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Syllabus outcomes5.1.1 Selects and justifies the application of appropriate software

programs to a range of tasks.

5.2.2 Designs, produces and evaluates appropriate solutions to arange of challenging problems.

OverviewThis chapter will develop your knowledge of software. It examinesthe two main types of software: system software and applicationsoftware. You will also learn about interface design and thegraphical user interface (GUI).

SoftwareSoftware

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User

Application software

Operating system

Hardware

Figure 7.1The role of theoperating system

144 HI Tech: In format ion and Software Techno logy

7.1 System softwareSoftware is the detailed instructions used to direct the hardware toperform a particular task. It controls the processing and movementof data within a computer system. A computer needs software totell it what to do and it needs hardware to carry out the actualwork. There are two main types of software known as systemsoftware and application software.

System software manages all the operations needed to run thecomputer. It affects the way the user interacts with a computer.System software carries out a range of functions, such as starting upthe computer, loading the application software, storing files andsending data to the printer. It includes the operating system andutility software.

Operating systemThe operating system (OS) is the software that supervises andcontrols the hardware (see Figure 7.1). It is usually stored on a harddisk. Most of the time the operating system is working in thebackground. As you use an application it interacts with theoperating system. For example, to print a document you select theprint command of the application and a message is passed to theoperating system, which performs the task. The most commonoperating systems are Windows, Linux, UNIX and the Macintoshoperating system.

The operating system starts automatically when the computer isturned on. Starting up the computer and the operating system iscalled booting the system. A ROM chip that contains the BIOS(basic input output system) executes a power-on self test (POST) tomake sure hardware is connected and operating correctly. After thePOST is completed successfully, the BIOS loads the operatingsystem. The operating system runs continuously whenever thecomputer 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 atime. The operating system determines when the CPU willperform each task. A common way of allocating CPU time iscalled time slicing. A time slice is a fixed amount of CPU time.With this technique, each task in turn receives a time slice. Theoperating system also directs the CPU to switch betweendifferent tasks to take advantage of idle time on one task.

Operating systemscan be likened tothe conductor ofan orchestrabecause theycontrol the entireresources of thecomputer system.

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• Memory management: The operating system controls how theCPU relates to memory. It must ensure data is efficiently accessedand not overwritten. This involves dividing the availablememory between different tasks and swapping data betweenmemory and secondary storage. Data that has been read intomemory from an input device or is waiting to be sent to anoutput device is stored in an area of memory called a buffer.The operating system assigns the location of buffers in memoryand manages the data that is stored in them. Virtual memoryis a technique used by the operating system to increase theamount of memory. It uses spare hard disk space to supplementavailable RAM. Virtual memory is slower than RAM.

• Controlling peripheral devices: The operating system providesthe communication with all input, output and storage devices.It uses specific software for each type of peripheral device. Thisspecific software is referred to as a device driver or driver. Forexample, a mouse driver is the software that tells the computerhow to receive data from a mouse. Printers are relatively slowdevices compared to other peripheral devices. To increaseprinter efficiency the operating system uses a technique calledspooling. Spooling transfers the data to a printer buffer andqueues it until it can be printed.

• File management: Theoperating system organisesand keeps track of files. A fileis a collection of data that isrecognised by a file name. Itcan be work you create on thecomputer, a data file or anapplication. File names consistof unique names followed by aperiod (.) and file nameextension. The file nameextension indicates the type ofinformation stored in the file.Files are stored and organisedinto folders or directories. Afolder can hold both files andadditional folders. Thecontents of a folder aredisplayed in a window. Thewindow shows the properties

Figure 7.2 File management is part of the operating system software



of each file, such as the file name, size, type, or date modified. Itis 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 thecomputer’s settings. For example, the control panel allows youto change a computer’s theme, desktop background, screensaver, screen resolution, time and communication settings. Forsecurity the operating system may provide each user with aname and password. It is possible to change the way users logon and off.

There are different types of operating systems. Single-tasking allowsonly one task to be performed at one time. Palm OS is used on aPalm 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. Inaddition to single and multitasking, operating systems are classifiedas single-user and multi-user. A multi-user operating system allowsmany different users to access the computer’s resources at the sametime. UNIX is an example of a multi-user operating system.

Utility softwareUtility software performs routine tasks to support the operation ofthe computer system. Most operating systems contain utilities toassist in the management of the system. However, users often purchasemore powerful utility software (see Figure 7.3). Some commonexamples of utility software include:

Figure 7.3 Norton SystemWorks is a specialist utility program


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• file compression to reduce the size of a file—it allows the userto store more data and makes data transmission faster

• diagnostic tools to compile technical information about acomputer’s hardware and software

• disk scanner to detect and correct problems on a disk andsearch for and remove unwanted files

• disk defragmenter to reorganise files and unused space on acomputer’s hard disk—allows data and programs to be accessedfaster

• un-installer to remove an application and any associated entriesin the system files

• device drivers to provide communication with a peripheraldevice—provided with the peripheral device or can bedownloaded from the Internet

• backup utility to copy selected files or the entire hard drive ontoanother disk

• anti-virus program to prevent, detect and remove viruses.

Exercise 7.11 Explain the difference between:

a a file and a folderb single-tasking and multitaskingc 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 connectedand operating correctly.

b Spooling is the specific software for each type of peripheraldevice.

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?



Development5 New versions of utility software are constantly being developed.

Investigate the latest utility software. Create a presentation tooutline the features of the current utilities. Will these features beincluded in the next version of the operating system? Give reasonsfor your answer.

6 The Internet allows computers using different operating systems toview the same document. How is this possible? Do research intoHTML. Write a report that summaries your investigation. Illustrateyour answer using examples of HTML code.

7.2 Application softwareApplication software is a program used for a specific task. It allows thecomputer to achieve the task for which it was bought. Applicationsoftware consists of software packages and custom software.

Software packagesA software package is a complete and documented set of programssupplied to several users. Software packages can be bought to covernearly all requirements. They include word processing, desktoppublishing, spreadsheets, database management systems, paintprograms, 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 withinstructions for installing the software. Installing software transfersfiles to the hard disk to enable the software to work. Most softwarepackages contain onscreen tutorials, onscreen reference material and

Figure 7.4 Tutorials are often provided in software packages

ICT 7.1


Wallyware is applicationsoftware collectedby the user toboast about havingit, though it maynever be used.

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help files (see Figure 7.4). It is also common for software companiesto supplement and update their help files with online help fromtheir website. This requires the user to register their softwarepackage with the software company using the product code.

Most software packages have new versions being developed. Theseversions contain new features and any errors (or bugs) in the previousversion have been repaired. The version of the software package is oftenrecognised by the year, such as Macromedia Dreamweaver MX2004. Itis 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 beshown using tenths, such as Lotus Approach 9.5.

When you purchase a new version you are upgrading yourapplication software. It is important when upgrading orpurchasing new software to check that your hardware andoperating system are compatible. The latest versions of thesoftware often place greater demands on the hardware andoperating system. Upgrading your software may require anupgrade in your hardware and operating system. Compatibilityrequirements are usually specified on the software package andshould be checked before the application is bought.

Office suites contain several applications. Microsoft Office comesin different versions for different users (see Figure 7.5). It includesthe core applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPointand Outlook. The cost of an office suite is less than the total priceof each application. Integrated software contains several applications

Figure 7.5 Microsoft Office bundles word processing, database and other applications together



that work together as a stand-alone product. For example,Microsoft Works includes word processing, database, spreadsheetand graphics. Each application is not as powerful as a separateapplication. However, it is cheaper than buying an office suite andmeets the needs of many users. Both office suites and integratedsoftware allow data to be easily moved between applications.

Custom softwareEven though software packages are very flexible they cannot beused for some specific tasks. Custom software is written for acustomer and is not for several users. Some custom software isdeveloped for a single customer or client. It is written to fit theexact requirements of the problem and is labour intensive. Forthese reasons custom software is very expensive. Custom software iswritten by a programmer using a programming language.

Programming languages are a set of codes and rules that enablethe computer to operate in a desired way. They are divided into twogroups: 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. Theyprocess calculations much faster than high-level languages.Low-level languages include machine language and assemblylanguage.

• High-level languages use English-like codes where eachstatement corresponds to several lines of machine code. It doesnot depend on the hardware of the computer system, so theprograms are portable. Since high-level languages are closer toEnglish, programs are easier to write and often shorter in lengththan programs in low-level languages.

Programmers write software using high-level languages. There aremany high-level languages available such as BASIC, Java, Pascal, C,COBOL, FORTRAN, APL, PROLOG, Ada and Logo. Each isdesigned for a particular purpose. Today most programmers useVisual BASIC, C++ or Java.• Visual BASIC—developed by Microsoft to allow users to create

Windows applications. It is an object-oriented language thatallows users to create the interface using objects, set theproperties for those objects and write instructions for theinterface using BASIC programming language.

• C++—based on the original C programming language for theUNIX operating system. It is an object-oriented language.

Tutorial


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However, it does not contain visual objects found in VisualBASIC. Many commercial applications are written using C++.

• Java—developed by Sun Microsystems to create smallapplications is an object-oriented language that excels atproducing web-based applets that work on different platforms.Java is similar to C++.

Hardware requirementsA computer system is made up of hardware and software that worktogether, processing data to achieve a purpose. The relationshipbetween hardware and software is important. Software depends ona particular hardware configuration to work effectively. It is writtenand tested using a certain processor, memory and peripherals. Thisis often described as the system requirements for the software. Allsoftware companies are required to clearly state the systemrequirements of their products.

Application software is available to complete many differenttasks. Each task may require different data types and levels ofprocessing. This affects the hardware requirements of the system.For example, authoring software that combines text, graphics,animation, video and audio will place greater hardware demandson the system than a word processor that only processes text. Thesystem requirements for application software are frequentlychanging as new and more powerful versions of the software aredeveloped. The system requirements may also include specificperipheral devices. For example, it is suggested for authoringsoftware that the system includes a DVD burner to create a DVD.

Project: Clean Up AustraliaThe student representative council (SRC) has decided to submit aproposal to the school executive to encourage students and theirfamilies to be involved in clean up Australia day. A team from Year 9was appointed by the SRC to complete the project. The problem wassolved using the four stages in project development.

• Define and analyse the problem: The solution required an effectivemethod to encourage participation in the event, proposed venues,dates and times, and a presentation to the school executive. Aproject 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 ina feasibility study. The team recommended a promotional



campaign to start at the end of February. Prototypes for advertisingin the school newsletter and the local newspaper were developed.A storyboard for a multimedia presentation was constructed. Themultimedia presentation will be used to motivate students to beinvolved 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 aformal assembly.

• Evaluate the solution: There was a significant increase in thenumber of people involved in clean up Australia day. The projectpromoted the school and increased the awareness ofenvironmental issues. The school executive was very positive in itsevaluation of the project.

Tasks1 Design an advertisement for clean up Australia day for your local

community.

2 Create a storyboard for a multimedia presentation for your localcommunity.

Exercise 7.21 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) beforepurchasing the software. The (c) versions of the software oftenplace greater demands on the (d).


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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?

Development5 ‘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 softwarecurrently being updated.

6 System requirements are frequently changing as new and morepowerful versions of the software are developed. Do research intothe system requirements for the popular application software.Construct a table to summarise your results.

7.3 Interface designThe user interface is the way the user interacts with the software.The function of the user interface is to provide a means ofcommunication between the user and the computer. There are twocommon types of user interfaces: the character-based (or commandline) user interface and the graphical user interface (GUI).

Character-based user interfaceThe character-based user interface requires the user to giveinstructions using only characters. The user types the charactersusing a keyboard. The first widely used operating system was theOS/360 system and it used a character-based interface. The OS/360system was developed in 1964 for all computers in IBM’sSystem/360 family. MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system) usesa character-based interface. It was very popular and became theindustry 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 wasdeveloped by AT&T Bell Laboratories. It enables the timesharing ofa host computer (usually a mainframe) with several othercomputers at the same time. The character-based UNIX interface issimilar to MS-DOS although the commands are different. It is stillwidely used on Internet servers. However, there are variations ofUNIX that provide a graphical user interface. Character-based user

ICT 7.2



interfaces are also commonly used on devices with a limitedamount of memory and options for the user. For example, somemobile phones and microwave ovens use a character-based userinterface.

Graphical user interfaceThe graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced ‘gooey’) allows theuser to give instructions using a mouse, and clicking on icons andmenus. A GUI provides an easy-to-use and consistent interface fora range of applications. Microsoft Windows (or Windows) is themost popular GUI (see Figure 7.7). Some of the main features of aGUI are:• Window—everything done on the computer appears within a

rectangular frame called a window. The user can open severalwindows at the same time and work on different programs. Eachwindow can be closed, resized, moved, minimised or maximised.

Figure 7.7 The Windows desktop

Figure 7.6 MS-DOS command prompt


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• Icon—a small picture that represents a program, file, folder orshortcut. Text describing the icon appears when the user pointsat the icon. Double-clicking the icon will open the file.

• Menu—an onscreen list of available commands and tools. To opena menu, click on the menu name. A pull-down menu will bedisplayed. A command is then chosen by clicking on its name.

• Dialog box—a secondary window that contains buttons andvarious kinds of options through which you can carry out aparticular command or task.

• Desktop—the onscreen work area on which windows, icons,menus and dialog boxes appear. It is like the physical desktopwe use in day-to-day work.

• Recycle or trash bin—a special folder to store deleted files. Todelete a file drag the file to the recycle bin or right-click the fileand press delete.

GUI was first used by the Xerox Corporation in the 1970s.However, it was not until the Apple Macintosh in 1984 that theGUI became popular. Microsoft Windows introduced the GUI toIBM compatible computers in 1985. Both Mac OS and Windowshave added new features to their GUI to make them easier to use.Even though there are differences many users can easily switchbetween operating systems.

Linux (pronounced ‘Linn-uks’) operating system is freelydistributed and supported. It was developed by Linus Torvaldsusing a scaled down version of UNIX. A GUI is provided for Linuxusing a shell called KDE. Linux is an example of open sourcesoftware. Programmers from around the world have worked onLinux and improved the product. Linux is used on personalcomputers, web servers, film workstations and even scientificsupercomputers.

GUIs offer several clear advantages over character-based userinterfaces. Applications developed for a GUI have the sameconsistent appearance as the operating system. The featuresdescribed above make it easier for people to understand and learncommands compared to a character-based interface. The GUIs arealso more forgiving. Most dialog boxes have a ‘Cancel’ button andthe ‘Undo’ command allows users to reverse the last action.However, there are disadvantages with GUIs. They require fasterprocessors, more memory, more disk space, higher quality screensand more complex software.

In 1977 the XeroxStar computerintroduced theGUI. However, thesystem was tooexpensive and tooslow. Users likedthe power and theease of operation,but they neededbetter performance.The machine wasnot a success inthe marketplace.

A GUI is alsoreferred to as aWIMP environment—Window, Icon,Mouse and Pull-down menu.



Exercise 7.31 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 bracketswith 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 aconsistent (d) for a range of applications.

3 Unjumble these words:a srue faircnteeb nuxlic 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.

Development5 The rapid growth of Linux is challenging the dominance of

Windows. Do research into Linux. Write a summary of yourinvestigation. What is your opinion of open source software?Would you be willing to volunteer your time to write software forfree? Give reasons for your answer.

6 Operating systems in the future may be very different from thosewe use today. Do research into natural language interfaces. Outlinesome of the advantages and disadvantages of natural languageinterfaces.


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7.4 Features of a GUIApplication software written for a GUI must follow a strict set ofguidelines that control how the application looks and how standardoperations are performed. Some of the features in these guidelinesare described below.

FunctionalityA window is used to display the contents of files, folders andprograms. More than one window can be opened at the same time(see Figure 7.8). Each window is stacked on top of each other. Theactive window is the highlighted window and all commands areperformed on the active window. The title bar is the horizontal barat the top of the window. The left side of the title bar contains thename of the file. Special buttons in the top-right corner of the titlebar are used to rearrange windows:

• 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 viewedusing the entire screen

• restore (�)—returns the window to its previous size after it hasbeen maximised

• close (�)—closes a window or exits a program.

Figure 7.8 The Mac OS

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Windows that have not been maximised can be resized and movedon 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 theapplication. Applications must be installed before they are opened.Installing adds the program files to the hard disk so that theapplication will work correctly. Exiting an application quits theprogram. The operating system will display a dialog box for theuser to save any work that has been changed.

NavigationMenus are an onscreen list of available commands and tools. Themenu bar is a horizontal bar located below the title bar. To open amenu, click the menu name. A menu will either drop down or popup 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 contentsdo not fit the window. The document can be scrolled up, down orsideways using the scroll bars. Scroll bars are located at the bottomand side of the window. Pressing the scroll bars provides the userwith a scroll tip. It may show the current page or any informationto 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


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• drop-down list—onlyone item is visible andthe rest hidden; clickthe arrow to the rightof the box to display all items

• spin box—text boxthat has controls tochange the settings by set amounts

• slider—drag up, downor from side to side toincrease or decreasethe setting

• command buttons—OK to confirmselection and Cancel to quit.

Consistency of elementsThe following commands are consistent in all applicationsdeveloped 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 thestandard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+N or Command+N. Adialog box appears displaying the templates and wizardsavailable for that application.

• Opening a document retrieves a previously saved document. It isselected from the File menu, the Open button from the standardtoolbar or by pressing Ctrl+O or Command+O. A dialog boxappears allowing the user to select a file from a particular diskand folder.

• Closing a document removes the active file but keeps theapplication running. It is selected from the File menu or theClose button at the top-right of the title bar. To close all opendocuments, 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 undoor restore command reverses the last action such as changing afont style. If you decide that you want the change after all, selectthe redo or undelete command.

• Cut and paste moves a block of text or graphic to another placein the same document or to another document. To cut a block

Figure 7.9 A dialog box provides options for the user



of text, select the Cut command from the Edit menu, the Cutbutton from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+X orCommand+X. After the selected text has been cut it is necessaryto move the cursor to the new location where the text is to beinserted or pasted. To paste a block of text, select the Pastecommand from the Edit menu, the Paste button from the standardtoolbar or by pressing Ctrl+V or Command+V.

• Copy and paste copies a block of text or graphic to another placein the same document or to another document. To copy a blockof text, select the Copy command from the Edit menu, the Copybutton from the standard toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+C orCommand+C. This command copies the block of text into theclipboard but does not remove it from the document as the Cutcommand does. The text is then pasted into a new positionusing the Paste command.

• Drag and drop is an easy way to move or copy a block of text orgraphic a short distance using the mouse. To move a block oftext using drag and drop editing, point to the selected text andhold down the mouse button. Drag the text to the new locationand 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 buttonfrom the standard toolbar or press Ctrl+P or Command+P. Theapplication must recognise the printer otherwise an errormessage will result.

• Finding text locates specified characters, words or phrases in adocument. This is a useful feature if you have a long document.To find text, select the Find or Search command from the Editmenu or press Ctrl+F or Command+F.

• Saving a document stores the documentpermanently onto a

secondary storagedevice such as ahard disk. Saving a

document is selectedfrom the Savecommand fromthe File menu, the

Save button fromthe standard toolbar

or by pressing Ctrl+S or


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Command+S. The Save command is used to update a file thathas previously been saved. It stores the active file with itscurrent file name, location and file format.

Exercise 7.41 Copy and complete the following sentences:

a A _______ is used to display the contents of files, folders andprograms.

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 bypredetermined amounts.

b Appears at the top of a dialog box when there are two or morepages 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.

Development5 Examine the navigation features of a GUI in three different

applications. Demonstrate your proficiency in using menus, scrollingand dialog boxes. Outline the similarities and differences in thenavigation features of these applications.

6 Investigate the consistency of elements in the applications developedfor your GUI. Construct a table that summarises the uniformity incompleting the same task in a different application. The table shouldcontain more than one way of completing the task.



Part A: Multiple choice questionsSelect the alternative (a), (b), (c) or (d) that best answers each question.

1 Which of the following is notperformed by the operating system?a Loading the application softwareb Sending data to a printerc Storing filesd Entering characters and creating

documents

2 What do you call starting up thecomputer and the operating system?a Booting the systemb System startc Spooling the systemd Power-On Self Test (POST)

3 How would you describe a driver?a Compiles the technical

information about a computer’shardware and software

b Provides communication with aperipheral device

c Accelerates the speed of the CPUd Reorganises files and unused space

on a computer’s hard disk

4 Which of the following statements isincorrect?a When you purchase a new version

of software you are upgradingyour application software

b The cost of an office suite is morethan the total price of eachapplication

c All software companies arerequired to clearly state thesystem requirements of theirproducts

d Most software packages containonscreen tutorials, onscreenreference material and help files

5 How would you describe customsoftware?a A complete and documented set

of programs supplied to severalusers

b A set of codes and rules thatenable the computer to operate ina desired way

c The software that supervises andcontrols the hardware

d Written for one customer and notmass-produced for several users

6 Which of the following operatingsystems is a character-based userinterface?a UNIXb Windowsc Linuxd Mac OS

7 How would you describe an onscreenlist of available commands and tools?a Windowb Iconc Menud Dialog box

8 Which of the following is not anadvantage of a GUI over a character-based user interface?a GUIs require a faster processor

and more memoryb Applications developed for a GUI

have the same consistentappearance

c GUIs make it easier to understandand learn the commands

d GUIs are more forgiving and allowthe user to reverse their last action


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9 What is it called when information isentered into a dialog box thatinvolves turning on or off an option?a Command buttonb Radio buttonc Option buttond Check box

10 What are the commands used tomove or copy a block of text orgraphic a short distance using themouse?a Undo and Redob Drag and Dropc Cut and Pasted Copy and Paste

Part B: Matching the termFor 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.

Part C: Extended response questionsWrite at least one paragraph for each of the following:

1 The operating system often works inthe background. You use theapplication software and it interactswith the operating system. Describesome of the tasks performed by theoperating system when you are usingan application.

2 The routine tasks performed by theutility software should be part of theoperating system. We should notneed to purchase utility software. Doyou agree with these statements?Use examples to explain your answer.

Statements

1 Software that manages all theoperations needed to run thecomputer.

2 Software that performs routine tasksto support the operation of thecomputer system.

3 Software that supervises andcontrols the hardware.

4 A complete and documented set ofprograms supplied to several users.

5 Software used for a specific task.

6 Software written for one customerthat is not mass-produced for severalusers.

7 It gives instructions using a mouseand clicking on icons and menus.

8 It is used to display the contents offiles, folders and programs in a GUI.

9 An onscreen list of availablecommands and tools.

10 The way the user interacts with thesoftware.

Termsa Application softwareb Custom softwarec GUId Menue Operating system

f Software packageg System softwareh User interfacei Utility softwarej Window



3 Software packages are becoming moreflexible and often contain aprogramming language to meet theexact requirements of the user. Listsome software packages that contain aprogramming language. Is it necessaryfor users to become programmers?Give reasons for your answer.

4 Describe six features of a GUI thatyou consider to be the mostimportant.

5 Some people prefer to use acharacter-based user interface over aGUI. Outline some of the reasons fortheir choice.

6 Briefly describe some of features andelements that are consistent in allapplications developed for a GUI.

Project: Application softwareInvestigate one piece of application software. Write a software evaluation anddemonstrate this application to the class. The software evaluation should contain:name and version of the software, history of product, software developer, systemrequirements, cost, ease of use, quality of documentation, Internet support andmajor uses. Students are expected to research their application and summarisetheir results. The software evaluation should contain relevant graphics and followgood design principles.

e Tester


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