Computer-Science-A-level-Ocr
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3-3-networks8 主题
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3-2-databases7 主题
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3-1-compression-encryption-and-hashing4 主题
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2-5-object-oriented-languages7 主题
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2-4-types-of-programming-language4 主题
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2-3-software-development5 主题
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2-2-applications-generation6 主题
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2-1-systems-software8 主题
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1-3-input-output-and-storage2 主题
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1-2-types-of-processor3 主题
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1-1-structure-and-function-of-the-processor1 主题
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structuring-your-responses3 主题
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the-exam-papers2 主题
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8-2-algorithms-for-the-main-data-structures4 主题
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8-1-algorithms10 主题
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7-2-computational-methods11 主题
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7-1-programming-techniques14 主题
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capturing-selecting-managing-and-exchanging-data
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entity-relationship-diagrams
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data-normalisation
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relational-databases
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hashing
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symmetric-vs-asymmetric-encryption
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run-length-encoding-and-dictionary-coding
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lossy-and-lossless-compression
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polymorphism-oop
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encapsulation-oop
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inheritance-oop
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attributes-oop
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methods-oop
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objects-oop
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capturing-selecting-managing-and-exchanging-data
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6-5-thinking-concurrently2 主题
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6-4-thinking-logically2 主题
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6-3-thinking-procedurally3 主题
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6-2-thinking-ahead1 主题
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6-1-thinking-abstractly3 主题
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5-2-moral-and-ethical-issues9 主题
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5-1-computing-related-legislation4 主题
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4-3-boolean-algebra5 主题
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4-2-data-structures10 主题
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4-1-data-types9 主题
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3-4-web-technologies16 主题
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environmental-effects
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automated-decision-making
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computers-in-the-workforce
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layout-colour-paradigms-and-character-sets
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piracy-and-offensive-communications
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analysing-personal-information
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monitoring-behaviour
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censorship-and-the-internet
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artificial-intelligence
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the-regulation-of-investigatory-powers-act-2000
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the-copyright-design-and-patents-act-1988
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the-computer-misuse-act-1990
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the-data-protection-act-1998
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adder-circuits
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flip-flop-circuits
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simplifying-boolean-algebra
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environmental-effects
open-source-and-closed-source-software
Open Source & Closed Source Software
What is open & closed source software?
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Think of software like recipes
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A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do
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Open Source Software (OSS) is like a shared recipe
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Anyone can look at it, change it, or share it with others
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It’s all about community and collaboration
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Closed Source Software (CSS) is like a secret recipe that only particular chefs know
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People can taste the dish at a restaurant but can’t see the exact ingredients or change the recipe
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This is how closed-source software works; the instructions are kept secret
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Knowing a little bit about these two types of software can help in understanding what’s happening behind the scenes and in making better choices about the software that is used
Definition, examples, and typical usage scenario
|
|
Definition |
Examples |
Typical Usage Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Open Source Software |
Users can view, modify, and distribute the source code |
Linux, Apache HTTP Server |
Ideal for collaborative projects, customization, transparency |
|
Closed Source Software |
The source code is hidden and proprietary. |
Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop |
Ideal for businesses requiring polished, supported products, intellectual property protection. |
Benefits and drawbacks to the creator
|
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source Software |
Collaboration, community engagement, faster innovation |
Less control, burdened with requests from users |
|
Closed Source Software |
Greater control, revenue through sales, IP protection |
Slower innovation, full responsibility for updates & flaws |
Benefits and drawbacks to the user
|
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source Software |
Often free, customisable, transparent |
Might be less user-friendly, compatibility issues, may contain bugs |
|
Closed Source Software |
More polished products, professional support, consistency |
Costly, less customisable, potential trust issues |
Worked Example
Imogen installs a compiler for a high-level programming language onto her computer and makes use of an open-source IDE.
State what is meant by the term ‘open source software’.
[2]
Answer:
Example answer that gets full marks:
Open Source Software is where the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. This means that anyone can view, access, and modify the code.
Worked Example
Give one benefit to Imogen of using an open-source IDE rather than a closed source IDE.
[1]
Answer:
Example answer that gets full marks:
One benefit to using an open-source IDE is the ability to customise the IDE according to her specific needs. This level of customisation is typically not available in closed-source software, where the source code is proprietary and can’t be altered by the end user.
Responses