Software Development Unit 1
Section 1:
Term 1 Holiday Homework
Terms You Need To Know!
Find the Information Technology meanings of the following terms:
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Algorithm: Method of representing the processing, or control structures, required in a software
solution. Common methods are pseudocode, Nassi-Schneidermann (N-S) diagrams, flow charts, Input–
Process–Output (IPO) charts.
Analyse: (1) Determine how an information system works by gathering data about the system,
identifying data inputs, documenting the flow of information through the system, identifying problems,
suggesting alternative solutions, and assessing their feasibility, selecting one alternative and
documenting a logical design for the new system. (2) Determine how the current software processes
information, identifying problems, suggesting alternative solutions, selecting the most feasible solution,
identifying data to be input and processed, determining the output requirements of the solution and
documenting this process.
Annotated diagram: A diagram to which is added text that describes the purpose or explains the role
and/or function of selected elements in the diagram.
Application: An application is a solution to an information technology problem. It has ongoing use. The
solution may be the customising of application software for a particular purpose, for example,
spreadsheet or it may be a purpose-designed program; for example, a Visual Basic or Java project.
Application software: Software designed for a particular application but that can be customised, within
limits, to suit a user’s particular needs; for example, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing,
accounting software.
Capabilities: How well a piece of hardware or software can perform its function(s); for example, a
modem may transmit data at 33bps; a digital camera may capture images with 1200 x 800 pixel
resolution.
Characteristics: The identifying elements of a piece of hardware or software; for example, MS Word can
process words, format documents for online use, produce diagrams; Realplayer can play mpeg files.
Communications device: Equipment used to transmit data and information such as mobile phone,
modem, satellite.
Computer: In pure terms a computer is the microprocessor that processes data. In fact, a computer is
not useful unless it has peripherals attached to it including input, output, and auxiliary storage devices.
Computer architecture: The type and characteristics of the processing components (for example, RAM,
microprocessor, clock, motherboard, interface ports, buses), the peripherals (input, output, storage
devices; for example, monitor, keyboard, disk drives) and how they are connected.
Computer system: A combination of components designed to process data and store files. It comprises
an input device, a processing unit, an output device, and a storage device.
Data: Unprocessed, unorganised and discrete facts or ideas.
Design: (1) Identify the components (people, procedures, data, equipment) required for a new
information system, converting the logical design of the information system into a physical design,
designing test specifications for the system. (2) Determine the specific inputs, processes, and outputs
required of a solution.
Develop: (1) Convert an information system design into a working information system ready for
implementation. (2) Convert a software design into a working application ready for implementation. A
design is not properly developed until it has been tested.
Dispose: To delete files.
Document: Noun: a document is output produced by an information system. It may be an electronic
document as in an email or a web page or it may be a printed document as in a letter or report.
Verb: to document is to record instructions about how to operate an information system or use a
software application. See also, system documentation, user documentation.
Economic effects: The efficiency of an information system depends on the time, cost and effort required
to process information. The economic effects of a change to an information system are those that impact
on time, cost or effort for an individual, an organisation, or society.
Economic impetus: The motivation to change an information system may be stimulated by economic
factors. The need to establish or maintain the competitive edge, or to just remain competitive, is the
paramount
Economic factor:. The competitive edge may be achieved through providing better customer service,
cheaper or better quality products. Change to an information system that reduces the cost of producing
information (improves efficiency), or that produces better information for decision-making (improves
effectiveness) will assist an organisation to become more competitive.
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Software Development Unit 1
Term 1 Holiday Homework
20. Effective: An information system or a software application is effective when it achieves its purpose. It is
measured in terms of completeness, attractiveness, clarity, accuracy, relevance and ease of use.
21. Efficient: An information system or a software application is efficient when it achieves its purpose with
the least time, cost, or effort.
22. Electronic file: A file stored in digital form; for example, on a CD, magnetic tape, DVD, HDD.
23. End-users: People who use a computer directly or who use the information provided by a computer.
Section 2:
Chapter Summaries
Read and Summarise the following chapters from your textbook:
Chapter 3 – Application Software page 140.
1. Use the Chapter Review (pg 180) as a guide to what you should include in your summary.
2. Complete the following sections (pgs 183 and 184):
True/False
1. The categories of application software are mutually exclusive? FALSE
2. Public-domain software is available to the public for a fee?
FALSE
3. To click a button on a screen requires moving the pointer to the button and then pressing and
holding down a button on the mouse (usually the right mouse button)? FALSE
4. A dialog box is a window that provides information, presents available options or requests a
response? TRUE
5. A font is a name assigned to a specific design of characters? TRUE
6. In a spreadsheet program, a function is a predefined formula that performs common calculations
such as adding the values in a group of cells or generating a value such as the time or date? TRUE
7. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a sophisticated type of application software that assists a
professional user in creating engineering, architectural and scientific designs? TRUE
8. Image stitching is the process of adjusting or enhancing image colours and/or adding special effects
such as shadows and glows? FALSE
9. Although many word processing programs include desktop publishing (DTP) software features,
users often prefer to create DTP documents using DTP software because of its enhanced features?
TRUE
10. Some Web sites require you to download software in order to run their Web applications? TRUE
11. Some communications software is considered system software because it works with hardware and
transmission media? TRUE
12. An RSS aggregator includes time-stamped articles, or posts, kept in a diary or journal format,
usually listed in reverse chronological order? FALSE
Multiple Choice
1. (A) PACKAGED SOFTWARE is a mass-produced, copyrighted retails software that meets the
needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company.
2. A (A) SOFTWARE SUITE is a collection of individual programs available together as a unit.
3. (B) PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE allows a user to plan, schedule, track and analyse the
events, resources and costs of a project.
4. (C) DOUMENT MANAGEMENT software provides a means for sharing, distributing, and
searching through documents by converting them into a format that can be viewed by any user.
5. (C) PERSONAL DTP SOFTWARE helps home and small business users create newsletters,
brochures, advertisements, postcards, greeting cards, banners, calendars, logos and Web pages.
6. With (B) PHOTO MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE you can view, organise, sort, catalogue, print and
share digital photos.
7. A (C) NEWSGROUP/MESSAGE BOARD is an online area where users have written discussions.
8. (B) ONLINE HELP is the electronic equivalent of a user manual.
Matching
1. PDF - Popular file format that document management software uses to save converted documents.
2. PASTING - The process of transferring an item from a clipboard to a specific location in a
document.
3. WEB APP - Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or
device that is connected to the Internet.
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Software Development Unit 1
Term 1 Holiday Homework
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CELL - Intersection of row and column in a spreadsheet
WINDOW - Rectangular area of the screen that displays data and information.
CURSOR - Small symbol on the screen that moves as you move the mouse.
PERSONAL FINANCE SOFTWARE - Simplified accounting program that helps home users and
small office/home office users balance their cheque books, pay bills, track personal income and
expenses, set up budgets, manage home inventory, track investments, and evaluate financial plans.
8. FOOTER - Text that appears at the bottom of every page.
9. BUTTON - Graphical image activated to cause a specific action to occur.
10. TITLE BAR - Horizontal space that contains the window’s name.
11. ONLINE BANKING - Offers access to account balances, provides bill payment services and allows
you to download monthly transactions and statements from the Web directly to your computer.
12. DATABASE -Collection of data organised in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that
data.
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Software Development Unit 1
Term 1 Holiday Homework
Short Answer
1.
Describe some types of utility programs.
A type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance type tasks, usually elated to managing
a computer, its devices or its programs.
Functions include – managing files, searching for files, viewing images, uninstalling programs, cleaning up
disks, defragmenting disks, backing up files and disks, setting up screen savers, securing a computer from
unauthorised access, protecting against viruses, removing spyware and adware, filtering Internet content,
compressing files, playing media files, burning optical disks and maintaining a personal computer.
What is malware?
Short for Malicious software – programs that act without a user’s knowledge and deliberately alter a
computer’s operations.
2. What are the features of presentation software?
Presentation software allows users to create a slideshow that is displayed on a monitor or projection screen.
Allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information
to a group.
What types of media might a person use to enhance a presentation?
Includes a clip gallery that provides images, photos, video clips and audio clips to enhance multimedia
presentations.
3. How is travel and mapping software used?
Enables users to view maps, determine route directions and locate points of interest.
What are some examples of reference software?
Software that provides valuable and thorough information for all users. Popular reference software includes
encyclopaedias, dictionaries and health/medical guides.
4. What is computer-based training (CBT)?
Type of education in which students learn by using and completing exercises with instructional software.
Also called computer-aided instruction.
List a few examples of CBT usage.
Beginning athletes use CBT programs to learn the intricacies of football, soccer, tennis, etc.
The military or airlines use CBT simulations to train pilots to fly in various conditions and environments.
5. Describe how many Web sites utilise Web-based training.
Computer-based training that uses Internet technology and consists application software on the Web.
Consists of self-directed, self-paced instruction about a topic.
What are some ways that e-learning enhances communications?
Short for electronic learning - the delivery of education via some electronic methods suc as the Internet,
networks, or optical disks. Some e-learning systems may include video conferencing, e-mail, blogs, wikis,
newsgroups, chat rooms and groupware.
Chapter 8 – Operating Systems and Utility Programs page 396
1. Use the Chapter Review (pg 432) as a guide to what you should include in your summary.
2. Complete the following sections (pgs 435 and 436):
True/False
1. All sizes of computers typically use the same operating system because operating systems generally
are written to run on any type of computer. FALSE
2. Booting is the process of permanently removing a computer from operation. FALSE
3. Permissions define who can access certain resources and when they can access these resources.
TRUE
4. A device-independent program is one that runs only on a specific type or make of computer. FALSE
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Software Development Unit 1
Term 1 Holiday Homework
5.
Through Windows Sidebar, which is a vertical bar along the edge of the desktop, users can control
and customise a variety of gadgets. TRUE
6. Linux is open source software, which means its code can be modified and redistributed. TRUE
7. Blackberry devices provide PIM capabilities such as managing schedules, contacts and
appointments, as well as phone capabilities. TRUE
8. Windows includes three file managers called Explorers: Documents Explorer, Pictures Explorer and
Music Explorer. TRUE
9. An adware remover is a program that detects and deletes spam. FALSE
10. Phishing is a scam in which a perpetrator attempts to obtain your personal and/or financial
information. TRUE
Multiple Choice
1. The (B) CMOS chip, which uses battery power, stores configuration information about the
computer.
2. Windows users can increase the size of memory through (B) WINDOWS READYBOOST , which
can allocate up to 4GB of removable flash memory devices as additional memory cache.
3. A (C) GADGET is a mini program with minimal functionality that connects to another program or
provides information.
4. When you enter search criteria, instead of looking through every file and folder on the storage
medium, a search utility looks through the (A) INDEX first to find a match.
5. Defragmenting reorganises the files on a disk so that they are located in (C) CONTIGIOUS
SECTORS, WHICH SPEEDS access time.
6. Home and small office users easily can set up a network and secure it from hackers with (D)
WINDOWS FIREWALL.
7. (A) ADWARE Is a program that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up window on
Web pages, e-mail or other Internet services.
8. A (A) PHISHING FILTER is a program that warns or blocks you from potentially fraudulent or
suspicious Web sites.
Matching
1. VIRTUALISATION - The practice of sharing or pooling computing resources such as servers.
2. NETWARE - Server operating system designed for client/server networks.
3. HIBERNATE - Saves any open documents and programs to a hard disk before removing power
from the computer.
4. USERNAME - Unique combination of characters that identifies one specific user.
5. FLIP 3D - Works with the mouse to flip through windows by rolling the wheel on the mouse.
6. SLEEP MODE - Saves any open documents and programs to RAM, turns off all unneeded
functions, and then places the computer in a low power state.
7. PAGE - With virtual memory, the amount of data and program instructions that can be swapped at
a given time.
8. UNIX - Multitasking operating system developed in the early 1970s by scientists at Bell
Laboratories.
9. LINUX - Popular, multitasking UNIX-type operating system.
10. SHORT CUT - An icon on the desktop or in a folder that provides a user with immediate access to a
program or file.
Short Answer
1. How is a cold boot different from a warm boot?
Cold boot – the process of turning on a computer that has been powered off completely.
Warm Boot- the process of using the operating system to restart a computer.
How is a memory-resident part of an operating system different from a non-resident part of an
operating system?
Memory-resident – remaining in memory while a computer is running.
Non-resident – instructions that remain on a storage medium until they are needed.
2.
What is user-interface?
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Software Development Unit 1
Term 1 Holiday Homework
The portion of software that defines how a user interacts with a computer, including how the user enters
data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen.
How are graphical and command-line user interfaces different?
Graphical – type of user interface that allows a user to interact with software using text, graphic, and visual
images such as icons.
Command-line – type of user interface in which a user types commands or presses special keys on the
keyboard (such as function keys or key combinations) to enter data.
3. What is the purpose of an automatic update feature?
Operating system feature that automatically provides updates to a program.
Why and when might a user receive a service pack?
Free downloadable software updates provided by the software manufacturer to users who have registered
and/or have registered their software.
4. What happens during a backup?
Duplicate of a file, program or disk placed on a separate storage medium that can be used if the original is
lost, damaged or destroyed.
What is the purpose of a restore utility?
Program that reverses the backup process and returns backed up files to their original form.
5. Describe 4 embedded operating systems. What are the uses for each of the four types?
The operating system that resides on a ROM chip inside most PDAs and small devices.
Windows embedded CE – scaled down Windows OS designed for use on communications, entertainment
and computing devices with limited functionality eg VoIP phones,
Windows Mobile – OS based on Windows embedded CE includes functionality, programs, and a user
interface designed for specific types of smart phones and PDAs,
Palm OS – runs on smart phones and PDAs – used to manage schedules and contacts, phone messages,
notes, tasks and address lists and appointments,
iPhone OS – OS for iPhone, iPod touch, Apple’s smart phone, and touch screen portable media player –
these devices recognise multiple points of contact,
Blackberry – OS running on hand held devices supplied by RIM. These devices provide PIM capabilities
such as managing schedules, contacts and appointments,
embedded Linux – scaled-down version of Linux OS designed for smart phones, PDAs, portable devices,
Internet telephones,
Symbian OS – open source multitasking OS designed for smart phones. Users can maintain contact lists,
save appointments, browse the Web, send and receive text and picture messages, e-mail messages and faxes
using a smart phone.
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