nature of applications

• What are the two main categories of software?

  Systems software and applications software
• What is a utility program?

  A program that performs useful background tasks
• Give an example of a utility program.

  Disk defragmenter
• What is the purpose of an operating system?

  To provide a user interface and manage resources
• What does a disk defragmenter do?

  Reorganizes files on a hard drive
• Why does file location affect access speed?

  Files need to be contiguous for faster access
• Why might gaps be present on a hard disk?

  Files may have been deleted or moved
• Why is automatic backup important for businesses?

  Users may forget to back up data
• What factors can be specified in an automatic backup process?

  Where, when, what, and how
• What does an automatic updating utility do?

  Installs software updates automatically
• What is the function of a virus checker?

  Scans for viruses using known definitions
• How does antivirus software use heuristics?

  It predicts malicious behavior of programs
• Why might a virus checker flag a harmless file?

  Due to false positives in detection
• What is the purpose of compression software?

  To reduce the size of large files
• What are libraries and translators used for?

  To use pre-written routines and translate code
• What is applications software?

  Software that performs tasks for the user
• What are the categories of applications software?

  General purpose, special purpose, bespoke
• What is off the shelf software?

  Ready-made software available for purchase
• What is bespoke software?

  Custom created software for specific users
• What is open source software?

  Software with accessible source code
• How does open source software differ from freeware?

  Freeware has no accessible source code
• What is closed source software?

  Software that does not allow source code access
• What must users do to use closed source software?

  Pay for a license to use it
• What criteria should be considered when selecting an application?

  Functionality, hardware, availability, cost, reliability
• What is the role of systems software?

  • Necessary for system operation
  • Controls hardware and runs applications
  • Includes operating systems, utilities, libraries, and translators
• What are the functions of utility programs?

  • Optimize computer performance
  • Perform background tasks
  • Examples: disk defragmenter, virus checker, automatic backup
• What is the difference between open source and closed source software?

  • Open source: source code accessible, free to modify
  • Closed source: source code hidden, requires a license
• What are the benefits of automatic updates?

  • Installs new features
  • Fixes security issues
  • Runs in the background
• What factors influence the selection of an application?

  • Functionality
  • Hardware compatibility
  • Availability
  • Cost
  • Reliability