4.6 - Fundamentals of computer systems Flashcards
What is application software?
Software designed to perform specific tasks which the user aims to complete
Give 5 examples of typical application software.
- Word processors
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation creators
- Video games
- Movie editing
- Image manipulation
- Database management software
- Media playback software
- Communication software
What is general purpose software?
Software that can be used for a large variety of tasks
What is special purpose software?
Software which can only be used for a single particular task.
What is bespoke software?
Software which is designed to a user’s specific requirements.
What is system software?
Software which controls the hardware of a computer system.
Provide 3 examples of system software.
- Operating systems
- Utility programs
- Translators
- Libraries
What is an operating system?
A collection of programs which control the operation of computer hardware and provides a platform for other software to run on.
What are utiility programs?
Software designed to help the computer system run efficiently. They typically perform tasks such as maintenance, snalysis, configuration and optimisation.
What are libraries?
collections of prewritten instruction which can be repurposed to be used in other programs.
What are translators?
tools used to convert program code from one format into another without adjusting the logical operation of the original code.
How do compilers translate program code?
They convert the entire program into machine code before the execution of the program.
How do assemblers translate program code?
They convert low-level assembly language into machine code. They do this through the use of mnemonics
How do interpreters translate program code?
They run the instructions of a high-level language by determining what actions should be executed line by line.
