1.2.2 Application Software Flashcards
What is application software?
- Applications software is designed to be used by the end-user to perform one specific task.
- Application software requires systems software in order to run.
What are some examples of application software?
Examples: desktop publishing, word processing, spreadsheets, web browsers
What is Systems software?
Systems software is low-level software that is responsible for running the computer systemsmoothly, interacting with hardware and generally providing a platform for applicationssoftware to run.
What are some examples of systems software?
Examples: library programs, utility programs, operating system, device drivers.
What are utilities?
Systems software designed to ensure the consisted,high performance of the OS. Each utility program has a specific function linked to maintenance of the OS.
What are some examples of utility software?
Compression, disk defragmentation, automatic updating, backup
What is source code?
Written by a programmer and refers to object code before it has been compiled.
What is the definition of open source software?
Open source software can be usedby anyone without a license and is distributed with the source code.
What is closed source software?
Closed source software requires the user to hold an appropriatelicense to use it. Users cannot access the source code as thecompany owns the copyright license.
What are advantages of open source software?
- Can be modified and improved by anyone
- Technical support from online community
What are advantages of closed source software?
- Thorough, regular and well-tested updates
- Company owning software provides expert support and user manuals.
- High levels of security as developed professionally.
What are disadvantages of open source software?
- Support available online may be insufficient or incorrect. No user manuals.
- Lower security as may not be developed in a controlled environment
- Difficult to monetise
What are disadvantages of closed source software?
- License restricts how many people can use the software at once
- Users cannot modify and improve software themselves
What are translators?
A translator is a program that converts high-level source code into low-level object code, which is then ready to be executed by a computer.
What are the three types of translators?
- Compiler
- Interpreter
- Assembler