ITGS - software | Flashcards

Question	Answer
Desktop publishing software	application software that enables users/designers to create sophisticated documents containing text, graphics, and colors; ideal for textbooks, catalogs, newsletters, brochures, etc.; examples: Publisher, iStudio, Scribus.
Programming language	usually refers to high-level languages consisting of words or phrases written by humans in order to design computer programs; eventually are compiled/converted into (mid-level) assembly languages, which are then assembled/translated into (low level) machine languages
.csv	comma separated values; a pseudo-file format used to store data in tables (rows and columns); the lines in the text file represent rows in a table and the commas separate the columns.
.rtf	rich text format; a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft to allow for interchangeable use on multiple platforms; most word processors are able to read and write most versions of .rtf.
Assistant	a software tool that is available to the user throughout the process of using an application program; usually appears in the form of an animated character that provides advice to the user about carrying out a task.
Presentation software	application software that allows users to create visual aids for presentations or slideshows to communicate ideas and information to a group; examples: PowerPoint.
.gif	graphics interchange format; file format that uses compression techniques for downloading graphics one line at a time.
.htm, .html	hypertext markup language; - extension for a file that can be opened as a webpage
.jpeg	joint photographic experts group; file format that uses compression techniques for downloading graphics from the Web; more advanced than .gif; supports multiple colors and resolutions.
.pdf	portable data format; a file format created by Adobe Systems; used for representing documents independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems; represents a fixed layout, including the text, fonts, graphics, etc.; difficult to edit.
.png	portable network graphic; compressed file format that supports multiple colors and resolutions, but is not supported by all web browsers; improves upon the .gif format.
.swf	shockwave flash; a file format that can contain animations that allow for interaction between the user and the program; currently the dominant format for displaying animated graphics on the web.
.txt / ASCII file	text file; also called a flat file; a file that is structured as a sequence of lines of text; can be saved and opened in most word processors; default file type for Notepad; no graphics or special feature, just text.
.xls	a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file; can be opened in compatible spreadsheet programs, but usually not in word processors.
.zip	zipped file; a file containing data that has been compressed to allow for more storage space.
Access	v. to use (a user can access filed in order to complete a task); to read data from a memory location (it takes longer to access a file on a floppy disk than on a flash drive); n. the act of reading data from a memory location; the privileges a user has to use information on a computer (teachers have access to change grades in PowerSchool).
Accessibility management	the management of data relating to the user identity, user authentication, and user access of data; most computers track valid users by means of passwords and other identifiers to control what users can and cannot see and do.
Account management	a feature designed to prevent unauthorized changes; prompts the user for permission or a password before continuing with a task; typical scenarios include (1) operating system needs permission to continue, (2) an application program needs permission to continue, (3) an unidentified application wants access to computer, (4) an application program has been blocked
Application software	programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks; used to make business more efficient, assist with graphics and multimedia, support home and educational tasks, and facilitate communication.
Assembly language	a mid-level programming language; written in instruction similar to machine languages, but uses names to label the number sequences in machine languages; eventually translated into a (low-level) machine language that the computer can understand.
Backup	to copy files to a second medium (disk or tape) as a precaution in case the first medium fails; to backup files, use built-in system software, or purchase special purpose backup utility software; backup programs compress the data so they require fewer disk space.
Command-line interface	interface in which a user types a command or presses special keys on the keyboard (function keys to key combinations) to enter data and instructions.
Commercial software	any software that is designed for sale to serve a commercial need; usually proprietary software, but in some cases may be public domain software,; Ex.: Groupwise Email
Compression	method by which the size of a file is decreased in order to save storage space.
Copyright agreement	a document declaring exclusive rights given to professional or amateur authors and artists to duplicate, publish, and sell their materials.
Custom-built (bespoke) software	software designed to perform the functions specific to a business or industry; used when a company cannot find packaged software that meets their needs.
Decompression	unzipping, opening a compressed file
Defragmentation/optimization software	system software that reorganizes a disk so that files are stored in contiguous (side-by-side) sectors, thus speeding up disk access and computer performance
Detectors/removers	antivirus software and other programs that protect a computer by identifying and removing any malware found in storage or incoming files' when a new computer is purchased, often comes with some version of these programs already installed.
Disk utility software	a type of system software that performs the management of internal and external disks on a computer; includes compression defragmenting, scrubbing, etc.
End user	the final ultimate user of a computer system; the person who uses the product after it has been fully developed and marketed.
File format	a particular way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file.
File management	a function of system software; keeping track of files, typically using a hierarchical file system to organize files into a tree structure; file management systems are provided on the computer, or you can buy them separately.
Freeware	copyrighted software provided at no cost; retains all rights to software; programmers typically cannot incorporate freeware into the application they intend to sell.
Graphical user interface	also GUI, "Gooey;" interface that allows the user to interact w/ software using text, graphics, and visual images, such as icons.
Help systems	online documentation that often provides an instruction manual integrated into the program; if you encounter a problem, you use the help program (usually with the F1 key), which provides a menu of help topics.
Installation	the process of setting up software to work with a computer and other hardware; when a computer is bought, some software is usually pre-installed on the hard disk.
Intellectual property	any property that is created using original thought; includes artwork, music, patents, copyrights, and trademarks; intellectual property rights still exist even after the property is destroyed.
Interface	point of contact or communication between the user and the software (a person interfaces with the keypad to make a phone call) or between different sections within the computer (the processor interfaces with storage to access files).
Keyboard settings	changeable features such as the rate at which characters appear on the screen, the rate at which the cursor blinks, etc.
License	a contract that grants a user explicit rights to use intellectual property; also a digital permit containing descriptions of rights that can be applied to one or more pieces of content.
Lossless decompression	method by which a compressed file can be returned to its exact original state (upon opening).
Lossy decompression	method by which a compressed file cannot be returned to its exact original state (upon opening), because the quality of the file decreases each time it is compressed.
Machine language	a low level programming language; the only language understood by computers; consists entirely of numbers; almost impossible for humans to understand; most basic type of machine language is binary code
Macro	a sequence of keystrokes and structures that a user records and saves in software such as word processors or spreadsheet programs.
Malware	short for "malicious software;" programs that act without a user's knowledge and deliberately alter a computer's operations; viruses and spyware are types of malware
Manual	also called a user guide; a technical communication document that assists people using a particular system; often written by technical writers, product/project managers, or other technical staff.
Menu-driven interface	also MDI; interface in which a user completes a task by making selections from a list of commands on the screen.
Monitor settings	changeable display feature such as brightness, contrast, color, etc.
Music/sound development software	supplication software that allows users to modify audio clips, produce studio-quality soundtracks, and add audio to video slips; examples include Audacity, GarageBand.
Open-source software	provided for free use; modification, and redistribution; has no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification of the software; usually can be downloaded from the Internet at no cost; example: Google Docs.
Operating system	a type of system software; the most important program that runs on a computer; supports the use of application software; performs basic tasks, such as recognizing input, sending output, keeping track of files, and controlling peripherals; examples include Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Photo/video-editing software	application software that allows users to edit and customize a digital photograph (retouching, cropping, removing red eye) or modify a segment of a video (clip); examples include MovieMaker, iMovie, Photoshop, Aperture, Picture Manager, Instagram, Picture Manager.
Proprietary software	software which has restriction on its use, modification, copying, or distribution; usually can be distributed at no cost or at a small fee.
Public domain software	free software that has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions.
Read me file	(Read me.txt) a file provided with software packages that provides installation instructions and last-minute release notes.
Registration	upon installation, the means of presenting a software license to an end user as well as facilitating the transfer of required registration information and consent of the license; activates the software for legal use by end user.
Serial number	a unique number assigned for the identification of a product, which varies from its predecessor or successor by a fixed value.
Shareware	copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period.
Software	programs written in a computer language that provide instructions to tell a computer what to do.
System software	serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer's hardware; in order to use and application software, the computer must be running system software; includes the operating system, as well as programs for disk management and other maintenance-type tasks/programs.
System utilities	type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks that are not automatically handled by the operating system; these tasks are usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
Tab-delimited text file	another name for .csv
Template	document that contains the formatting necessary for a specific type of file; often a professionally designed empty document that can be adapted to user needs through data entry and other modifications.
Tutorial	an instructional lesson that leads the user through features and functions related to software applications, hardware devices, processes, system designs, and programming languages; typically a series of steps that progress through levels of difficulty and understanding.
User support	also called customer/tech support; the assistance that a sender offers to the customers; can vary from nothing at all to a phone hotline to in-person visits.
Virus	a potentially damaging computer program that affects or infects a computer by alerting the way the computer works without the user's knowledge or permission; once a virus is in a computer, it can spread throughout an damage flies and any part of the computer system.
Virus scan	process of searching for known patterns of data within executable software code in order to prevent, detect, and remove malware; part of system software.
Voice-driven interface	interface in which a user provides spoken words as input to complete a task on a computer.
Warranty	a promise or assurance by one party that specific conditions are true or will happen; the other party is permitted to rely on that promise and seek some type of remedy if it is not true or followed
Web-based software	a website that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet; usually free-access; includes email, social media, tax preparation, online games, etc.
Website development software	application that helps users create web pages that include graphics, video, audio, animation, and other special effects with interactive content; also allows users to manage and maintain websites; ex.: DreamWeaver, Sharepoint.
Wizard	a software help agent that walks the user through the steps of completing a complex process, such as installing software.
Word processing software	application software that allows users to create and manipulate documents containing mostly text and sometimes graphics; used to develop letter, reports, mailing labels, webpages, etc.; examples: Microsoft Word, WordPad, Notepad, etc.

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	Created by Ivan Langton about 5 years ago