1.2.2 applications generation

• System Software • Application Software

• Systems software controls hardware, provides platform for applications software, manages memory + provides a user interface • Applications software will allow tasks to be performed

• OS and utility software • also code translators, Library Program • Software designed to run computer’s hardware + applications, managing its resources (memory, processors + devices) • also provides platform for running application software. • system software is typically bundled with a computer’s OS

• previously written sections of code that contains useful routines that are frequently used by programs. • Simplifies the process of application development. • examples: encryption routines, database access routines, GUI routines

• software that performs specific task relating to upkeep and maintenance of system. analyse, configure, maintain, optimise system • designed to keep computer safe + running efficiently as well as provide useful tools to manage files and apps. • sits alongside OS - supports it

• antivirus / anti-malware • defragmenter • backup • compression • firewall • file repair • device drivers • file management

• think of utility software like MOT • car = OS. if you don’t maintain it, it loses performance • so with computers, OS allows it to run. But without utility software to protect with firewalls and anti-virus, create backups and run defragmentation, it can lose performance

• Word processor, image editing software, spreadsheet software, database management software, IDE, desktop publishing software, web browser, video editor, games, social networking, text and vice communication, graphics manipulation, Computer Aided Design specialist software (CAD) etc. • A program which provides an interactive service to the user + allows them to perform a task.

• functionality • hardware • availability • cost • reliability

• application that doesn’t have specific/narrow purpose as you can use it to carry out different tasks and meet multiple needs • word processor / presentation tools

• highly specific and bespoke software. specific application software only installed on systems with direct need for it. • database software (beyond creating, managing and using database, it has little use) (although you can duplicate functionality within more generic app like spreadsheet software, it may not suit needs)

• word processor (produce progress reports, capture bug reports, notes at design meetings for new projects) • graphics manipulation (produce assets for game) • software development tools (write, test and debug code) • communication software (email team members, contact potential clients / distributors)

• physical parts of a computer system and its related devices both internal or external

• general term covering all programs that run on a computer system • falls into broad categories like application, system and utility

• Software that is available to be purchased from a company as a full working package. • tends to be general application software

• you have to wait for the product to be made • will cost a large amount of money to produce • has not been ‘tried and tested’ • there are likely off the shelf alternatives

• helps to keep computer + files safe by detecting and removing malicious programs which have been designed to harm a computer. scanning for potential threats. can either run in background or you can manually or automatically schedule scans. examples of malware (viruses, trojans, spyware, worms)

• scans for and reorganises fragmented files on hard disk, putting fragments of files and free space together so that files are stored contiguously in disk memory, efficiency increased

• reduces movement of read/write head across disk surface –> speeds up file access

• Reduces size of a file so it takes up less space and so can download faster over the internet • data is either lost (reduces quality of image/audio file) or represented in different way using binary (retains original data in new compressed format)

• manages/organises data storage. Allows files, directories and folders to be organised, accessed, created, searched for, moved, copied, renamed and deleted. – Manage the storage of software

• files can become corrupt / damaged • file repair software attempts to rectify these issues and restore file to original working state • a file repair facility is often built into certain apps as well as being a separate, dedicated software tool found in most OS’s or from independent vendors

• Provides way to make a copy of data/files and store them on different storage medium so that if original is lost / corrupted in some way, it can be retrieved.

• bundled with OS but can also be purchased by separate vendor