1.2.2 Applications Generation
(a) The nature of applications, justifying suitable applications for
a specific purpose.
Applications Software
• designed to be used by the end-user to perform one specific task
• requires systems software in order to run
Examples of application software
• word processors
• web browsers
• email clients
• spreadsheet software
• database management
• graphics manipulation
• video editing
• text and voice communication
Systems Software
• low-level software
• responsible for running the operating system smoothly, interacting with hardware
and providing a platform for applications to run
• not directly interacted with by the user
(b) Utilities.
• programs with a specific function in the maintenance of the operating system
• optimising the performance of the computer
, Disk Defragmentation
• reorganises magnetic hard disks
• files that have been split into blocks and stored separately over the disk are
recombined so they are stored contiguously
• improves read/write speeds
Backup
• creates copies of user-selected files
• so that, in the event of a power failure or other incident, flies can be recovered
• can be run automatically or manually
Automatic backup
• allows the user to specify:
- where the backup will be stored
- the files to be backed up
- when the backup will be run
Automatic Updating
• ensures the OS and any software is up to date
• operating system updates are automatically installed when the computer is
restarted
Virus Checker / Anti-virus software
• detects potential threats/viruses on a device
• utility may check the hard drive and, in some cases, incoming emails and internet
downloads
• if viruses are found, the user is alerted and they are removed
Compression Software
• enables files to be compressed and decompressed
(a) The nature of applications, justifying suitable applications for
a specific purpose.
Applications Software
• designed to be used by the end-user to perform one specific task
• requires systems software in order to run
Examples of application software
• word processors
• web browsers
• email clients
• spreadsheet software
• database management
• graphics manipulation
• video editing
• text and voice communication
Systems Software
• low-level software
• responsible for running the operating system smoothly, interacting with hardware
and providing a platform for applications to run
• not directly interacted with by the user
(b) Utilities.
• programs with a specific function in the maintenance of the operating system
• optimising the performance of the computer
, Disk Defragmentation
• reorganises magnetic hard disks
• files that have been split into blocks and stored separately over the disk are
recombined so they are stored contiguously
• improves read/write speeds
Backup
• creates copies of user-selected files
• so that, in the event of a power failure or other incident, flies can be recovered
• can be run automatically or manually
Automatic backup
• allows the user to specify:
- where the backup will be stored
- the files to be backed up
- when the backup will be run
Automatic Updating
• ensures the OS and any software is up to date
• operating system updates are automatically installed when the computer is
restarted
Virus Checker / Anti-virus software
• detects potential threats/viruses on a device
• utility may check the hard drive and, in some cases, incoming emails and internet
downloads
• if viruses are found, the user is alerted and they are removed
Compression Software
• enables files to be compressed and decompressed
