What types of software exist, and what do utility programs do for a computer system?
Software applications: the distinction between system software and application software, generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications, the role of utility programs (compression, defragmentation, backup, antivirus), and how software is licensed.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on software applications: the distinction between system and application software, generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications, the role of utility programs such as compression, defragmentation, backup and antivirus, and software licensing models.
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What this dot point is asking
Eduqas wants you to distinguish system software from application software, distinguish generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications, describe the role of utility programs, and explain software licensing models. This rounds off Component 2 by classifying the software that runs on the hardware and OS already covered.
The answer
System software versus application software
Generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications
Utility programs and licensing
Examples in context
Every device runs a stack of system software (the OS and utilities) beneath the applications you actually use. The generic/special-purpose/bespoke distinction is a real procurement decision: most organisations use generic office software but commission bespoke systems for their unique processes. Utilities like backup and antivirus are central to keeping data safe, linking to the data-protection and security issues from Component 1, and licensing connects directly to the Copyright Act covered there. This dot point completes Component 2 by classifying the software that runs on the architecture and OS studied earlier.
Try this
Q1. State one difference between system software and application software. [1 mark]
- Cue. System software manages and operates the computer/hardware (the OS, utilities, drivers); application software lets the user carry out a specific task.
Q2. Describe what a disk defragmentation utility does. [2 marks]
- Cue. It reorganises fragmented files into contiguous blocks so a hard disk drive can read them faster (it is not used for SSDs).
Q3. Give one disadvantage of bespoke software compared with generic software. [1 mark]
- Cue. It is expensive and slow to develop, and the organisation depends on the developer for support and updates.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas 20205 marksExplain the difference between system software and application software, and describe two types of utility program and what each does.Show worked answer →
System versus application software (up to 2 marks): system software manages and operates the computer and its hardware (the operating system, utilities, device drivers, translators), providing a platform; application software lets the user carry out a specific task (word processing, web browsing, games).
Utility programs (up to 3 marks, descriptions): compression utility, reduces file sizes for storage or transfer; disk defragmentation, reorganises fragmented files into contiguous blocks so the drive reads them faster (for HDDs); backup utility, copies data so it can be restored after loss; antivirus, detects and removes malware; disk clean-up, removes unneeded files.
Markers reward the manage-the-hardware versus do-a-user-task distinction and two correctly described utilities.
Eduqas 20225 marksDistinguish between generic, special-purpose and bespoke application software, and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of bespoke software.Show worked answer →
Types (up to 3 marks, one each): generic (general-purpose) software does a broad range of tasks and suits many users, such as a word processor or spreadsheet; special-purpose software is built for one particular type of task, such as accounting or photo-editing software; bespoke (custom) software is written specifically for one organisation's unique requirements.
Bespoke advantage and disadvantage (up to 2 marks): advantage, it fits the organisation's exact needs and can integrate with its existing systems; disadvantage, it is expensive and slow to develop, and the organisation depends on the developer for support and updates.
Markers reward correct descriptions of the three types and a valid advantage and disadvantage of bespoke software (tailored fit versus cost/time/support dependency).
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Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas GCE AS/A Level Computer Science specification (from 2015) — Eduqas (2015)