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Questions and Answers
What are the two basic types of software?
Application software and system software.
Name two ways software can be distributed.
Local installation and Software as a Service (SaaS).
What is one characteristic of proprietary software?
It is commercial and not freely available to modify.
What happens during a full installation of software?
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What is one important tip for designing effective presentations?
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Describe the structure of a database.
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Describe two main functions of the CPU.
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What are the major components of the CPU's machine cycle?
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What are two major types of storage drives, and how do they differ?
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What is unique about Linux as an operating system?
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What distinguishes a multiuser operating system from a single-user operating system?
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Name three popular operating systems for personal computers.
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Study Notes
Software Basics
- Software is a set of instructions telling computers what to do.
- There are two main types of software: application software and system software.
Distributing Software
- Software can be developed as proprietary (commercial) or open-source (free).
- Software can be distributed through local installation, Software as a Service (SaaS), or subscription.
Purchasing Software
- Software can be purchased from brick and mortar stores, downloaded from the Internet, or obtained through student discounts.
- Freeware is software available for free, while beta versions are pre-release versions of software for testing.
Installing and Uninstalling Software
- System requirements specify the minimum hardware and software needed for software to run properly.
- A restore point allows you to revert your system to a previous state.
- Software can be installed through full installation, which installs all components, or custom installation, which allows you to choose specific components.
- Recovering from a computer crash might involve using a recovery drive to reinstall the operating system.
- Uninstalling software removes it from your computer.
Upgrading Software
- Subscription or SaaS software typically receives automatic updates, eliminating the need for manual upgrades.
- Upgrading software can improve performance and security, but it can also be costly.
- Software updates are typically smaller than upgrades and address specific issues.
Software Licenses
- End User License Agreement (EULA) outlines key aspects of software use, such as ownership, allowed copies, installation limits, and warranties.
- Copyleft licenses encourage software sharing and modification.
Productivity and Business Software
- Productivity software aids in various tasks at home, school, and work.
- Popular proprietary options include Microsoft Office and Apple iWork, while open-source options include LibreOffice.
- Web-based productivity suites offer features like Microsoft Office Online, Google Docs, Zoho, and ThinkFree.
Word Processing
- Word processing software creates and edits documents.
- Examples include Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.
Spreadsheet
- Spreadsheet software performs calculations and numerical analyses.
- Data types include text, values and dates, formulas, and functions.
- Popular examples include Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc.
Presentation Software
- Presentation software helps create visual aids and presentations.
- Effective presentation design incorporates images, careful color choices, bullet points for key points, appropriate font size and style, and minimal animation and background audio.
Database Software
- Database software stores and organizes data.
- It uses fields, records, and tables to structure information.
Note-taking Software
- Note-taking software helps capture and organize notes.
- Examples include OneNote and Evernote.
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
- PIMs manage email, contacts, calendars, and tasks.
- Popular options include Outlook and web-based PIMs like Yahoo! and Google.
- Other PIM options include Toodledo and OmniFocus.
Productivity Software Features
- Wizards guide users through steps for completing tasks.
- Templates are predesigned forms that can be customized.
- Macros are small programs that group a series of commands.
Operating System Fundamentals
- An operating system (OS) manages the computer's hardware and software.
- Utility programs are tools that perform specific tasks, like disk cleanup or file recovery.
- The operating system functions include managing hardware, allowing application software to interact with the CPU, and managing, scheduling, and coordinating tasks.
User Interface
- The user interface is how users interact with the computer.
- Common elements include desktops, icons, and menus.
- Operating systems can be single-user or multi-user, and single-task or multi-task.
Operating Systems for Personal Use
- The top three operating systems for personal computers are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Mobile operating systems include Android, iOS, and Windows.
- Web-based operating systems include Google Chrome OS.
Linux
- Linux is an open-source operating system used for personal computers, web servers, and other applications.
- Distributions (distros) are specific variations of the Linux operating system.
- Upgrading the OS should be considered based on system needs and compatibility.
Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, and Business
- Real-time operating systems (RTOS) manage machines that perform repetitive tasks with precise timing.
- Multiuser operating systems, like Unix, allow several users to access the computer simultaneously.
Moore's Law
- Moore's Law describes the exponential increase in computing power over time.
- When evaluating hardware, consider factors like speed, Moore's Law, and system components such as DRAM and hard drives.
Selecting a Computing Device
- A wide range of computing devices are available, including smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, 2-in-1s, laptops, and desktops.
How the CPU Works
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is located on the motherboard and processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages information flow.
- Intel and AMD are leading CPU manufacturers.
- The machine cycle involves four stages: fetch, decode, execute, and store.
- The CPU consists of two units: the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
Storage Needs
- Storage needs vary based on the type and size of the data you need to store.
- Redundant array of independent disks (RAID) provides data protection and redundancy through combining multiple disks.
- RAID 0 increases performance but doesn't provide fault tolerance.
- RAID 1 mirrors data across multiple disks, offering redundancy but slower performance.
Video Cards
- Video cards are crucial for displays and graphics processing.
- Ports like HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort provide connections between the video card and monitor.
- Video memory stores graphics data.
- Screen resolution determines the sharpness and detail of the display.
- GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) handle graphics processing, improving performance for games and graphics-intensive applications.
Sound Cards
- Sound cards handle audio output, enabling your computer to produce sound.
- Features like 3D sound technology, surround sound, and Dolby Digital 7.1 enhance audio quality.
- A MIDI interface allows music instruments and devices to connect to the computer.
Maintaining System Reliability
- Enhance system reliability by installing antivirus programs, spyware and adware protection, regularly clearing unnecessary files, running Disk Defragmenter, and automating essential utilities.
- In case of system crashes, try System Restore, check RAM availability, investigate error codes using Google, and consider a Windows Reset.
Getting Rid of Your Old Computer
- Recycling, donating, or disposing of old computers should be done responsibly.
- Before disposing of a computer, erase sensitive data and remove hard drives.
- Consider donating working computers to charities or schools.
- Recycling options are available for old computers.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of software, including its types, distribution models, purchasing options, and installation processes. Understand the differences between proprietary and open-source software, and learn how to manage software installations effectively.
