Software also refers to the data that is used by the programs.
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What is the purpose of system software?
System software controls the hardware. It hides the complexities of the hardware from the user and the application programmer and allows the user to operate the computer without having to write programs. At its heart is the kernel.
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What is the Kernel?
The Kernel is the part of the operating system that actually makes the hardware do things.
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What is the purpose of application software?
Application software handles the real-world jobs that users want to do.
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What is the purpose of the utility software?
Utility software has limited functionality and is used to maintain computer systems.
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What is the user interface?
This is the boundary between the human user and the machine. The interface lets the user give commands, asks questions and displays a response.
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What is the command-line interface?
This interface requires the user to type commands. The commands are translated buy a command interpreter into signals that the computer can understand.
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Wha is the Graphical User Interface (GUI) ?
A GUI uses images, known as icons, to represent resources, files, programs and actions. GUIs are a useful way to interact with a computer because its intuitive, no special training is required and no commands need to be learned.
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Memory Management - How does the operating system organise and keep track of files?
Peripheral Management - Files are stored as data files, program files or configuration data. When you save a file, the OS looks up where there is free space on the medium, it writes the data into the medium and makes a record of its location.
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What re device drivers?
Software that creates an interface so that programmers do not need to be concerned about the peculiarities of the device, allows an OS to communicate with the device and allows devices to operate independently of each other.
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What does a multitasking operating system have to do?
Ensure that the CPU is in use much of the time as possible, try to speed up the operation of all tasks and share resources fairly between tasks.
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Describe how operating systems organise files.
Files are stored in directories - a directory is a logical grouping of files, e.g. folders in Windows.This is useful because they make it easier for related files to be located and allow the repeated use of the same file name in different locations.
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Give some examples of file extensions.
doc - Word Document. pdf - Portable Document Format. html - Hypertext Markup Language.
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What extra information can attributes give regarding a file?
Who created the file, who can view/edit it, whether it is read-only, the size of the file, date it was last changed/accessed etc.
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What are viruses?
Programs that replicate themselves and attach themselves to legitimate programs. They often have a payload which is designed to damage files, take control of a computer, retrieve confidential data. Some viruses have no payload but still cause damage.
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What security measures does authentication involve?
A user id, which checks who they are and what privileges they have and a password which confirms they are who they say they are.
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What is encryption?
When files are transformed in such a way that an unauthorised person cannot understand them. It is common for user passwords to be stored in an encrypted state.
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What is an editor?
An editor allows text files to be created, saved, read and changed. They are useful for writing the source code of programs and editing configuration files. An example of an editor is Notepad.
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What does a Linker do?
Linkers combine modules of object code (compiled program code) into a single executable program.
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What does an interpreter do?
Interpreters convert typed commands into the machine instructions that the processor understands.
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What are applications?
These are the programs that people use to do real-world jobs. There are huge number of them and examples of them include word processors, autopilots, traffic light controls etc.
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What are Utilities?
Software tools that help make maintaining the system easier. Some common utilities include spyware protection, firewalls, antivirus utilities etc.
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Give some detailed examples of utilities.
Antivirus utilities detect and remove viruses; Spyware protection checks for and removes programs that record the websites you visit; Firewalls monitor traffic entering and leaving a system in order to block unauthorised material.
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What is custom written software?
Software specially commissioned for a particular customer.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of custom written software?
It should have exactly the features required, a maintenance contract can be arranged and the developer may provide training however it may not have been extensively tested, it is expensive and may take a long time to develop.
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What is off the shelf software?
Software that can be bought from a supplier already boxed up and ready to install.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of off the shelf software?
It is ready immediately, been extensively tested, there will be online forums for users to help each other and low cost however it won't meet the users needs exactly, may need customisation and the customer may have to search for training providers.
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What is open source software?
Software that has been placed in the public domain by programmers. They often produce software to improve their skills or for the public good.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of open source software?
It may be free of charge and can be altered because the source code is available however there are no maintenance contracts, updates may not happen or come at irregular intervals and the software may be for a different platform.
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What is proprietary software?
Software that is developed for profit by a company. The source code is retained as a valuable trade secret and only the compiled code is released.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of proprietary software?
There is someone to contact for problems, should be extensively tested and have regular updates however it can be expensive and there may be deliberate incompatibilities so the user can get locked in.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is the purpose of system software?

Back

System software controls the hardware. It hides the complexities of the hardware from the user and the application programmer and allows the user to operate the computer without having to write programs. At its heart is the kernel.

Card 3

Front

What is the Kernel?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is the purpose of application software?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What is the purpose of the utility software?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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