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

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

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

4. Systems software

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Applications software

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

13. 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.

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. Thank you for watching Our original objective was :
To understand the nature, capabilities and limitations of software.
Thank you for watching