CHAPTER 7 7 Software Syllabus outcomes 5.1.1 Selects and justifies the application of appropriate software programs to a range of tasks. 5.2.2 Designs, produces and evaluates appropriate solutions to a range of challenging problems. Overview This chapter will develop your knowledge of software. It examines the two main types of software: system software and application software. You will also learn about interface design and the graphical user interface (GUI).
7.1 System software Software is the detailed instructions used to direct the hardware to perform a particular task. It controls the processing and movement of data within a computer system. A computer needs software to tell it what to do and it needs hardware to carry out the actual User Application software work. There are two main types of software known as system software and application software. System software manages all the operations needed to run the computer. It affects the way the user interacts with a computer. System software carries out a range of functions, such as starting up the computer, loading the application software, storing files and sending data to the printer. It includes the operating system and utility software. Operating system Hardware Figure 7.1 The role of the operating system Operating systems can be likened to the conductor of an orchestra because they control the entire resources of the computer system. Operating system The operating system (OS) is the software that supervises and controls the hardware (see Figure 7.1). It is usually stored on a hard disk. Most of the time the operating system is working in the background. As you use an application it interacts with the operating system. For example, to print a document you select the print command of the application and a message is passed to the operating system, which performs the task. The most common operating systems are Windows, Linux, UNIX and the Macintosh operating system. The operating system starts automatically when the computer is turned on. Starting up the computer and the operating system is called booting the system. A ROM chip that contains the BIOS (basic input output system) executes a power-on self test (POST) to make sure hardware is connected and operating correctly. After the POST is completed successfully, the BIOS loads the operating system. The operating system runs continuously whenever the computer is on. The operating system performs a variety of tasks: Scheduling hardware operations: The CPU is required to perform many different tasks. However, it can only work on one task at a time. The operating system determines when the CPU will perform each task. A common way of allocating CPU time is called time slicing. A time slice is a fixed amount of CPU time. With this technique, each task in turn receives a time slice. The operating system also directs the CPU to switch between different tasks to take advantage of idle time on one task. 144 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
Memory management: The operating system controls how the CPU relates to memory. It must ensure data is efficiently accessed and not overwritten. This involves dividing the available memory between different tasks and swapping data between memory and secondary storage. Data that has been read into memory from an input device or is waiting to be sent to an output device is stored in an area of memory called a buffer. The operating system assigns the location of buffers in memory and manages the data that is stored in them. Virtual memory is a technique used by the operating system to increase the amount of memory. It uses spare hard disk space to supplement available RAM. Virtual memory is slower than RAM. Controlling peripheral devices: The operating system provides the communication with all input, output and storage devices. It uses specific software for each type of peripheral device. This specific software is referred to as a device driver or driver. For example, a mouse driver is the software that tells the computer how to receive data from a mouse. Printers are relatively slow devices compared to other peripheral devices. To increase printer efficiency the operating system uses a technique called spooling. Spooling transfers the data to a printer buffer and queues it until it can be printed. File management: The operating system organises and keeps track of files. A file is a collection of data that is recognised by a file name. It can be work you create on the computer, a data file or an application. File names consist of unique names followed by a period (.) and file name extension. The file name extension indicates the type of information stored in the file. Files are stored and organised into folders or directories. A folder can hold both files and additional folders. The contents of a folder are displayed in a window. The window shows the properties Figure 7.2 File management is part of the operating system software 7 Software 145
of each file, such as the file name, size, type, or date modified. It is possible to create new files, delete files, open files, close files, rename files and copy/move files (see Figure 7.2). System settings: The operating system is used to change the computer s settings. For example, the control panel allows you to change a computer s theme, desktop background, screen saver, screen resolution, time and communication settings. For security the operating system may provide each user with a name and password. It is possible to change the way users log on and off. There are different types of operating systems. Single-tasking allows only one task to be performed at one time. Palm OS is used on a Palm handheld computer and it is a single-task operating system. Multitasking allows several applications to work at the same time. Windows and Mac OS are multitasking operating systems. In addition to single and multitasking, operating systems are classified as single-user and multi-user. A multi-user operating system allows many different users to access the computer s resources at the same time. UNIX is an example of a multi-user operating system. Utility software Utility software performs routine tasks to support the operation of the computer system. Most operating systems contain utilities to assist in the management of the system. However, users often purchase more powerful utility software (see Figure 7.3). Some common examples of utility software include: Figure 7.3 Norton SystemWorks is a specialist utility program 146 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
file compression to reduce the size of a file it allows the user to store more data and makes data transmission faster diagnostic tools to compile technical information about a computer s hardware and software disk scanner to detect and correct problems on a disk and search for and remove unwanted files disk defragmenter to reorganise files and unused space on a computer s hard disk allows data and programs to be accessed faster un-installer to remove an application and any associated entries in the system files device drivers to provide communication with a peripheral device provided with the peripheral device or can be downloaded from the Internet backup utility to copy selected files or the entire hard drive onto another disk anti-virus program to prevent, detect and remove viruses. Exercise 7.1 1 Explain the difference between: a a file and a folder b single-tasking and multitasking c a disk scanner and a disk defragmenter. 2 Copy and complete the following sentences: a System software manages all the needed to run the computer. b A is a fixed amount of CPU time. c A file is a collection of data that is recognised by a. d performs routine tasks to support the operation of the computer system. 3 True or false? a BIOS executes a POST to make sure the hardware is connected and operating correctly. b Spooling is the specific software for each type of peripheral device. c UNIX is an example of a single-user operating system. d Most operating systems do not contain utility software. 4 a What is an operating system? b List four tasks performed by the operating system. c How does the operating system manage memory? d List some of the tasks that can be performed by file management. e What utility is used to remove an application and any associated entries in the system files? 7 Software 147
ICT 7.1 Development 5 New versions of utility software are constantly being developed. Investigate the latest utility software. Create a presentation to outline the features of the current utilities. Will these features be included in the next version of the operating system? Give reasons for your answer. 6 The Internet allows computers using different operating systems to view the same document. How is this possible? Do research into HTML. Write a report that summaries your investigation. Illustrate your answer using examples of HTML code. 7.2 Application software Application software is a program used for a specific task. It allows the computer to achieve the task for which it was bought. Application software consists of software packages and custom software. Software packages A software package is a complete and documented set of programs supplied to several users. Software packages can be bought to cover nearly all requirements. They include word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database management systems, paint programs, draw programs, web browsers, video editing software, animation software, presentation software and authoring software. A brief description of these applications was given in Chapter 1. Software packages usually include printed documentation with instructions for installing the software. Installing software transfers files to the hard disk to enable the software to work. Most software packages contain onscreen tutorials, onscreen reference material and Figure 7.4 Tutorials are often provided in software packages 148 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
help files (see Figure 7.4). It is also common for software companies to supplement and update their help files with online help from their website. This requires the user to register their software package with the software company using the product code. Most software packages have new versions being developed. These versions contain new features and any errors (or bugs) in the previous version have been repaired. The version of the software package is often recognised by the year, such as Macromedia Dreamweaver MX2004. It is also common for a new version to be given a new number, such as 6 in Internet Explorer 6. Minor changes to the software package may be shown using tenths, such as Lotus Approach 9.5. When you purchase a new version you are upgrading your application software. It is important when upgrading or purchasing new software to check that your hardware and operating system are compatible. The latest versions of the software often place greater demands on the hardware and operating system. Upgrading your software may require an upgrade in your hardware and operating system. Compatibility requirements are usually specified on the software package and should be checked before the application is bought. Office suites contain several applications. Microsoft Office comes in different versions for different users (see Figure 7.5). It includes the core applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. The cost of an office suite is less than the total price of each application. Integrated software contains several applications Wallyware is application software collected by the user to boast about having it, though it may never be used. Figure 7.5 Microsoft Office bundles word processing, database and other applications together 7 Software 149
that work together as a stand-alone product. For example, Microsoft Works includes word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphics. Each application is not as powerful as a separate application. However, it is cheaper than buying an office suite and meets the needs of many users. Both office suites and integrated software allow data to be easily moved between applications. Tutorial Custom software Even though software packages are very flexible they cannot be used for some specific tasks. Custom software is written for a customer and is not for several users. Some custom software is developed for a single customer or client. It is written to fit the exact requirements of the problem and is labour intensive. For these reasons custom software is very expensive. Custom software is written by a programmer using a programming language. Programming languages are a set of codes and rules that enable the computer to operate in a desired way. They are divided into two groups: low-level languages and high-level languages. Low-level languages are the lowest level of computer languages and depend on the hardware of the computer system. They process calculations much faster than high-level languages. Low-level languages include machine language and assembly language. High-level languages use English-like codes where each statement corresponds to several lines of machine code. It does not depend on the hardware of the computer system, so the programs are portable. Since high-level languages are closer to English, programs are easier to write and often shorter in length than programs in low-level languages. Programmers write software using high-level languages. There are many high-level languages available such as BASIC, Java, Pascal, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, APL, PROLOG, Ada and Logo. Each is designed for a particular purpose. Today most programmers use Visual BASIC, C++ or Java. Visual BASIC developed by Microsoft to allow users to create Windows applications. It is an object-oriented language that allows users to create the interface using objects, set the properties for those objects and write instructions for the interface using BASIC programming language. C++ based on the original C programming language for the UNIX operating system. It is an object-oriented language. 150 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
However, it does not contain visual objects found in Visual BASIC. Many commercial applications are written using C++. Java developed by Sun Microsystems to create small applications is an object-oriented language that excels at producing web-based applets that work on different platforms. Java is similar to C++. Hardware requirements A computer system is made up of hardware and software that work together, processing data to achieve a purpose. The relationship between hardware and software is important. Software depends on a particular hardware configuration to work effectively. It is written and tested using a certain processor, memory and peripherals. This is often described as the system requirements for the software. All software companies are required to clearly state the system requirements of their products. Application software is available to complete many different tasks. Each task may require different data types and levels of processing. This affects the hardware requirements of the system. For example, authoring software that combines text, graphics, animation, video and audio will place greater hardware demands on the system than a word processor that only processes text. The system requirements for application software are frequently changing as new and more powerful versions of the software are developed. The system requirements may also include specific peripheral devices. For example, it is suggested for authoring software that the system includes a DVD burner to create a DVD. Project: Clean Up Australia The student representative council (SRC) has decided to submit a proposal to the school executive to encourage students and their families to be involved in clean up Australia day. A team from Year 9 was appointed by the SRC to complete the project. The problem was solved using the four stages in project development. Define and analyse the problem: The solution required an effective method to encourage participation in the event, proposed venues, dates and times, and a presentation to the school executive. A project plan was written and some initial ideas investigated. Teachers and students were interviewed to gather their views. Design possible solutions: Two possible solutions were examined in a feasibility study. The team recommended a promotional 7 Software 151
campaign to start at the end of February. Prototypes for advertising in the school newsletter and the local newspaper were developed. A storyboard for a multimedia presentation was constructed. The multimedia presentation will be used to motivate students to be involved in the event. The school executive approved the solution. Produce the solution: Venues, dates and times were determined. Advertisements and a multimedia presentation were constructed. The promotion of the event started two weeks before the event. The multimedia presentation was presented to the school at a formal assembly. Evaluate the solution: There was a significant increase in the number of people involved in clean up Australia day. The project promoted the school and increased the awareness of environmental issues. The school executive was very positive in its evaluation of the project. Tasks 1 Design an advertisement for clean up Australia day for your local community. 2 Create a storyboard for a multimedia presentation for your local community. Exercise 7.2 1 True or false? a Microsoft Works is an example of a software package. b High-level languages process calculations faster than low-level languages. c A software package is usually more expensive than custom software. d The system requirements may include specific peripheral devices. 2 What am I? a A complete and documented set of programs supplied to several users. b The process of transferring files to the hard disk to enable the software to work. c A bundle of software that contains several applications. d Programming language that excels at producing web-based applets that work on different platforms. 3 Copy and complete the following by replacing the letter in brackets with a suitable term: Users (a) their software when they purchase a new version. However, it is important to check software and hardware (b) before purchasing the software. The (c) versions of the software often place greater demands on the (d). 152 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
4 a List the onscreen support provided by most software packages. b Why do users upgrade their software? c What is custom software? d Explain the difference between a low-level language and a high-level language. e What are the system requirements for the software? Development 5 People should not have to upgrade their hardware after a few years to use the latest software version. Discuss this statement. Your answer should contain examples of application software currently being updated. 6 System requirements are frequently changing as new and more powerful versions of the software are developed. Do research into the system requirements for the popular application software. Construct a table to summarise your results. ICT 7.2 7.3 Interface design The user interface is the way the user interacts with the software. The function of the user interface is to provide a means of communication between the user and the computer. There are two common types of user interfaces: the character-based (or command line) user interface and the graphical user interface (GUI). Character-based user interface The character-based user interface requires the user to give instructions using only characters. The user types the characters using a keyboard. The first widely used operating system was the OS/360 system and it used a character-based interface. The OS/360 system was developed in 1964 for all computers in IBM s System/360 family. MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system) uses a character-based interface. It was very popular and became the industry standard for IBM-compatible computers in the 1980s (see Figure 7.6). Character-based interfaces are still being used. UNIX (pronounced you-nicks ) is a multi-user operating system that was developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories. It enables the timesharing of a host computer (usually a mainframe) with several other computers at the same time. The character-based UNIX interface is similar to MS-DOS although the commands are different. It is still widely used on Internet servers. However, there are variations of UNIX that provide a graphical user interface. Character-based user 7 Software 153
Figure 7.6 MS-DOS command prompt interfaces are also commonly used on devices with a limited amount of memory and options for the user. For example, some mobile phones and microwave ovens use a character-based user interface. Graphical user interface The graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced gooey ) allows the user to give instructions using a mouse, and clicking on icons and menus. A GUI provides an easy-to-use and consistent interface for a range of applications. Microsoft Windows (or Windows) is the most popular GUI (see Figure 7.7). Some of the main features of a GUI are: Window everything done on the computer appears within a rectangular frame called a window. The user can open several windows at the same time and work on different programs. Each window can be closed, resized, moved, minimised or maximised. Figure 7.7 The Windows desktop 154 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
Icon a small picture that represents a program, file, folder or shortcut. Text describing the icon appears when the user points at the icon. Double-clicking the icon will open the file. Menu an onscreen list of available commands and tools. To open a menu, click on the menu name. A pull-down menu will be displayed. A command is then chosen by clicking on its name. Dialog box a secondary window that contains buttons and various kinds of options through which you can carry out a particular command or task. Desktop the onscreen work area on which windows, icons, menus and dialog boxes appear. It is like the physical desktop we use in day-to-day work. Recycle or trash bin a special folder to store deleted files. To delete a file drag the file to the recycle bin or right-click the file and press delete. GUI was first used by the Xerox Corporation in the 1970s. However, it was not until the Apple Macintosh in 1984 that the GUI became popular. Microsoft Windows introduced the GUI to IBM compatible computers in 1985. Both Mac OS and Windows have added new features to their GUI to make them easier to use. Even though there are differences many users can easily switch between operating systems. Linux (pronounced Linn-uks ) operating system is freely distributed and supported. It was developed by Linus Torvalds using a scaled down version of UNIX. A GUI is provided for Linux using a shell called KDE. Linux is an example of open source software. Programmers from around the world have worked on Linux and improved the product. Linux is used on personal computers, web servers, film workstations and even scientific supercomputers. GUIs offer several clear advantages over character-based user interfaces. Applications developed for a GUI have the same consistent appearance as the operating system. The features described above make it easier for people to understand and learn commands compared to a character-based interface. The GUIs are also more forgiving. Most dialog boxes have a Cancel button and the Undo command allows users to reverse the last action. However, there are disadvantages with GUIs. They require faster processors, more memory, more disk space, higher quality screens and more complex software. In 1977 the Xerox Star computer introduced the GUI. However, the system was too expensive and too slow. Users liked the power and the ease of operation, but they needed better performance. The machine was not a success in the marketplace. A GUI is also referred to as a WIMP environment Window, Icon, Mouse and Pulldown menu. 7 Software 155
Exercise 7.3 1 What am I? a A small picture that represents a program, file, folder or shortcut. b A special folder to store deleted files. c An onscreen list of available commands and tools. d The first widely used operating system. 2 Copy and complete the following by replacing the letter in brackets with a suitable term: The GUI gives instructions using a (a), and clicking on icons and (b). In 1984 the Apple (c) made the GUI popular. Today a GUI provides a consistent (d) for a range of applications. 3 Unjumble these words: a srue faircntee b nuxli c dlogia xbo 4 a What is a character-based user interface? b What is the significance of MS-DOS? c Describe UNIX. d List the main features of a GUI. e What is Linux? f Outline the advantages of a GUI over a character-based user interface. Development 5 The rapid growth of Linux is challenging the dominance of Windows. Do research into Linux. Write a summary of your investigation. What is your opinion of open source software? Would you be willing to volunteer your time to write software for free? Give reasons for your answer. 6 Operating systems in the future may be very different from those we use today. Do research into natural language interfaces. Outline some of the advantages and disadvantages of natural language interfaces. 156 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
7.4 Features of a GUI Application software written for a GUI must follow a strict set of guidelines that control how the application looks and how standard operations are performed. Some of the features in these guidelines are described below. Functionality A window is used to display the contents of files, folders and programs. More than one window can be opened at the same time (see Figure 7.8). Each window is stacked on top of each other. The active window is the highlighted window and all commands are performed on the active window. The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of the window. The left side of the title bar contains the name of the file. Special buttons in the top-right corner of the title bar are used to rearrange windows: Figure 7.8 The Mac OS minimise ( ) reduces the window to a button on the taskbar; click the button to reopen the window maximise ( ) increases the window so that it can be viewed using the entire screen restore ( ) returns the window to its previous size after it has been maximised close ( ) closes a window or exits a program. 7 Software 157
Windows that have not been maximised can be resized and moved on the screen: resize point to the border of the window until it turns into a double-headed arrow, then drag the borders to the required size move drag the title bar to its new position. Opening (running or launching) an application starts the application. Applications must be installed before they are opened. Installing adds the program files to the hard disk so that the application will work correctly. Exiting an application quits the program. The operating system will display a dialog box for the user to save any work that has been changed. Navigation Menus are an onscreen list of available commands and tools. The menu bar is a horizontal bar located below the title bar. To open a menu, click the menu name. A menu will either drop down or pop up on the screen. The user then clicks the desired menu option. Some menu options may be confusing: light grey options are unavailable the user needs to perform another task before selecting this option options with an arrow ( ) open to a submenu pointing to the arrow opens the submenu options marked ( or ) indicate the current active option clicking this option turns it off options followed by dots ( ) open with a dialog box that requires further information. Scrolling is the method of moving within a window if the contents do not fit the window. The document can be scrolled up, down or sideways using the scroll bars. Scroll bars are located at the bottom and side of the window. Pressing the scroll bars provides the user with a scroll tip. It may show the current page or any information to help the user move through the document. Dialog boxes are message boxes requesting further information (see Figure 7.9). Information is entered using: tab appears at the top of the page when there are two or more pages of options text box type in text such as the number of pages to be printed option button (or radio button) selects one option from a group check box click to turn an option on or off; more than one option can be selected from a group list box presents the user with two or more options that are viewed using a scroll bar 158 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
drop-down list only one item is visible and the rest hidden; click the arrow to the right of the box to display all items spin box text box that has controls to change the settings by set amounts slider drag up, down or from side to side to increase or decrease the setting command buttons OK to confirm selection and Cancel to quit. Figure 7.9 A dialog box provides options for the user Consistency of elements The following commands are consistent in all applications developed for a GUI: A new document is needed to start work in an application. It is selected from the File menu, the New Blank button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+N or Command+N. A dialog box appears displaying the templates and wizards available for that application. Opening a document retrieves a previously saved document. It is selected from the File menu, the Open button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+O or Command+O. A dialog box appears allowing the user to select a file from a particular disk and folder. Closing a document removes the active file but keeps the application running. It is selected from the File menu or the Close button at the top-right of the title bar. To close all open documents, press shift and click Close All on the File menu. Mistakes are easily corrected using the Undo and Redo commands from the standard toolbar or Edit menu. The undo or restore command reverses the last action such as changing a font style. If you decide that you want the change after all, select the redo or undelete command. Cut and paste moves a block of text or graphic to another place in the same document or to another document. To cut a block 7 Software 159
of text, select the Cut command from the Edit menu, the Cut button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+X or Command+X. After the selected text has been cut it is necessary to move the cursor to the new location where the text is to be inserted or pasted. To paste a block of text, select the Paste command from the Edit menu, the Paste button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+V or Command+V. Copy and paste copies a block of text or graphic to another place in the same document or to another document. To copy a block of text, select the Copy command from the Edit menu, the Copy button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+C or Command+C. This command copies the block of text into the clipboard but does not remove it from the document as the Cut command does. The text is then pasted into a new position using the Paste command. Drag and drop is an easy way to move or copy a block of text or graphic a short distance using the mouse. To move a block of text using drag and drop editing, point to the selected text and hold down the mouse button. Drag the text to the new location and release the mouse button. Printing a document transfers a copy of it onto a piece of paper. This is called a hard copy or a printout. To print a document, select the Print command from the File menu, the Print button from the standard toolbar or press Ctrl+P or Command+P. The application must recognise the printer otherwise an error message will result. Finding text locates specified characters, words or phrases in a document. This is a useful feature if you have a long document. To find text, select the Find or Search command from the Edit menu or press Ctrl+F or Command+F. Saving a document stores the document permanently onto a secondary storage device such as a hard disk. Saving a document is selected from the Save command from the File menu, the Save button from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+S or 160 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
Command+S. The Save command is used to update a file that has previously been saved. It stores the active file with its current file name, location and file format. Exercise 7.4 1 Copy and complete the following sentences: a A is used to display the contents of files, folders and programs. b Applications must be before they can be opened. c moves a block of text or graphic to another place in the same document or to another document. d Opening a document retrieves a previously document. 2 True or false? a Restore increases the window so that it can be viewed using the entire screen. b Options with an arrow ( ) indicate the current active option. c The option button selects one option from a group. d The save command is used to update a file that has previously been saved. 3 What am I? a Text box that has controls to change the settings by predetermined amounts. b Appears at the top of a dialog box when there are two or more pages of options. c Commands used to easily correct mistakes. d Easy way to move or copy a block of text or graphic a short distance using the mouse. 4 a List four special buttons located in the top-right corner of the title bar. b How do you use a menu to select a command? c What is scrolling? d How do you close a document but keep the application running? e List three ways you can print a document. Development 5 Examine the navigation features of a GUI in three different applications. Demonstrate your proficiency in using menus, scrolling and dialog boxes. Outline the similarities and differences in the navigation features of these applications. 6 Investigate the consistency of elements in the applications developed for your GUI. Construct a table that summarises the uniformity in completing the same task in a different application. The table should contain more than one way of completing the task. 7 Software 161
Part A: Multiple choice questions Select the alternative (a), (b), (c) or (d) that best answers each question. 1 Which of the following is not performed by the operating system? a Loading the application software b Sending data to a printer c Storing files d Entering characters and creating documents 2 What do you call starting up the computer and the operating system? a Booting the system b System start c Spooling the system d Power-On Self Test (POST) 3 How would you describe a driver? a Compiles the technical information about a computer s hardware and software b Provides communication with a peripheral device c Accelerates the speed of the CPU d Reorganises files and unused space on a computer s hard disk 4 Which of the following statements is incorrect? a b c d When you purchase a new version of software you are upgrading your application software The cost of an office suite is more than the total price of each application All software companies are required to clearly state the system requirements of their products Most software packages contain onscreen tutorials, onscreen reference material and help files 5 How would you describe custom software? a b c d A complete and documented set of programs supplied to several users A set of codes and rules that enable the computer to operate in a desired way The software that supervises and controls the hardware Written for one customer and not mass-produced for several users 6 Which of the following operating systems is a character-based user interface? a UNIX b Windows c Linux d Mac OS 7 How would you describe an onscreen list of available commands and tools? a Window b Icon c Menu d Dialog box 8 Which of the following is not an advantage of a GUI over a characterbased user interface? a GUIs require a faster processor and more memory b Applications developed for a GUI have the same consistent appearance c GUIs make it easier to understand and learn the commands d GUIs are more forgiving and allow the user to reverse their last action 162 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology
9 What is it called when information is entered into a dialog box that involves turning on or off an option? a Command button b Radio button c Option button d Check box 10 What are the commands used to move or copy a block of text or graphic a short distance using the mouse? a Undo and Redo b Drag and Drop c Cut and Paste d Copy and Paste Part B: Matching the term For each of the following statements (1 to 10), select from the list of terms (a to j) the one that most closely fits the statement. Statements 1 Software that manages all the operations needed to run the computer. 2 Software that performs routine tasks to support the operation of the computer system. 3 Software that supervises and controls the hardware. 4 A complete and documented set of programs supplied to several users. 5 Software used for a specific task. 6 Software written for one customer that is not mass-produced for several users. 7 It gives instructions using a mouse and clicking on icons and menus. 8 It is used to display the contents of files, folders and programs in a GUI. 9 An onscreen list of available commands and tools. 10 The way the user interacts with the software. Terms a Application software b Custom software c GUI d Menu e Operating system f g h i j Software package System software User interface Utility software Window Part C: Extended response questions Write at least one paragraph for each of the following: 1 The operating system often works in the background. You use the application software and it interacts with the operating system. Describe some of the tasks performed by the operating system when you are using an application. 2 The routine tasks performed by the utility software should be part of the operating system. We should not need to purchase utility software. Do you agree with these statements? Use examples to explain your answer. 7 Software 163
3 Software packages are becoming more flexible and often contain a programming language to meet the exact requirements of the user. List some software packages that contain a programming language. Is it necessary for users to become programmers? Give reasons for your answer. 4 Describe six features of a GUI that you consider to be the most important. 5 Some people prefer to use a character-based user interface over a GUI. Outline some of the reasons for their choice. 6 Briefly describe some of features and elements that are consistent in all applications developed for a GUI. e Tester Project: Application software Investigate one piece of application software. Write a software evaluation and demonstrate this application to the class. The software evaluation should contain: name and version of the software, history of product, software developer, system requirements, cost, ease of use, quality of documentation, Internet support and major uses. Students are expected to research their application and summarise their results. The software evaluation should contain relevant graphics and follow good design principles. 164 HI Tech: Information and Software Technology