Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
1.2.2 - Coggle Diagram
1.2.2
1.2.2b
Utility software is key in ensuring that the computer performs to a high standard with each utility having a specific role in computer maintenance.
Compression enables files to be compressed as to speed up transfer of said files across the internet. It also reduces the space that files take up in secondary storage.
Defragmentation is used to combat slowing read/write times as files become fragmented within the hard disk (files become separated). Rearranging these on the hard drive will allow for faster access speeds (read-write head does less work. SSDs can slow if they are defragmented.
Antivirus software will protect a computer system by blocking threats. It will quarantine malicious files.
An automatic updating utility will ensure that the OS is kept up to date with any updates automatically being installed when the computer restarts (can also add security).
An automatic backup allows files to be recovered in the event of data loss. Full backup copies all the data on the system and incremental backup copies files that have been altered since the last backup.
1.2.2c
-
Open source code is freely available to download without needing a licence and is distributed along with the source code.
- [+] It can be modified and improved by anyone.
- [+] Technical support is provided by the community.
- [+] The code can modified and sold on to help tackle a problem.
- [-] Online support may be inefficient.
- [-] Security levels could be lower as it may not be developed in a controlled environment.
Closed source software does not have its source code freely available and is provided as a fully compiled set of executable files.
- [+] Regular, well-tested updates are provided by the creators.
- [+] Expert support and user manuals are provided by the creators.
- [+] Security may be much higher as the program is developed professionally in a controlled environment.
- [-] User may have to pay for a license.
- [-] User cannot modify and improve the software themselves.
- [-] Sold on to end-users.
1.2.2d
A translator converts high-level source code into low-level object code that is then ready to be executed by the processor.
Compilers:
- Compiles the whole program by reading all the source code at once. Returning all errors to the user.
- If changes are made to the source code, it will have to be recompiled.
- The process generates an executable file.
- Once initially compiled, running these files is faster than with an interpreter.
- Compiled files are architecture specific.
Interpreters:
- An interpreter translates and executed code sequentially, returning syntax errors line-by-line.
- This allows for the programmer to more easily remedy each error as it occurs (useful in development stage).
- Runs more slowly than compiled code as all lines must be translated every time the program is run.
- The user must have a translator installed to run the program. Bytecode is often used as an intermediate code which is interpreted by a virtual machine.
1.2.2a
Application software is designed to be used by the user for a specific task. The system software is required for application software to be run.
The system software is simply the low-level software responsible for running the computer smoothly. Examples include utility programs and system software.
-