A3 Computer software in an IT system
The concepts and implications of the use of, and relationships between, hardware and software
that form large- and small-scale IT systems and their impact on individuals and organisations.
• Types of operating system:
o real-time operating system
o single-user single task
o single-user multi-tasking
o multi-user
• The role of the operating system in managing:
o networking
o security
o memory management
o multi-tasking
o device drivers.
• Factors affecting the choice and use of user interfaces:
o graphical
o command line
o menu based
o adapted.
• Factors affecting the choice of operating system.
• Factors affecting use and performance of an operating system.
• Utility software:
o the purpose, features and uses of utility software
o factors affecting the choice, use and performance of utility software.
• Application software:
o the purpose, features and uses of application software
o factors affecting the choice, use and performance of application software.
• The principles and implications of open source and proprietary operating systems
and software.
• The impact and features of user interfaces in computer software.
• The features of common file types and formats used for:
o images
o videos
o application software.
• The implications on IT systems, individuals and organisations of the use and selection of
file types and formats.
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