Section 4 Chapter 19 - Hardware and Software Flashcards
Hardware
The physical parts of the computer and its input, output and storage devices
Software
All the programs that are written to make computers function
System software (+ 4 examples)
The software needed to run the computers hardware and application programs. It includes:
- Operating system
- Utility programs
- Libraries
- Programming language translators
Operating system
A set of programs that lie between the application software and the hardware
Functions of an operating system (2)
- Resource management
- Provision of user interface
Utility programs
A system software designed to optimise the performance of a computer or perform utility tasks
Disk defragmenter
A utility program that will reorganise a hard disk so that files which have been split up will be stored in one sequential block
Virus checker
A utility program that checks your hard drive, emails and downloads for viruses
Libraries
Ready compiled programs of pre written functions (System software)
Programming Language Translator
Translate program code written by a programmer into machine code
General-purpose software
Application software that can be used for many different purposes such as a word processor or a graphics package
Special-purpose software
Application software that performs a specific task such as a hotel booking system or a web browser
Advantages of “off the shelf” software (3)
- Cheaper
- Ready to be installed immediately
- Well documented and tested
Advantage of bespoke software
Caters exactly to your needs
Application Software
Software that performs a task that is directly to do with the user, for instance a word processor or a video game
