19. Hardware and software Flashcards
define hardware
Physical components - Internal + external of the computer
define software
Any program or application that can be run on a computer
What is application software?
All programs used by the user to complete particular tasks.
What are the different types of application software?
Special purpose software
General purpose software
Bespoke software.
off the shelf software
What is special purpose software?
Application software made for a specific function
What is bespoke software?
Application software that is one of a kind and specific to the person that has ordered it.
Often very expensive to buy and maintain
What is off the shelf software?
Application software that is used by lots of people.
Cheaper and regularly updated, often for free at the expense of the developer.
May not perform the exact function you want it too.
What is system software?
software that allows the user to communicate with the hardware and application software.
Programs often concerned with the technical aspects of setting up and running a computer
What are the different types of system software?
Utility programs.
Library programs.
Translators
What is the function of utility programs?
Carry out certain tasks that help run the computer, non-essential, e.g disk defragmenter
What is the function of library programs?
Programs that exist on your computer and other programs are able to take from them, e.g programs and code that help to carry out common tasks
What are the 3 types of translators?
compilers
assemblers
interpreters
What is the purpose of translators?
To turn higher level languages into machine code so the processor can understand it.
How does a compiler work?
Converts all data in one go.
What doe a assembler do?
Converts assembly language to machine code
