Week 3

Question 1

What is software?

Answer 1

A series of detailed instructions
(programs) that control the computer operation
– Computer devices only as good as their software

Question 2

What does systems software do?

Answer 2

Systems software manages and controls the
operation of the computer system for the user

Question 3

What does Application software do?

Answer 3

Application software provides functionality of
interest to the user

Question 4

Operating Systems

Answer 4

– Allocating and managing system resources
– Scheduling resources and monitoring the computer
* Examples
– Controlling access to storage devices e.g. USB key
– Co-ordinating and controlling peripherals
– e.g. printers
– Allowing users to input data and instructions
– Keyboard, mouse, touch sensitive screen

Question 5

Utility programs

Answer 5

– a range of tools that support the operation and
management of a computer system
* monitor system performance
* provide security controls

Question 6

Development programs

Answer 6

– Computer software (system and application) is
written in programming languages to carry out
specific information processing tasks.
For i := 1 to 9 x:= x + 1;
– Languages like Java, C++, BASIC, Python

Question 7

Challenges in Building Software

Answer 7

• Systems analysis
  – Software requires precise description and people
  find it difficult to provide this
• Programming
  – Attention to detail required and skills in short
  supply
• Testing
  – You need to test, test and test again
• Implementation
  – Good software can be badly implemented
  e.g. inadequate training, bad data

Question 8

RFID

Answer 8

RFID (Radio-frequency identification) is an
emerging technology
– replacement for bar code identification
* RFID is an automatic way to collect data
– Identification performed in milliseconds
– Link to database

Question 9

Active versus Passive Tags

Answer 9

• The General Rule: The longer the range, the
  more expensive the tag..
• Active Tags
  – Run on batteries
  – Have long-range (often 70-100m)
  – High frequency
• Passive Tags
  – No battery
  – Draw power from scanner
  – Short-range
• Proximity tags (0.5m range)
• Long-range passive tags (3 – 10m range)

Question 10

What is NFC (Near Field communication)

Answer 10

• NFC is a method of wireless data transfer that
  allows smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices to share data when in close proximity
  1.Peer-to-peer: Two NFC-enabled devices can
  establish a connection and share data.
  2.Read/write: Active device, e.g. a phone, picks
  up data from a passive device which does not
  have the capability of reading information itself.
  3.Card emulation: An NFC device can be used like
  a contactless credit card.