Computer Science
Name some utility programs
- Disk defragmenter
- File management
- System clean up
- Security
- Virus checker
- Auto back up
- Auto update
- Compression software
What is the purpose of a utility program
To optimise the performance of a computer and perform useful background tasks
What does the Disk defragmanter do?
- Rearranges fileson a hard drive to increase computer efficiency and so files can be accessd quicker
What does file management do?
manages e.g relocating, naming, modifiying etc files. The OS provides a GUI allowing what files should be saved and their names
What does system clean up do?
- Scans the hard disk and removes all unnecessary files e.g temporary files, files no longer required/associated with any apps (orphan files)
What does security do?
Protects the computer from any threats e.g malware, viruses
What does auto backup do and when is it usually done
- Automatically backs up data in permanent storage that needs regular backing up
-Done when the computer isn't in use (Around 12AM midnight)
What does auto update do?
Makes sure the OS is up to date, with all updates being automatically installed
What does compression software do and give advantages of using it
Reduces the size of files
- Takes up less bandwidth
- Faster to send/receive data over a network
What do libraries and translators do
Allow programs to use pre-written routines and be translated into executable code
What is a library
A collection of pre-written code, procedures & classes. Which allow developers to perform tasks without having to write code from scratch
What is a Translators
Computer programs that transform source code written in a program language into a low level computer language
What is an application software
Software that performs a task to benefit the user
Give the three categories apps can be divided into?
- General purpose
- Special purpose
- Bespoke
What is off the shelf software
Software that's ready made and available for anyone to purchase
What is bespoke software
Software that's custom createdfor a specific user
Where would bespoke software be used?
In businesses
When selecting an app, what would you look for?
- Functionality - does it do what the user wants it to do
- Hardware
- Availability
- Cost
- Reliability - are there bugs?has it been tested
Give apps you would expect to have on a computer
Word processor - an app that creates/edits text documents
Web browser - allows you to search and locate resources on the world wide web
Email software - Used to generate and receive electronic communication
Database apps - Used to create databases
What is the difference between open source and closed (propietary) software
Open source - where the source code(plain text code) is freely availabe
Closed source - Where the source code isn't freely available
Give features of open source software
- Users can contribute to fixing errors
- Users can contribute to the sofware development by adding new features to the original product
- Usually is Free
- Isn't guaranteed to have regular updates
Give features of closed source software
- Isn't free
- The developer provides support to users after purchase to ensure the software works properly
- The user can't make changes to the software as they don't have the source code
- The user has to buy a license to use the software
- Provided as a fully executable set of files