Software 📱

GCSE CCEA Specification GCSE Digital Technology Unit 1: Digital Technology (Core)

Application software

enables the computer to do a particular task e.g word processing

System Software

enables computers to operate interface between hardware and application programs e.g windows

Functions of software

allocating memory, storage, processing time

Memory

organises memory, giving space for programs/ files as they are transferred from hard disc

Storage

manages storage of data/ files on external devices e.g hard drives

Processing time

manages processing time between programs by dividing into time slices, each task receiving a number of them

Real-time processing

data is processed immediately after it is inputted, quick enough to influence next input received

Examples of real-time processing

booking systems, air traffic control

Batch processing

collecting groups of similar data over a period of time and processing them together without human involvement

Examples of batch processing

billing systems, payroll systems

Multi-user systems

many users at different computers sharing a processor by switching between them at high speeds, giving each a ‘time slice’

time slice

small amount of processor time

Examples of multi-user systems

multi-user database management systems

What is a utility application?

program that carries out a specific task to assist the operating system

Disk defragmentation

rearranges data on hard disc so files are stored in adjacent blocks and free (empty) blocks are stored together

Use of disk defragmentation

speeds up time to access files by storing data in the same area

Task scheduling

process time is divided between tasks (time slices) so they run at same time, as if no interruptions

Use of task scheduling

allows launching programs and scripts at predefined times e.g updates

Backup and restore

copy of original data/ file in case it gets damaged or lost

Use of backup and restore

restore original data to previous state by uploading latest file onto system

Types of backup

• full backup- complete record of data file is copied

• differential/ incremental backup- record of data changed since backup is copied

• journal file- record of operations since backup

Antivirus software

detects, locates and removes a virus to prevent infection or damage

How does antivirus software work?

scans files stored/ data entering from external devices and compares with database of viruses

Regular updates of antivirus software

ensures it can protect against latest threats as new viruses are created every day