Programs and applications

Classify each item as system software or application software: Windows, the Chrome browser, Android, the phone calculator, GNU/Linux, a video game. Explain in one sentence the criterion you used to separate them.

True or false? Justify each answer: (a) a browser is an application; (b) the operating system is just another application, like a game; (c) without an operating system, applications cannot run; (d) a word processor is used for listening to music.

The figure shows the software classification tree with its two main branches, but one of the example cards is covered with a question mark, as shown in the diagram.

Which branch would you place the covered card in if it were a video editor? What if it were macOS? Explain the difference between the two branches and add a new card, with its example, to each branch.

Match each task with the type of application that performs it: (a) writing an assignment, (b) visiting web pages, (c) listening to music, (d) editing a photo. Types of application: 1. web browser; 2. word processor; 3. image editor; 4. music player. Give a real name of an application for each type.

Which application would you use for each task? (a) writing a letter; (b) making a poster for a party; (c) editing and joining video clips; (d) reading email. Name real applications you know and explain why any application cannot be used for any task.

Order these download sources for a program from safest to least safe and justify the order: the device's official app store, the manufacturer's official website, a link appearing in a pop-up advertisement.

These are the steps to safely install an application, but they are out of order: (a) review the permissions it requests, (b) search for it in the official store, (c) check the developer's name and reviews from other users, (d) click "install" and check that it works. Put them in order and explain which risk each step avoids.

A racing game asks for permission to access your microphone, contacts and location. Analyse whether these permissions make sense for this type of game and decide what you would do: install it as it is, deny some permissions or look for another alternative. Justify your decision.

Applications ask to be updated from time to time. Explain what an application update is and name two things that usually improve with it (bug fixes, new features, security), giving an example of each.

Your photo application has not been updated for two years "because it works fine". Explain two risks of not updating applications (unpatched security vulnerabilities, incompatibility with an updated operating system) and explain why automatic updates are a good habit.

Removing the icon from the home screen does not always uninstall the application. Explain the difference between deleting a shortcut and actually uninstalling, and describe step-by-step how you would uninstall an application to free up space on your phone or computer.