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CAMBRIDGE IGCSE™ ICT: COURSEBOOK
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Video editing software is used to produce and
edit videos.
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An applet is a small program that can perform one
or a few simple tasks.
•
Computer aided design (CAD) packages
are used to produce detailed technical designs
and plans.
•
App (which is short for application) is usually
associated with use on a smartphone, tablet or
other mobile device.
•
Audio production and editing programs are a
common way of producing high quality music
at low cost .
System software
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Communications software, such as web browsers
and email programs, is used to access the internet
and send and receive email.
•
Control software is used to control devices such as
fire alarms and mechanical devices.
•
Measurement software is used to capture and log
data from sensors, e.g. temperature, pressure,
light intensity.
ICT IN CONTEXT
Programs, or groups of programs, designed
to allow users to carry out particular jobs such
as creating and manipulating databases and
spreadsheets, producing written documents,
composing music and designing cars and
buildings, are referred to as application software.
Traditionally, users bought these applications
or apps and installed them on their computers
but now more are found on the internet and are
accessed through web browsers on computers,
tablets and smartphones. Google G Suite (see
Figure 1.3), which includes apps for email,
spreadsheets and presentations, has over two
billion users.
GSuite
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System software is required for the computer to
function and operate efficiently. System software
consists of utilities, also called utility software and the
operating system.
System software includes the following:
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compilers
linkers
device drh•ers
operating system
utilities.
KEY WORDS
compilers: convert the program written by a
human in a high-level language into code that
the microprocessor can understand - a series of
1s and Os
linkers: take one or more of the files produced
by the compiler and combines them into a
program that the microprocessor can execute
device drivers: part of the operating system.
Device drivers allow the processor to
communicate with devices such as the keyboard,
mouse, monitor and printer
ACTIVITY 1.2
Working in a small group, decide on a definition
for a web browser. (Try to link your definition
back to application software.) Then list as many
different internet browsers as you can think of,
before doing some research to find out how
many are available in total.
Self-assessment
Figure 1.3: Google G Suite
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Did the methods you used for research produce
the results you wanted? What would you do
differently in the future?