Application Software

    AQA
    GCSE

    Application software comprises programs designed to perform specific user tasks, distinct from system software which manages hardware resources. Candidates must categorize software into general-purpose, special-purpose, and bespoke (custom-written) types, analyzing the suitability of each for specific scenarios. The topic necessitates a critical comparison of off-the-shelf versus custom solutions, weighing factors such as cost, development time, and functionality. Additionally, the legal and functional distinctions between open-source and proprietary software licensing models must be evaluated.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for defining application software as programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user, distinct from hardware management.
    • Credit responses that justify the choice of bespoke software by citing specific user requirements that off-the-shelf packages cannot meet.
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that off-the-shelf software is immediately available and has a lower initial cost compared to custom solutions.
    • Candidates must link the use of general-purpose software (e.g., word processors) to scenarios requiring versatility rather than specialized function.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for defining application software as programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user, distinct from hardware management.
    • Credit responses that justify the choice of bespoke software by citing specific user requirements that off-the-shelf packages cannot meet.
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that off-the-shelf software is immediately available and has a lower initial cost compared to custom solutions.
    • Candidates must link the use of general-purpose software (e.g., word processors) to scenarios requiring versatility rather than specialized function.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In scenario questions, explicitly contrast the proposed software with the alternative (e.g., 'Unlike off-the-shelf, bespoke allows...') to secure AO3 marks.
    • 💡Avoid vague benefits like 'it is cheaper'; specify whether you mean initial purchase cost, maintenance cost, or training cost.
    • 💡When discussing open-source application software, focus on the ability to modify source code rather than just stating 'it is free of charge'.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Identifying the Operating System (OS) or utility programs as application software.
    • Describing bespoke software as 'error-free' rather than acknowledging it may lack the extensive testing of established off-the-shelf products.
    • Using brand names like 'Microsoft Word' without classifying them as 'word processing software' when a generic term is required.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Explain
    Compare
    Justify
    Discuss

    Practical Links

    Related required practicals

    • •{"code":"Programming Project","title":"Use of IDE","relevance":"Understanding the IDE as a type of application software used to create other software."}

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