Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Edexcel IAS IT
Unit 1
Topic 1
Hardware and Software
Part 4
Digital devices consist of both hardware and software components.
From the hardware perspective, it is important to understand the technologies that enable
these devices.
From the software perspective, it is important to understand licensing and maintenance.
Understanding both the hardware and software will enable students to assess and select
components to meet the requirements of an individual, organisation or scenario.

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Platinum Business Academy
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4
Table of Contents
Topic 1 Hardware and Software ........................................................................................... 3
Software ........................................................................................................................ 3
Operating System ........................................................................................................... 3
Free Software ................................................................................................................. 5
Open-source .................................................................................................................. 6
Proprietary Software ....................................................................................................... 7
Creative Commons ......................................................................................................... 8
Licensing Options ........................................................................................................... 9
Single-User ................................................................................................................. 9
Multiple User .............................................................................................................. 9
Institutional ................................................................................................................ 9
Fixed Term .................................................................................................................. 9
Indefinite .................................................................................................................... 9
Network ..................................................................................................................... 9
Software updates ......................................................................................................... 10
Software Patch ............................................................................................................. 10
How is software updated? ............................................................................................. 10
Updates VS Upgrades ................................................................................................... 11
Past Paper Questions.................................................................................................... 11
Answers ....................................................................................................................... 17

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Platinum Business Academy
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Topic 1 Hardware and Software

Software
Computer software refers to a collection of programs, data, and instructions that enable a
computer system to perform specific tasks or functions.
It is a set of intangible components that control and direct the hardware components of a
computer to carry out various operations, from basic tasks like word processing and web
browsing to complex calculations and data analysis.

Computer software can be categorized into two main types:

1. System Software: This software manages and controls the hardware components of a
computer, providing a platform for other software applications to run.
Key examples of system software include operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS,
Linux), device drivers, and utility programs like antivirus software.

2. Application Software: Application software consists of programs and tools designed

for specific tasks or applications. These programs are used by individuals, businesses,
and organizations to perform various functions, such as word processing, spreadsheet
calculations, graphic design, web development, and more. Examples of application
software include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, web browsers, and video games.

Operating System
The operating system (OS) is a critical component of a computer system that serves as an
intermediary between the hardware and the user.
It provides a platform for running software applications and manages various hardware
resources.
The primary functions of an operating system include:
1. Process Management:
• Process Scheduling: The OS allocates CPU time to different running processes,
ensuring fair and efficient utilization of the CPU.
• Process Creation and Termination: It manages the creation, execution, and
termination of processes, which are instances of running programs.
• Inter-Process Communication: The OS facilitates communication and data
exchange between processes, allowing them to work together or share information.

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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

2. Memory Management:
• Memory Allocation: The OS allocates and manages memory space for processes to
execute, ensuring that each process has access to the memory it needs.
• Virtual Memory: It provides a virtual memory space that allows programs to use
more memory than physically available by swapping data between RAM and storage.

3. File System Management:

• File Creation, Access, and Deletion: The OS manages files and directories,
including creating, reading, writing, and deleting files.
• File Permissions: It enforces file permissions and security settings to control
access to files and data.
• File System Integrity: The OS ensures the integrity and consistency of the file
system, preventing data corruption.

4. Device Management:
• Device Drivers: It communicates with hardware devices through device drivers,
which are software components that control specific hardware.
• Input/Output Management: The OS handles input and output operations, including
managing buffers and ensuring data is transferred between software and hardware
devices.

5. User Interface:
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Many modern operating systems offer GUIs that
provide an intuitive interface for users to interact with the computer through
windows, icons, menus, and pointers.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Some OSs offer command-line interfaces, where
users interact with the system by typing text commands.

6. Security and Access Control:

• User Authentication: The OS verifies user identities through login credentials
(username and password) to provide secure access.
• Access Control: It enforces access control policies, determining which users or
processes can access specific resources.
• Security Updates: The OS receives and installs security updates and patches to
protect against vulnerabilities.

7. Error Handling and Logging:

• Error Detection: The OS detects and handles errors, such as hardware faults or
program crashes.
• Logging: It maintains logs and records of system activities and errors for
troubleshooting and auditing purposes.

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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

8. System Monitoring and Performance Optimization:

• Performance Metrics: The OS monitors system performance, including CPU,
memory, and disk usage, and optimizes resource allocation.
• Resource Allocation: It dynamically adjusts resource allocation to ensure efficient
operation.

9. Backup and Recovery:

• Data Backup: Some OSs offer backup and recovery features to protect data by
creating backup copies and restoring them in case of data loss.

Free Software
Free software, often referred to as "libre software," is software that provides users with
certain essential freedoms and rights.
Free software is not just about cost but about the fundamental freedoms it offers to users.
These freedoms empower individuals and communities to use, study, modify, and distribute
software as they see fit, promoting openness, collaboration, and user empowerment. These
freedoms are typically outlined in the Free Software Definition by the Free Software Foundation
(FSF) and include the following:
1. Freedom to Run the Program: Users have the freedom to run the software for any
purpose.

2. Freedom to Study the Source Code: Users have access to the program's source code,
allowing them to examine how the software works, make modifications, and learn from
it.

3. Freedom to Modify the Software: Users can modify the software to suit their needs,
which may include adding new features, fixing bugs, or adapting it for specific use
cases.

4. Freedom to Distribute Copies: Users can distribute copies of the software to others,
whether for free or for a fee. This enables the software to be shared and spread widely.

5. Freedom to Distribute Modified Copies: If users make modifications to the software,

they can distribute those modified versions. This encourages collaborative
development and innovation.

Popular examples of free software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server,
the Mozilla Firefox web browser, and the LibreOffice office suite.
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Open-source
Open-source software is software whose source code is made available to the public,
allowing anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute the code.
The term "open source" refers to the concept of transparency and open collaboration in
software development. Open-source software is typically distributed with an open-source
license, which defines the terms and conditions for using, modifying, and sharing the software.
Key characteristics of open-source software include:
1. Access to Source Code: Users have access to the software's source code, which is the
human-readable version of the program. This allows developers to examine how the
software works and make changes as needed.

2. Freedom to Modify: Users can modify the software to suit their specific needs. This
means they can add new features, fix bugs, or adapt the software for particular use
cases.

3. No Restriction on Distribution: Open-source software can be freely distributed to

others, whether for free or for a fee. This promotes the sharing and collaboration of
software within the community.

4. Open Collaboration: The development of open-source software often involves a

community of developers and contributors who collaborate on improving and
maintaining the software. This collective effort can lead to rapid development and
innovation.

5. Transparency: Open-source projects are typically transparent, and development

discussions, bug reports, and code changes are often publicly accessible. This
transparency builds trust among users and developers.

6. Licensing: Open-source software is typically distributed under open-source licenses,

such as the GNU General Public License (GPL) or the Apache License. These licenses
specify the terms under which the software can be used, modified, and distributed.
Most open-source licenses ensure that the freedoms to access, modify, and distribute
the software are preserved.

Examples of well-known open-source software projects and products include:

Linux, Apache HTTP Server, Mozilla Firefox, WordPress

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Proprietary Software
Proprietary software, also known as closed-source software or commercial software, refers to
software that is owned by a company or an individual, and its source code is not made
available to the public. Instead, the software is distributed in compiled or executable form, and
users typically obtain it through licensing agreements or by purchasing a copy.
Here are some key characteristics and aspects of proprietary software:
1. Ownership: Proprietary software is developed and owned by a specific entity, such as a
software company or individual developer. This entity has control over the software's
development, distribution, and licensing.

2. Source Code Protection: The source code of proprietary software is kept confidential
and is not provided to users. This means that users cannot view, modify, or redistribute
the source code.

3. Cost: Proprietary software is typically sold for a fee, and users may need to purchase
licenses or subscriptions to use it. The cost can vary widely depending on the software's
functionality and intended market.

4. Support and Updates: Many proprietary software vendors offer customer support,
maintenance, and regular updates to address bugs, add new features, and improve
security.

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Platinum Business Academy
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Creative Commons
Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that provides a set of free, legally robust,
and standardized copyright licenses for creative works. These licenses are designed to give
creators and content owners the flexibility to define how others can use their works while
maintaining certain rights.
License Types
Creative Commons offers a range of licenses, each with specific permissions and restrictions.
These licenses are designed to accommodate various levels of sharing and reuse.
The most common
1. CC BY (Attribution)
Allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially,
as long as they credit the original creation. This is the most permissive license.

2. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike)
Allows others to remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even for commercial purposes,
as long as they credit the creator and license their new creations under identical terms.

3. CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivatives)
Allows for redistribution, commercial and non-commercial, as long as it is passed along
unchanged and in whole, with credit to the creator.

4. CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial)
Allows others to remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially. Their new
works must also acknowledge the creator and be non-commercial, but they don’t have
to license their derivative works on the same terms.

5. CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike)
Allows others to remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as
they credit the creator and license their new creations under the identical terms.

6. CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives)
Allows others to download the works and share them with others as long as they credit
the creator, but they can’t change them in any way or use them commercially. This is the
most restrictive license.

Ahmed Muhsin
Platinum Business Academy
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Licensing Options
Software licensing options refer to the various terms, conditions, and permissions that govern
how users can legally use a particular software application or program.

Single-User
Refers to a software licensing model in which a software application or program is licensed for
use by a single individual or user. Under this licensing model, only one person is authorized
to use the software on a single computer or device at a time.

Multiple User
In this licensing model, the software can be installed on multiple devices, and several users
can access and use the software simultaneously, subject to the terms and conditions of the
licensing agreement.

Institutional
Also known as organization-wide licensing or site licensing, is a software licensing model that
allows an entire institution, organization, or educational facility to use a specific software
application or program across all of its devices and for the benefit of its users, typically for a
fixed fee or subscription.
This licensing approach is particularly relevant for large-scale deployment in educational
institutions, government agencies, businesses, and other organizations.

Fixed Term
Is a software licensing model in which the right to use a software application or service is
granted for a specific duration, typically for a predetermined period of time.

Indefinite
Is a software licensing model in which the purchaser or licensee acquires the right to use a
specific software application or program indefinitely. In this model, users pay a one-time fee
to obtain the software, and they have the right to use it for as long as they wish without the
need for recurring payments.

Network
Is a software licensing model designed for organizations and businesses. In this model, a
specific software application or program is installed on a central server within the
organization's network, and multiple users can access and use the software simultaneously,
subject to the terms and conditions of the licensing agreement.

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Platinum Business Academy
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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

Software updates
Software updates serve several essential purposes in the software development and
maintenance lifecycle:
The purpose for software updates include:

• Security Enhancements

• Bug Fixes

• Performance Improvements

• Compatibility

• New Features and Enhancements

• Improved User Experience

Software Patch
A software patch, often simply referred to as a "patch," is a piece of code or a software
update that is designed to fix or improve an existing computer program or application.
Patches are a fundamental part of software maintenance and are used for various purposes
similar to the purposes of software updates.

How is software updated?

Software can be updated in several ways, depending on the software type and the preferences
of the user or organization. Here are common methods for updating software:

• Through automatic updates when the device is connected to the internet

• Manual updates where the user chooses which updates to install
• From the software vendor’s website (similar to manual updates)
• From App Stores (mostly on smartphones)

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Platinum Business Academy
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Updates VS Upgrades
Updates are typically smaller, incremental changes that focus on addressing specific issues or
providing minor improvements to existing software.
Upgrades, on the other hand, involve more significant changes, often resulting in a new major
version, and they introduce substantial new features and functionalities.

Past Paper Questions

2021 October – Question 3a

2021 October – Question 3b

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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4
2023 – Question 3b

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SAM 2 – Question 6

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2021 June – Question 1a

SAM 1 – Question 2b

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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4
2021 October – Question 3c

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Answers
2021 October – Question 3a

2021 October – Question 3b

2023 – Question 3b

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 Topic 1 Hardware and Software – Part 4

SAM 2 – Question 6

2021 June – Question 1a

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SAM 1 – Question 2b

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2021 October – Question 3c

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