Intro to Computer Software

Question 1

What is Software?

Answer 1

Systems and Programs developed, as a result of programming and scripting efforts, to perform a business function.

Question 2

What is System Software?

Answer 2

Focuses on different operating systems and the sub-systems that support the operating system by examining the various layers of software that combined make up an operating system.

Question 3

What is Application Software?

Answer 3

Programs that end users run to accomplish tasks.

Question 4

What is Productivity Software?

Answer 4

EX: word processor, Powerpoint, Excel, database management programs, calendars programs, address books, data organizer, etc. (Drawing software)

Question 5

What is Internet usage software?

Answer 5

Email client, web browser, FTP client.

Question 6

What is computer game/entertainment software?

Answer 6

Video games, DVD players, CD players, etc.

Question 7

What is horizontal software?

Answer 7

Can be used across all divisions within an organization

Question 8

What is vertical software?

Answer 8

Used by select groups within an organization.

Question 9

What is System Software?

Answer 9

Programs that make up the operating system.

Question 10

What are daemons or services?

Answer 10

They run in the background all the time, and wait for an event to arise before taking action.

Question 11

What software is based on a scheduler?

Answer 11

Examples include antivirus software, or updater.

Question 12

What is utility software?

Answer 12

Examples include disk defragmenters, antivirus, etc.

Question 13

What is server software?

Answer 13

Works with hardware to provide a network service, including web-servers, email servers, database servers, etc.

Question 14

Where are local applications stored?

Answer 14

On a local (end-user) machine.

Question 15

What is an intranet?

Answer 15

A LAN that uses the Internet Protocol, and include restrictions on access which is normally limited to employees of the organization. The software, accessed by the LAN, is limited by utilizing IP for managing the communications between the user and the application.

Question 16

What is Cloud Computing?

Answer 16

Combines several technologies, distributed computing, computer networks, and storage area networks. The idea is to offer, as a service, ability to offload computation/storage from your local computer to the cloud. Can access resources/applications from anywhere/anytime.

Question 17

What is the benefit of cloud computing?

Answer 17

Allows an organization to access resources/applications from anywhere/anytime. Can meet increasing IT demands without increasing investments in IT. Cloud enables ability to instantly acquire resources you need which allows for scaling, common platform leading to better standardization, and decreased need for internal IT personnel.

Question 18

What is a Kernel?

Answer 18

The core components of the operating system. Loaded when the computer is first booted. Includes components that handle process management, resource management, and memory management. Sits on top of the hardware and is the interface between hardware and software.

Question 19

What are Device Drivers?

Answer 19

Provide specific interfaces between OS running the computer and hardware. There are over 1.5 million drivers out there, so no need to load computers with every one when most won’t be used by a specific individual.

Question 20

What is the Shell?

Answer 20

Interface for the user.

Question 21

What are Services/Daemons?

Answer 21

Run in the background usually, and start when the operating system is loaded.

Question 22

What are Utility Programs?

Answer 22

Allow user to monitor/improve system performance.