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1.2.2 Applications Generation Notes
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- OCR
OCR A Level Computer Science. 1.2 Software and software development. 1.2.2 Applications Generation revision notes.
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1.2.2 Application GenerationType notes
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paper paper 1
topic 1.2
Software is the programs
Software can be grouped into separate categories: Systems software and
applications software
Systems software Applications software
Operating systems Off-the-shelf
Utility programs Custom written
Library programs Proprietary
Translators Open source
What is System Software?
Low-level software responsible for running the computer system smoothly
Interacts with hardware and generally provides a platform for applications
software to run
User doesn’t directly interact with systems software but it ensures high
performance for the user.
An operating system is an example of systems software, it is a set of programs that
lies between applications software and the computer hardware. It’s functions include
resource management and provision of a user interface.
Utilities ensure the consistent, high performance of the OS. Utility software is
designed to optimise the performance of the computer or perform tasks like backing
up files.
Disk fragmentation
As the hard disk becomes full - read/write times slow down, files become
fragmented because they are stored in different parts of memory
1.2.2 Application Generation 1
, A disk defragmenter is a program that reorganises a magnetic hard disk so
that files will be recombined - makes file reading easier and improving
performance
Automatic backup
Automatically creates routine copies of specific files selected by the user, so
in the event of a power failure or malicious attack, the files can be recovered.
User can specify: where to store the backup, what they want to backup, how
to run the backup, when to run the backup
Automatic updating
Makes sure any software installed on a computer is up-to-date.
E.g. firewalls ad antivirus software must be regularly updated as new viruses
and threats are constantly being discovered
Application software should be updated as there will be bug fixes and
improvements
Updates ensure the system is less vulnerable to malware and hacking
threats
Virus checker
Checks the hard drive, incoming emails and internet downloads for viruses
and removes any found
E.g. windows comes with built-in virus protection called windows defender
Compression software
Enables files to be compressed and decompressed, allowing them to be
transmitted much more quickly over the internet
What is Applications Software?
Designed to be used by the end-user to perform one specific task
Requires systems software in order to run
E.g. desktop publishing, word processing, web browsers
Can be categorised as general purpose, special purpose or custom written(bespoke)
software.
General purpose software:
1.2.2 Application Generation 2
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