1. Cambridge Technicals: IT
Unit 1: fundamentals of it
LO2 - Understand computer software

2. Assessment Outcomes You will need to understand: Computer hardware
2.1 Types of software 2.2 Applications software 2.3 Utility software 2.4 Operating systems 2.5 Communication methods 2.6 Software troubleshooting 2.7 Protocols
You will need to understand:
Computer hardware
Computer software
Business IT systems
Employability and communication skills used an in IT environment
Ethical and operational issues and threats to computer systems
In the exam you will be given precise questions requiring precise answers based on a scenario to answers questions from, and adapt your knowledge and use the key terms and named components to give a judgemental answer

3. Starter: Group task – 5 minutes
2.1 Computer Software
Produce a list of software that you use on your computer

4. Keywords and Definitions
Explanations of the key terms used within this unit, in the context of this unit
Computer components
Items which together form a computer system
Input devices
Devices that allow the user, which may be another computer or a measuring device, to give instruction or provide data to the computer system
Output devices
Devices that enable the computer system to provide information, data or instructions to another user, which may be computer or human

5. Types of software 2.1 Types of software Open source software
Developed by volunteer programmers intending to develop free-to-use packages
Source code is made available to anyone who wishes to modify it
You cannot sell on open-source software, and if you modify the code it must remain freely available
Closed source software
Closely guarded, protected by intellectual property rights and copyright
Source code is not published, but instead compiled into machine code within an executable file
You purchase the right to use it but you do not own it
Usually a very ‘polished’ version of software, compared with open-source, but may not be as user- friendly

6. Types of software 2.1 Types of software
Bespoke software / Enterprise software
Made to the exact requirements of a client
Enterprise software often designed for business or commercial environments
Is very expensive as it is tailor-made, but may improve efficiency for the client after implementation
Shareware
Can be used for free for a period of time, before you purchase it
All intellectual property rights and copyright remain the property of the author
Freeware
Distributed free of charge, but may be restrictions on upgrades/warranty
All rights remain with the writer or publisher
Embedded software
Software embedded in PCs or other devices, such as microwaves, smart watches, TVs, etc
Think of at least two examples of each type of software

7. Applications software
Designed to carry out tasks such as accounts management, text creation and editing, presentations and designs. They can be split into different types
Productivity software
Enables you to carry out your task or role accurately, effectively and efficiently.
Errors can be corrected, and the correct outcome can be reached with minimal time or resource loss
E.g. Office suite, , Webinars & Webcasts
Development tools
Helps with creating new software for other purposes
Programming tools are used to help create, debug, enhance and maintain programs during their lifecycle
E.g. Compilers, Assemblers, Disassemblers and Debuggers are all used in creation of programs. Other applications help to develop websites and mobile apps
Business software
Supports a wide range of business activities, including project management, CAD/CAM design, and management information systems (MIS)
Also covers specialist software, such as medical diagnosis, tracking, retailing, recognition, defence, etc

8. Applications software - modelling
A computer model is a model of a real system, made to study the possible behaviour of that system.
A range of potential scenarios can be added to a model, helping to predict possible outcomes, problems, errors, etc
This can then be used to address potential issues before they occur in real life
A range of applications software is used for modelling a wide range of scenarios, as shown on the right.
Research at least three real-life examples of computer modelling, explaining:
The task, job or scenario being modelled
The software being used, and the tools within it and how they are used
Advantages and disadvantages of that model
Financial planning
Spreadsheets designed to model how amounts of sales and prices will affect profit/loss within a company
Traffic control
Traffic light sequences to model the most efficient way of limiting queues, at different times of the day
Manufacturing / Building
Models of buildings, vehicles, products can help discover what designs will work, and how conditions can affect them
Simulations
Training pilots / drivers on safety critical vehicles/machinery

9. utility software 2.3 Utility software
Utility programs help computers run more efficiently or effectively. They include a number of facilities and tools, including:
Anti-virus protection
Firewalls
Back-up utility
File management
Authentication
Encryption
Research task Use the table given to research and explain the purposes of each of the utilities shown here, including how they are used, what software features or hardware resources they use, and provide real-life examples of software available

10. Operating systems 2.4 – Operating systems
The operating system is the most important software in any computer system. It is a group of systems software which manages the resources of the computer:
Controls time each task is allowed in the processor
Interrupts when more urgent task needs priority
Ensuring data is stored properly and location recorded
Retrieves data from storage
Monitors input and output
Normally supplied with the computer and may only run on that hardware (e.g. iOS with Apple products)
A user interface enables computer users to communicate or interact with the computer. This interface works as part of the operating system.
Operating Systems include:
Windows
Mac OSX
Linux
User Interfaces include:
Command Line
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Menu interface

11. Operating systems 2.4 – Operating systems Single User
Designed to be used by one person at a time
Single processor enables a single task to happen at one time (e.g. MP3 player)
Multiprocessor enables multiple tasks to happen at once, found on higher level Oss (e.g. Windows XP, 7, 8, etc)
Multi User
Designed to be used by multiple people at one time
Will contain multiple processors to perform many tasks at once
Used on mainframe / supercomputers where many people are running mutiple programs / calculations at once
Off the Shelf
Available to buy in shops or online (e.g. Windows)
Open source
Freely available, can be edited (e.g. Linux)
Bespoke
Used by companies running their own programs for a specific task

12. Operating systems – research task
Research the changes that have taken place in the Microsoft Interface from DOS to Windows 10. Compare and contrast the differences between the Windows OS and the Mac OSX, considering the strengths and weaknesses of both Describe how each of the three User Interfaces are designed, identify strengths and weaknesses, and give two examples of where each is most appropriately used

13. graded questions
LO2
Define the following types of software, explaining their uses and characteristics:
Open source
Closed source
Off-the-shelf
Bespoke
Shareware
Freeware
Embedded
Describe the following types of software, giving at least two examples of each:
Productivity software
Development tools
Business software
Define the term ‘user interface’. [1] Identify three different utility programs and explain their purpose. [6] Describe the purpose of an Operating System. [6] Explain why new versions of Operating Systems are periodically released. [3]

14. Communication methods
One of the most popular forms of communication
Makes use of address lists, attachments, group mailing, etc
Can be provided with a computer, or used on an internet- based facility
Short Message Service (SMS)
Short text-based messages sent between mobile phones
Limited in length, can be stored/retrieved
Instant messaging
Used on a range of applications, often on mobile devices
High speed due to usually small size messages
Free
Social networking / Social Media
Allows multiple people to communicate, share ideas & opinions at any one time
Wide range of websites and applications available

15. Communication methods
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Links devices through the Internet to send audio and video messages
Free to use, but can be limited by connection speed & availability
Video conferencing
Often used by large companies with multiple branches to enable staff to take part in meetings
Needs a high speed and reliable connection to the internet
Podcasts
Audio or video based information, often released in episodes, can be streamed or downloaded
Personal assistants
Software used with text or speech input to assist with use of electronic devices (e.g. Siri, Cortana)

16. Software troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a logical step-by-step approach to monitoring, identifying, diagnosing and correcting errors or problems that arise.
Common faults can include the following:
System freeze (whole system locks, possibly due to a bug or virus)
Blue screen on Windows (can be caused by driver software issues)
Software failing to load
Software errors or bugs (caused by coding errors)
Update fault (updates can cause faults if not applied correctly, or if the update contains bugs)
A range of diagnosis tools and scanners are available, some installed with computers when built, and others can be added
All troubleshooting should be logged, recording steps taken to correct faults, previous successful & failed attempts, times/dates of faults occurred, users involved, etc

17. protocols 2.7 – Protocols Group task:
Computers communicate with other devices using protocols – common rules and standards that control how data is exchanged. Some of these protocols are shown below:
IP (Internet Protocol)
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
UDP (User Data Protocol)
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
POP (Post Office Protocol)
Group task:
Define the features, purpose and usage of each of the protocols shown

18. Graded questions
LO2
Explain two advantages and disadvantages of VoIP and Video Conferencing. [8] Define the term ‘software troubleshooting’. [2]