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Nature of applications
Date: @November 15, 2021
Topic: Nature of Applications - System/Utility software:
Recall
What is system
software?
Example of
System
Software:
Function:
What are Utility
programs?
What are the 6
types of utility
software?
Software that manages computer resources and is needed
to run the computer's hardware and applications. Ensures
consistent high performance.
Operating System - Lies between the applications software
and computer hardware
Resource management - manages all the hardware, eg:
CPU, clock, memory, peripherals
Provides a user interface to allow the user to perform tasks
such as running application software, changing computer
settings, ect.
Designed to optimise computer performance by keeping it
running safely, efficiently, and providing tools to manage
files and applications
Defragmentation
Backup software
Compression
Anti-virus
Updating software
File repair software
What is a Disk
Defragmenter?
Nature of applications
Disk Defragmenter - Re-organises files on the hard disk so
fragments of files and space are put back together. The
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distance the read-write header moves while reading a file is
thus reduced, increasing the access speeds of files.
What is backup
software?
What is
compression
software?
SSD's shouldn't be de-fragmented as there are no moving
parts so this would be a waste of time and this would lower
its lifespan.
Software that copies files (backups) onto a separate media
or an off-site cloud. Can be automatic, manual, or
scheduled.
Allows user to specify setting of where, when and what files
to backup. Can be full back-ups or incremental backups.
Software that reduces the size of a file. Most commonly
used when sending files over the internet, where download
speeds are slow or when there is an upload limit on the file.
What is
antivirus
software?
Depending on the algorithm used, data is either lost (lossy)
so quality of sound, video or image is reduced, or it can be
arranged differently in binary to take up less space in a ZIP
file but must be extracted first (lossless). This retains all the
data of the original file.
What is
updating
Software?
What is file
repair
software?
Software on the computer that checks the hard-drive,
emails and downloads for malware and removes them.
Software that makes sure that other software are up to
date. Regularly checks the internet for updates and
downloads and installs if there are newer versions.
Important with anti-malware software as this needs to be
kept updated as new threats are developed. Important for
applications for updating bug-fixes.
Software that checks corrupted/damaged files and repairs
them by resolving their issues. Can be built into
applications or separately purchased.
Nature of applications
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SUMMARY: System software is software that manages the computer's
resources effectively. These can include the operating system and utility
software
Nature of applications
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