02-05 – Impact of Software on

System Performance

1. Benchmarking
2. Software installation options and file compatibility between versions
3. The impact of software on system reliability
4. Updating versus upgrading of software
5. Using Beta versions
6. Maintenance of the system to enhance reliability

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Section Goal(s)
• Understanding what benchmarking is
• Understanding how to minimise the impact of software on
overall system performance
• Understanding the difference between updating and
upgrading software
• Understanding what beta software is and the risks and
benefits of using it
• Ensuring the reliability of your system by performing
maintenance on your software and files
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What is benchmark testing
• To establish the performance of a system or even a subsystem, benchmark testing or benchmarking is
used.
• Benchmarking simply means that a set of standardised tasks are run to measure the performance of a
system.
• The tests can be selected to test overall performance or performance of individual subsystems such as
CPU or hard drive performance.
• These tests allow for a more realistic comparison based on actual performance of systems while
running the same set of processes.
• Benchmark test results for most components are usually available on the internet, so you will not
need to run your own tests.
• However, when researching benchmark results, it is advisable to rely on unbiased reports such as
those published by PCMag or other independent reviewers, than on results published by
manufacturers
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Optimising system performance
• When installing software, the overall performance of your system will be impacted to
some degree.
• To keep that impact to a minimum, some steps can be taken:
• Always check the system requirements of software before installing. If your system is
not adequate, consider alternative software or upgrade your system.
• Before installing new software, create a restore point of your system. If the software
proves problematic and causes your system to crash, you can restore your system to the
state it was in before the installation.
• When installing software, the default is for a full or typical installation, which installs all
the program files. In some cases it can save a significant amount of hard drive space to
do a custom installation and deselect features and add-ons that you will not use.

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Compatibility of files between versions
• If you upgrade your software to a newer version, that
version should be backward compatible. This means that
the new version will be able to read and resave your data
files in their original version or upgrade them to the new
version.
• However, if you have a new version of software and need to
share a data file with someone running an older version,
they will not be able to open the file if it is saved in the new
version format.
• To solve this problem, most software programs will allow
you to save your files in different formats, including the
formats used by older versions of the software.
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Software and system reliability
• Most systems have a wide range of software installed, from the operating system, to utility programs to applications to
help you work.
• While most software will not affect the reliability of your system if the required specifications are met, there are times
when software bugs can cause your system to become unstable.
• These bugs and glitches can also make your system, and consequently your private information, vulnerable to attacks or
theft.
• To ensure all identified bugs and problems are repaired and eliminated on your system, it is important to regularly
install the updates the software manufacturer makes available.
• While it is particularly important to update your operating system, it is also important to update other software and
apps on your system.
• This practice should also not be limited to your computer – updates should be applied to all your devices, from your
phone through to your smart TV and your computer.
• Most devices can be configured to run automatic updates and you can sometimes even control when the updates are
run.
• For instance with a smart phone, you can set the updates to only run if you are connected to WiFi or to only run late at
night when you are likely to be asleep.
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Updating vs Upgrading
• Updating refers to applying (installing) patches and security fixes that update
the current version of your software without moving you to a new version.
• As stated earlier, these updates are important to keep your system stable and
secure.
• Upgrading refers to installing a completely new version of your software. For
instance, you might upgrade your Windows 8 to Windows 10 or your Office
365 to Office 2016.
• Upgrading usually requires you to purchase the new version of the software
and install it on your system.
• Some software programs will ask you to uninstall the older version before
installing the new one, but most will simply overwrite the old version with
the new one.
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Beta Versions
• New software is constantly under development as are new versions of existing software
• All software undergoes stringent testing in an effort to eliminate any possible bugs or
glitches in the program and ensure functionality at a level that is satisfactory to the user
• Some software manufacturers make a beta version of their software available to users at
no charge
• This helps the manufacturer to get the software tested in a real end user environment
• Users get no guarantee of functionality, but have an opportunity to test the product to
help with development as well as gain insight into the new features that will be available
when the final version is released
• There is an element of risk when installing beta versions as an unstable application can
cause your system to crash or under-perform. This risk can be reduced by:
• Only using beta versions from the more reliable manufacturers
• Wait until the final beta version, referred to as the gold version, is released before
installation
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Maintaining reliability
• Over time, even the system with the best configuration can get sluggish and experience
problems such as freezing and crashing.
• Before rushing out to spend money on hardware upgrades, it is a good idea to do a general
clean up of unneeded files and clutter, which will often improve performance on a well-
used system.
• Some procedures you can implement to improve performance:
• Install a reliable anti-virus package. And only install ONE – having 2 or more anti virus
packages will slow your system down terribly.
• Regularly scan for and remove spyware and adware.
• Run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary internet files and also regularly
delete files you no longer need from your local drives.
• Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter utility to reorganise files on your magnetic hard drives
and improve disk access times. Note that solid state drives do not require defragmenting.
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Example Questions for Assessments
1. Why is it recommended that all software on a
system, including the operating system and
applications, be regularly updated?

Use your answers to complete the appropriate

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Wrap-up
• While the biggest factors in overall system performance
are usually linked to the system hardware, the software
installed can also affect system performance.
Understanding how tis is possible allows you to foresee
and reduce or even eliminate possible problems

Consult your lecturer if you have any problems or

questions regarding this content.
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