Answers - (System and application software)

A small store currently has two exits for customers. Each exit has a computerised checkout.
(a) Describe the purpose of the following devices that would be used at the checkouts and in each case give an
example.
(i) Input device [2]
(ii) Output device [2]
(iii)Storage device [2]
(b) The checkouts will each use systems software and applications packages. State the function of each of:
(i) Systems software [1]
(ii) Applications packages [1]
F451 Jun 2010 (qn 1)

(a)

(i) To gather real world information and find corresponding data, for instance the price of an item and store the information.
(Barcode scanner, touch screen, credit card reader.)

(ii) To provide a response for the user to interpret. This helps the user understand further instructions or what the computerized checkout is doing, for instance printing receipt.
(Monitor, speakers, receipt printer.)

(iii) To store information so that the computerized checkout can read and comprehend bar codes on items, this helps identify the prices and store them.
(Hard drive, operating system.)

(b)

(i)To monitor the system, for instance applications being run. This will insure that the computerized checkout will not malfunction.

(ii) To carry out functions or processes as well as recieve inputs, not to monitor other processes. This could print the sum of the item prices or to print instructions for the user as a graphic user interface (easy for the customer to understand and use).