5: Hardware and Software Flashcards
define hardware
physical components of a computer
define software
code / programs of the computer
explain what is meant by system software
- set of programs and routines that enables a computers hardware to function
explain what is meant by application software
programs designed to perform specific tasks for users
application software
give the 3 types of software that application software is catergorised into
- general purpose software
- bespoke software
- special purpose software
application software
- explain what general purpose software is
- give an example
- off the shelf software that can be used for various tasks
- Eg, word processor
application software
- explain what bespoke software is
- give an example
- tailor-made software developed for a specific user
- Eg, inventory managaemnt software designed for a business
application software
- explain what special purpose software is
- give an example
- software created to perform one specific task
- Eg, CAD
application software
give 2 advantages and disadvatages of general purpose sofware
advantages
- wide availability
- cost effective
- familiarity
disadvantages
- lack of customization
- limited flexibility
application software
give 2 advantages and disadvantages of bespoke software
advantages
- tailored to specific needs
- enhanced efficiency
disadvantages
- high cost
- longer development time
- maintenance and support
system software
give 4 types of system software
- operating system (OS)
- utility software
- libraries
- translator software
system software
explain what utility software is
- software that has a specific task to perfrom related to the working of a computer
system software
explain what translator software is
what are the 3 types
- software that allows programs to be written and run on computers
- assembler, interpreter and compiler
system software
explain what is meant by an operating system
- set of programs that manages computer hardware resources
system software
list 3 functions of an operating system
- processor managament
- memory managament
- power management
- scheduling