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OCR H446 1.2.2 Applications and utilities

Part 1 of 7 · H446 1.2.2 · Applications generation

OCR H446 1.2.2 expects students to tell application, system and utility software apart by what each one is for, not by how familiar it looks. This worksheet builds a purpose-first selection chain, running from a task to the functions it requires and then to a software type, so students can justify a choice in a context they have never met.

Students will:

  • classify a piece of software as application, system or utility from its purpose
  • work from a described task to its required functions and then to a software type
  • select application types for a mixed brief and defend each against those functions
  • state the precise purpose of a utility and the consequence it delivers on a given device
  • correct loose claims such as treating any useful program as a utility

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question, 3 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 4 written answers. 39 marks, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Series: H446 1.2.2 · Applications generation, part 1 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 13 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Applications and utilities

Start with purpose

Software purpose hierarchysoftwaresystem softwareruns/supports the computer systemapplication softwarehelps a user complete a taskutilitiesmaintain, protect or managefiles, storage or system operationgeneric or specificchoose by required functionsand scenario constraintsClassify from purpose, not a familiar product name.

An application helps a user complete a task. A utility supports the system by maintaining, protecting or managing resources. A generic/off-the-shelf application serves common needs; a specific/bespoke application is created for a narrower organisation or workflow.

Selection chain

task -> required functions -> application type -> contextual benefit

Worked example: a museum needs a printed folded visitor guide. Page layout, columns, image placement and print preparation point to desktop-publishing software. Email can send the finished file, but it does not provide the required publication-layout functions.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which option is a utility with a precise purpose?

  • AA backup utility copies selected data to separate storage so it can be restored after loss
  • BA database stores customer records
  • CA presentation package creates slides
  • DA utility helps the computer
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A formal letter is normally created with gap 1 software; a multi-page printed leaflet with gap 2 software; calculations that must update when values change with a gap 3; and searchable related records with a gap 4.
  • word processing
  • desktop publishing
  • spreadsheet
  • database
  • email
Written answer8 marks

Choose suitable application types for a community theatre that must (1) calculate ticket income under changing prices and (2) produce a print-ready season brochure. For each, identify two required functions and explain why your choice fits better than one plausible alternative.

Use application types, not brands.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
gap 1 creates a recoverable copy; gap 2 finds or removes malicious software; gap 3 reduces storage needed by representing data more efficiently; gap 4 repairs damaged file structures.
  • backup
  • anti-malware
  • compression
  • file repair
  • word processing
Written answer6 marks

State and explain three utilities for a field laptop that stores irreplaceable survey data, receives files from external devices and has limited storage. Use a different action and consequence for each.

Name -> action -> data/system consequence. Do not reteach compression algorithms.

Students type their answer here.

Apply the model independently

The remaining tasks change the context or reduce the support. Complete them without copying the worked model, then check that each explanation connects a mechanism to its consequence.

Written answer6 marks

A clinic can buy a generic appointment package or commission a specific application for a specialist treatment workflow. Compare the two routes and explain which requirements would justify commissioning the specific application.

Consider fit, configuration, development time/cost, maintenance and future change; do not assume bespoke is always better.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer6 marks

Explain why each claim is unsafe: (1) ‘email software is always the best way to write a letter’, (2) ‘a utility is any useful program’, and (3) ‘device drivers are application software’. Replace each with a purpose-led statement.

Nearby OS concepts are retrieved only to protect the boundary.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
Choose software from its required checkpoint gap 1, not a product name. Applications help the checkpoint gap 2 complete tasks. Utilities maintain, protect or manage the checkpoint gap 3. A utility answer needs a precise action and checkpoint gap 4.

Review your understanding

Before submitting, check that you can explain the main distinction in your own words, apply it in an unfamiliar context and justify each consequence rather than only naming a feature.