What different types of software exist, and how is an application built from source code into a running program?
The nature of applications generation, the role of utilities and the difference between systems and application software, and the types and uses of software including open source versus closed source and custom-written versus off-the-shelf.
An OCR H446 answer on applications generation and the types and uses of software: the role of utilities, the difference between systems and application software, and the trade-offs of open source versus closed source and custom-written versus off-the-shelf software.
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What this dot point is asking
OCR wants what applications generation means, the role of utilities and the systems-versus-application-software distinction, and the trade-offs between open source and closed source, and between custom-written and off-the-shelf software. Expect a "discuss off-the-shelf versus bespoke" levels-of-response question.
The answer
Applications generation
Utilities and software categories
Open source versus closed source
Off-the-shelf versus custom-written
Examples in context
A hospital might run off-the-shelf email and a bespoke patient-records system tailored to its workflow. Many web servers run the open-source Linux and Apache stack to avoid licence costs and allow customisation, while a design studio pays for closed-source Adobe tools for the support and feature set. Schools mix free open-source utilities with licensed productivity suites. OCR links this to the legal and ethical module (licensing models) and to the methodology choice for building bespoke systems.
Try this
Q1. State whether antivirus software is systems or application software and justify your answer. [2 marks]
- Cue. Systems software (a utility): it maintains and protects the computer rather than performing a user task.
Q2. State one advantage of off-the-shelf software over custom-written software. [1 mark]
- Cue. Cheaper, immediately available, or well tested by a large user base (any one).
Q3. Explain one reason a business might prefer closed-source to open-source software. [2 marks]
- Cue. Closed-source usually comes with guaranteed professional support, regular updates and accountability from the vendor, which a business may value over the freedom to modify.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of OCR exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
OCR 20198 marksA medium-sized company needs new stock-control software. Discuss whether it should buy off-the-shelf software or commission custom-written software.Show worked answer →
Levels-of-response question; reward a developed comparison reaching a judgement.
Off-the-shelf software is ready-made, cheaper, available immediately, well tested by a large user base, and supported with documentation and updates; but it may not fit the company's exact processes, can include unused features and gives the company no control over future direction.
Custom-written (bespoke) software is built to the company's exact requirements, integrates with existing systems and can give a competitive advantage; but it is expensive, takes time to develop, may be less thoroughly tested initially, and relies on the developer for support.
The decision turns on how unusual the company's stock-control needs are and its budget. If standard processes suffice, off-the-shelf is the pragmatic choice; if the requirements are distinctive enough to justify the cost, custom-written is worthwhile. Top marks need the cost-versus-fit trade-off resolved with a reasoned recommendation.
OCR 20224 marksExplain one advantage and one disadvantage, for a business, of using open-source software rather than proprietary (closed-source) software.Show worked answer →
Advantage (2 marks): open-source software has freely available source code that can be inspected and modified, so a business can adapt it to its needs, is usually free of licence fees, and is not locked to a single vendor. (Security through transparency and a community of contributors are also valid.)
Disadvantage (2 marks): open-source software may lack guaranteed professional support and formal documentation, so the business may need in-house expertise to maintain and fix it; updates and direction depend on the community rather than a company with a contract. Markers reward one valid open-source benefit (cost / freedom to modify / no vendor lock-in) and one valid drawback (support / warranty / expertise needed).
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