Sir Thomas Boughey High School A/S Level ICT Software Sir Thomas Boughey High School A/S Level ICT

Our Objective: To understand the nature, capabilities and limitations of software.

Categories of software Software can be divided into two main types: Systems Software (operating) Applications Software

Systems software

Systems software is the program used to control the hardware of the computer directly. Systems software is often said to form a bridge between the applications software and the hardware. Systems software includes the following groups of software: Operating systems Utility programs File management programs Virus detection software

Some examples of operating systems are: Windows 2000 Windows NT OS/2 Warp (created by IBM and used by most cash dispensers) Linux (limited applications, but free) UNIX (associated with mainframe and mini computers)

Applications software

Applications software Applications software is the name given to software which allows the computer to be applied to a particular problem. It is used for a specific purpose or application. Examples include: Word processing DTP Spreadsheets Databases Graphics/artwork Slide presentation Accounts packages CAD

Applications software packages can be put into three groups: Generic software May be used in any kind of business or organisation. This includes word processing, database, spreadsheets, graphics and integrated software. Specific task software This is used for a particular task. This includes CAD, payroll and stock control. Bespoke software Often called tailor made software, written specifically for the user.

Bespoke software As bespoke software is specially written for an application is is like buying a suit. If you buy a suit off the peg it does not fit perfectly, however if you have one made for you the fit will be perfect.

What are the drawbacks of bespoke software? Try to think of three disadvantages and write them down. Time-consuming Requires detailed programming knowledge Expensive

Generic software Sometimes called general purpose software and is designed to be used for a large range of applications.

Integrated packages Examples of integrated packages are: Microsoft Office Lotus SmartSuite Microsoft works Most integrated packages will include the following modules:communications, scheduling, graphics, database, spreadsheets and word processing.

Task: Write down four advantages and four disadvantages of integrated packages. You will find the answers on the next page……...

Four advantages and disadvantages of integrated packages are: Usually cheaper to buy Modules are designed to work well together so it is easy to transfer data. There is consistency in the way the programs work so it is easier to learn. It encourages user to try a wider range of applications Cheaper packages may be weak in some of the modules You may pay for modules that you will never need They take up large amounts of disk space In some cases where applications can be bought separately some useful features are left out of the integrated version

Capabilities of software As well as the ability to do the job for which it is bought there are other features which a software package should have to make life easier for the user

Links to other packages for example ; photos of pupils in a school database Search facilities Macro capabilities Applications generators for example; a program to run a video rental shop Report generators Editing capabilities

Short access times Data portability For example; between different packages, manufacturers (mail merge documents) Upgrade paths for example; old to new software The ability to change or extend data and record structures for example; changing a field length in a database once to records have been added

Want to change or upgrade your software? Can you think of some factors to consider? Training needs of users More use of help desks = more expense Installation time Possible hardware incompatibility Costs involved

Reliability Like anything you buy software must be fit for the purpose it is sold for. Some software only does this within certain parameters and then behave unexpectedly. This can cause the computer to freeze , where the only option is to switch it off without saving work.

Plug and Play Plug and play is now used throughout the computer industry. Peripherals can be attached to computers without the need to reconfigure the system yourself.

Your Revision Tasks Use textbooks and your notes to answer the set of A/S level examination questions on the following pages.

Textbooks ‘A’Level ICT – P.M.Heathcote Understanding Information and Communication technology for AS level – Stephen Doyle Information and Communication Technology for AS Level – Julian Mott and Anne Leeming

Question One: A small company is purchasing a new computer system and software. The new software includes an operating system, and generic package software which contains an application generator. Give three tasks that are performed by an operating system(3) State three characteristics of generic package software. Illustrate your answer with three different examples of the type of packages that could be chosen by the company.(the use of brand names will not gain credit) (6) State two characteristics of an application generator (2) AQA ICT Module 2 May 2001

Question Two: From the users point of view give three functions of an operating system (3) What is a utility program? Give an example (3) By giving examples, explain the difference between applications software and systems software (4) NEAB Paper 2 1996

Question Three: Personal computer systems are usually supplied with some system software already installed. Explain using examples, the purpose of system software. (the use of brand names will not gain credit) (4) AQA ICT Paper 2 June 2003

Question Four A spreadsheet package is described as having a macro facility. Describe what is meant by the term ‘macro’ and suggest a situation in which the use of a macro would be appropriate (4) AQA IT02 May 1997

Question Five: There is now a wide range of software tools available to increase the productivity of the end-user. Two such software tools are Applications Generators and Report Generators. Explain what is meant by an Applications Generator (2) Explain what is meant by a Report Generator (2) Give an example of when it may be sensible to use each one (2) AQA IT02 May1998

Chapters 21,22 and 23 in Heathcote Make sure you make a comprehensive set of notes on all areas discussed in this presentation. Chapters 21,22 and 23 in Heathcote

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