IB Computer Science - Software

This flashcard deck covers review questions and terminology related to IB CS software

State one benefit of using Software As A Service (SAAS)

One benefit of SAAS is that the versions, updates and fixes are made through the service provider rather than the user so there is no need to update the software on the user’s end.

State one drawback of using a Software As A Service (SAAS)

One drawback is that SAAS typically requires an internet connection and cannot be used or accessed offline.

Outline the function of a web browser

A web browser is a software application that allows users to access and interact with websites on the World Wide Web.

1. It retrieves web pages from servers using protocols like HTTP/HTTPS.

2. It renders and displays web content, including text, images, and videos, using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

These functions enable users to browse, navigate, and interact with online resources efficiently.

Identify one function of of a single-user operating system

One function is managing system reasources such as the CPU, memory and and storage to ensure smooth operation for each user.

Identify 2 reasons why patches may be nessecary for an operating system

Patches are ways for software and operating systems to be updated. This may be necessary for an operating system as it can provide an update for security fixes for any security flaws and to make peformance improvements aftter refactoring.

Identify 2 methods that can be used to obtain these patches

Firstly patches can be delivered by an automatic download service (automatic system updates) on the computer via the interned, or they can be downloaded as an executable file

Outline one feature of a word processor that could reduce the amount of typing required when writing letters

An autocorrectin/autocompletion feature can be incorporatend in word processors for faster typing time and improved productivity.

What is graphical user interface (GUI)

User interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical elements such as icons, buttons and windows, rather than text-based commands.

Identify 2 features of a graphical user interface (GUI)

It providees visual representation of software’s functions and data for user’s simplicity, and uses periperal devices to easily interact with the devices.

Identify 2 types of general application software that would bbe installed on the training computers.

Word processor - An application that is focused on creating, storing and printing typed documents with features like word formatting, error check and layout changes.

Presentation Maker - An application dedicated to creating and presenting slideshows for presentation.

Outline what is meant by a database managment system.

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that allows users to create, manage, and manipulate databases efficiently.

1. It provides tools to store, retrieve, update, and organize data in a structured manner.

2. It ensures data security, integrity, and multi-user access while allowing users to run queries and generate reports.

Examples include MySQL, Microsoft Access, and Oracle Database

Define Software

a general term that represents the collection of programs, data and instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks

Define Operating Systems

A software that manages the resources of a computer, communicates between application and the hardware to run a computer

Define Application Software

A program bundle of programs designed for a specific task

Define File

A data stored in a computer that can be viewed, modified or created by software

Define an Open Source OS

A software project that is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified

Functions of an Operating System

Process Managment, Memory Managment, File System Managment, Device Managment, User Interface, Security and Access Control, Error Detection and Handling

Define Process Management in terms of an OS

Process Managment - Manages the execution of processes and ensures that the CPU is efficiently utilized by managing the order in which processes are executed

Define Memory Management in terms of an OS

Memory Management - Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed by different programs. It keeps track of each byte in a computer’s memory and ensures that programs do not interfere with each other

Define File System Management in terms of an OS

File System Management - Manages files on storage devices including creating, deleting, reading and writing files.

Define Device Management in terms of an OS

Device Management - Controls and coordinates the use of hardware devicees such as printers, disk drives, display monitors. It also provides a way for software to interact with hardware through device drivers

Define User Interface in terms of an OS

User Interface - Provides a user interface such as a command-line interface or GUI allowing users to interact with the system and perform tasks.

Define Security and Access Control in terms of an OS

Protects the system from unauthorized access resources. It includes features like user authentication and data encyption.

Define Detection and Handling in terms of an OS

Monitors the system for errors and takes appropriate actions to correct them. This includes handling hardware faliures, software bugs, and other issues may arise.

What is a Software As A Service (SAAS)

Companies/organizations offering their software from their own servers rather than asking users to download and install their software on personal devices. Oftern therse softwares are accessed by users through the web browsers