Computer Software Flashcards
Software
Refers to programs that are required to operate the computer
Types of software
System software
Application software
Software versions
New releases of software products are called versions
They may be:
Fix bugs that were present in the previous version
Address and fix security issues from aj earlier versions
Introduce enhanced or additional features
Take advantage of advanced in software and computer technology
Provide updated compatibility with new peripheral devices
System software
Software required to control the working of hardware and aid in effective execution of a general users applications
Enables applications software to interact with computer hardware
It is collection of programs that handle the technical details without leaving or no user intervention.
Types of system software programs
Operating systems: coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the computer and run applications
Utilities: perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources
Device drivers: specialised programs that allow input and output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system
Language translators: cobert programming instruction swritten by programmers into a language that computers understand and process
Functions of system software
Operates and maintains computer systems
Supports development and execution of application software
Ensure effective use of hardware resources
Controls operations of peripheral devices
Operating systems
A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources
Functions of OS
Managing resources Monitoring system performance schedule tasks Provide security Start up the computer Providing user interface Running applications Controls and manages the file storage system
Graphical User Interface and command line interface
GUI - the norm in OS designed for most personal computing devices. Users interact with the graphics they see on screen by using keyboard of mouse
Command line interface- users employ a keyboard to type commands at a prompt. The interface is text only
Booting
Starting or restarting a computer
Two ways to boot:
Warm boot: occurs when a computer is already on and you restart it
Cold boot: starting a computer that has been turned off
Features of OS
Booting
Files and folders
Icons: graphical representation for a program, type of file or function
Pointer : controlled by a mouse, trackball or touchscreen
Window: rectangular areas for displaying info and running programs
Menus: provide a list of options or commands that can be sketched
Tabs: divide menus into major activity area
Dialog boxes: provide information or request input
Help: provide online assistance for OS functions and procedures
Gesture control: ability to control operations with finger movements such as swiping sliding and pinching
Categories of OS
Embedded OS: stored within a device. They control smart watches, smart phones and other small electronic devices
Desktop/stand alone OS: located on the computer hard disk eg windows. Eg Windows, Mac OS, Linux and UNIX
Network OS: used to control and coordinate computers that are networks or linked together. Located on one of the connected computers hard disk called the network server.
Mobile OS: type of embedded OS. Less complicated and more specialised for wireless communication. Not all applications will run on all mobile devices because an application is designed to run on a particular operating system or software platform
Application software
End user software used to accomplish a variety of tasks
Consists of programs that direct computer to perform specific type of work for end users
Types of application software
General purpose application: used to perform a broad variety of tasks and are useful to nearly all computer users. Eg word processing programs, spreadsheets, presentation graphics and database management system
Specialised applications: programs that are more narrowly focused and used in specific disciplines and occupations. Eg accounting, marketing, inventory application
