Data Processing Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2017

Question 4

 

       (a)           Define the term Software Maintenance.
(b)           List four types of software maintenance.
(c)           State four importance of software maintenance.

 

Observation

 

     (a)  Software maintenance is the modification of a software product after delivery to correct faults, improve performance or other attributes. OR Software maintenance is the fixing of defects in software                                                                                     
       (b)  Types of software maintenance:

  1. Corrective Maintenance
  2. Perfective Maintenance
  3. Adaptive Maintenance
  4. Preventive Maintenance           

      (c)  Importance of software maintenance:

  1. To correct faults.(e.g. scanning and virus removal, Defragmentation)
  2. To improve performance. (e.g. software upgrading/updating)
  3. To adapt to a changing environment.
  4. To prevent faults. (e.g. installation of Anti-Virus)            
  5. To proffer solutions to identified software problems
  6. To  predict software expenses (predictive cash flow)

The question tested candidates’ knowledge of software maintenance, types and importance.
Candidates demonstrated a fair knowledge of software maintenance and types but most of the candidates failed to state the importance of software.