hardware and software

Hardware definition

The electrical / physical parts of a computer, including its input, output and storage devices

Software definition

All of the programs that are written to make computers function

System software definition

The software needed to run the computer’s hardware and application programs

Name the 4 types of system softwares

• Operating system

• Utility programs

• Libraries

• Program language translators

Operating system definition

A set of programs that lies between application software and the computer hardware

Utility software definition

Software designed to optimise the performance of the computer

Name five functions of utility software

• Backing up files

• Restoring corrupted files from backup

• Compressing or decompressing data

• Encyrpting data before transmission

• Providing a firewall

Function of a disk defragmentor

• reorganises a hard disk so that files that have been split up into blocks and stored all over the disk can be recombined into a single series of sequential blocks

• Makes reading a file quicker

Function of a virus checker

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

Libraries definition

Ready-compiled programs which can be run when needed, and are grouped together in software libraries

Advantages of libraries

• Accelerates program development time

• Ensures code reliability

• Makes software maintanence highly efficient

Application software definition

Programs that perform specific user oriented tasks

What are the 3 different application software types

• General purpose software

• Special purpose software

• Bespoke software

General purpose software definition

A versatile application software designed to perform a wide variety of common tasks rather than a single specialised function

General purpose software advantages

• Highly adaptable - can be used for multiple tasks

• Cost effective - mass produced for the general public so cheaper than building custom software

• User friendly - well documented and widely supported

• Less likely to have bugs - large customer base means extensive testing

General purpose software disadvantages

• Generic functionality - function may not align with specific needs

• Unused features - many tools to suit general public that the business may not need so wasted

• Lack of direct control - cannot request custom features or bug fixes

Special purpose software definition

Performs a single specific task or set of tasks

Special purpose software advantages

• Tailored to exact business needs

• Controlled updates

Special purpose software disadvantages

• High developmental costs - building software from scratch is highly expensive

• Time consuming - rarely ready immediately due to time needed to code and thoroughly test

• Lack of support - no large community forums or knowledge bases to troubleshoot unexpected bugs

Bespoke software definition

Custom software which is tailored to meet a specific organisation’s unique requirements.

Bespoke software advantage

• Perfect fit

• Complete ownership

• Seamless integration as designed to work with existing systems

Bespoke software disadvantages

• Higher upfront cost - as building from scratch requires a higher initial cost

• Time consuming - rarely ready immediately due to time needed to code and thoroughly test

• Lack of support - no large community forums or knowledge bases to troubleshoot unexpected bugs

Comparison of bespoke and special purpose software

• B: Designed to fit unique requirements / personal preferences S: Designed to perform a specific function extremely well

• B: Built for a specific individual business / client S: Can be mass produced as long as limited to one functionality