Chapter 9 - Nature of applications

software needed to run the computer’s hardware and application programs, including the OS, utility programs, etc.

program that will reorganise a magnetic hard disk so that files which have been split up into blocks and stored all over the disk will be recombined in a single series of sequential blocks; makes reading a file quicker

user can specify where to store, what you want to backup and how to run it (e.g. as a zip file); can run manually or schedule to run automatically

makes sure any software installed in up to date, so will regularly check internet for updates, and installs them if not; firewalls, antivirus updated to battle new threats, and apps updated with bug fixes, etc.

checks hard drive, incoming emails and internet downloads for viruses and removes them

utilities to copy, move and delete file and folders; zipped or compressed files can be transmitted quickly over the internet / limit to size of file to transmit

word-processor, spreadsheet or graphics package, can be used for many different purposes.

performs a single specific task or set of tasks e.g. payroll and accounts packages, hotel booking systems Off the shelf – less expensive, ready to be installed and error-free, but may include features that are not required Bespoke – customised features, but more expensive, takes more time to develop, includes errors

Open source – licensed for use free of charge, distributed with source code so anyone can modify Closed source – restrictions regarding usage, copyrighted so can’t see or modify source code