Software (Edexcel IGCSE ICT): Flashcards

Data is added in order, but as files are deleted this leaves gaps; as new programs and data are added these gaps get filled, so data becomes fragmented.

Lossy compression removes data, so the original file cannot be re-created, while lossless compression orders data more efficiently, so the original file can be re-created.

Task manager allows users to monitor system resources in order to help troubleshoot potential problems.

An operating system is software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware in a computer system.

A user does not need to know where on secondary storage data is kept, only that it is saved for when they want it again.

The two main types are single user operating systems and network operating systems (NOS).

An operating system carries out memory management, resource management, security and print spooling.

Memory management is the process by which the operating system allocates main memory (RAM) between different programs that are open at the same time.

RAM is allocated based on priority and fairness, so system applications may have a higher priority than user applications.

The operating system divides processor time into small chunks (time slicing) and allocates them to different programs, giving the perception of multitasking.

The CPU can only execute one instruction at a time, but it can execute billions of them in one second.

It makes plug-and-play (PnP) functionality possible, automatically detecting and configuring new inputs and outputs without manually installing device drivers.

File management is the process by which the operating system creates, organises, manipulates and accesses files and folders on a computer system.

Security management enables different users to log onto a computer, with a system administrator able to allocate different access rights for different users.

The spooler creates a temporary holding area (a queue) for the print job, and queuing pages increases efficiency.

False.

A single user operating system has no option to customise the user interface for different users.

Office productivity tools are applications designed to enable common work-related tasks to be carried out, and are often combined into a single application suite.

Word processing software is used primarily for tasks involving text and images, such as letters, reports, essays and books.

Spreadsheet software is used for tasks involving calculations, allowing users to model financial situations and answer 'what if' questions.

Desktop publishing software is used for tasks that involve complicated page layouts, such as newsletters and leaflets.

Database software offers data entry form design, queries to select data meeting a certain criteria, and reports to display data in a readable format.

Web authoring software is software designed to allow the creation of websites.

Websites are written in HTML and translated by web browsers so that users can see and read them.

It uses a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) interface, which helps users with little or no HTML experience to create web pages.

Image editing software allows users to manipulate and enhance digital photographs and images.

Features include resizing, adjusting brightness and contrast, applying filters, red-eye removal and cropping.

Features include cutting and joining audio clips, altering volume, changing tempo, adding effects and applying audio processing.

Presentation software allows users to create multimedia content that is typically displayed on slides.

Features include transitions and animations, presenter notes, and automatic or timed navigation.

Control software uses sensors to capture inputs, processes them and produces an output that makes something happen in the physical environment.

Control software can send commands to actuators and motors.

False.

The critical path allows a project manager to see the shortest time a project will take to complete.

Project management software is designed to make the organisation of projects more efficient by tracking individual tasks.

A milestone is a time or date by which a task must be completed.

A timeline shows a graphical representation of events and the time and order in which they occur; Gantt charts are often used to visualise project timelines.

A software licence is a legal agreement that lays out the rules for how software can and cannot be used.

The two main types are free or open source and proprietary.

The two types of software licence have very different rules on usage, distribution and support.

False.

'Free' means free from restrictions, not free of cost, and an answer based on cost is not accepted.

Open source software gives users access to the source code, which they can edit, change and distribute.

Proprietary software costs money, is produced by professional companies, and receives more regular official updates, support, upgrades and fixes.

It allows collaboration with others who want the same modifications, less buggy versions may appear faster, it is usually free so suits limited budgets, and it generally has strong social support.

It relies on the support of other users, expert knowledge is needed to edit the code, it may not receive regular updates, and it could be more open to exploitation through users adding malicious code.

It offers generally free customer support, it is created to professional standards, and there is always someone to go back to with any problems.

The cost can be significant, expansion is limited to what is available, it relies on one company, and it may not fully meet the needs of the user.

Communication software is software that provides remote access to systems, so that files and messages in text, image, audio or video format can be exchanged between different computers or users.

Common types are web browsers, email, social media, SMS/MMS and instant messaging.

The purpose of a web browser is to render hypertext markup language (HTML) and display web pages.

It interprets the code in HTML documents and translates it into a visual display for the user.

The main uses of email are personal communication, professional correspondence and marketing.

Guidelines usually cover the purpose of the email, using acceptable language, and email security, including anti-virus software.

SMS stands for short messaging service and MMS stands for multimedia messaging service.

SMS allows a maximum of 160 text characters per message.

False.

SMS and MMS use a mobile phone network, so no internet connection is required.

MMS allows more than 160 characters and can include video, animations, images and audio.

Instant messaging requires an internet connection to allow multimedia communication between single users and groups of users.

Instant messaging can show when users are typing (online/offline status) and can include location data.

Privacy settings allow users to control who can see their content.

Software is updated to fix bugs or software vulnerabilities, increase compatibility with newer operating systems, improve performance, introduce new features and improve usability.

Updates are typically downloaded from the internet, either by the user or automatically from within the software itself.

The user downloads the update file and then installs it.

Scheduling allows updates to suit user needs and minimise disruption.

Software updates typically require the removal of components, to be replaced with new ones.

The risks are incompatibility with older hardware or software, workflow disruption while users adjust to new features or interface changes, and update issues where the installation goes wrong and causes data loss.

Software is often released in a less than perfect state, and any flaws or vulnerabilities provide an opportunity for hackers.

False.

Unpatched or outdated software can lead to data breaches and the installation of malware.

A corrective update fixes or patches bugs.

An adaptive update improves compatibility, for example with operating system or hardware changes.

A perfective update adds new features.

A preventative update protects against new security vulnerabilities.

An update replaces components, and the new components may not work with older hardware or software.