ict revision part 3
Evaluation of software and hardware
All computers are made up of hardware, software and data. In your exam, you will need to be able to explain how and why particular hardware or software is suitable for a particular task; and list and discuss criteria which can be used to evaluate or judge the suitability of hardware and software.
Main types of software
Generic
General-purpose software, such as word processors and spreadsheets.
Specialised packages
Sold for specific uses, eg managing the accounts of a large organisation.
Bespoke software
Written specially for the end user by a team of people within the company or by external consultants; for example the software which manages London's congestion-charging system.
System weaknesses
All computers are a part of a system made up of: hardware software the data being used
A system like this can fail if any of the parts do not fit together, but there are ways to fine-tune the system:
Train and re-train people as the system changes. Training is often needed due to a decision to change either the hardware or software.
Keep the data as accurate as possible.
Upgrade software and hardware and replace it as new versions and types become available.
Add new input and output devices if they will improve efficiency.
Use evaluation criteria to decide what software and hardware to buy and how it will be used.
Software evaluation
Evaluation is performed to ensure the most suitable piece of software (or hardware) is purchased. Typically evaluation criteria will include:
End User Needs - what does the user of the software want to do, what are their present skills and how do they intend to use the software? It is important to be very clear about the problem that is to be tackled by the software. For example, a disabled person who wants to write letters but cannot type might strongly consider software with lots of ready-made letter templates that can then be added to using voice recognition.
Functionality - does the software
All computers are made up of hardware, software and data. In your exam, you will need to be able to explain how and why particular hardware or software is suitable for a particular task; and list and discuss criteria which can be used to evaluate or judge the suitability of hardware and software.
Main types of software
Generic
General-purpose software, such as word processors and spreadsheets.
Specialised packages
Sold for specific uses, eg managing the accounts of a large organisation.
Bespoke software
Written specially for the end user by a team of people within the company or by external consultants; for example the software which manages London's congestion-charging system.
System weaknesses
All computers are a part of a system made up of: hardware software the data being used
A system like this can fail if any of the parts do not fit together, but there are ways to fine-tune the system:
Train and re-train people as the system changes. Training is often needed due to a decision to change either the hardware or software.
Keep the data as accurate as possible.
Upgrade software and hardware and replace it as new versions and types become available.
Add new input and output devices if they will improve efficiency.
Use evaluation criteria to decide what software and hardware to buy and how it will be used.
Software evaluation
Evaluation is performed to ensure the most suitable piece of software (or hardware) is purchased. Typically evaluation criteria will include:
End User Needs - what does the user of the software want to do, what are their present skills and how do they intend to use the software? It is important to be very clear about the problem that is to be tackled by the software. For example, a disabled person who wants to write letters but cannot type might strongly consider software with lots of ready-made letter templates that can then be added to using voice recognition.
Functionality - does the software