software Flashcards
What is software?
Software, or a program, is simply a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
How does software work?
Software is kept on a storage device when it is not running. To work, it must be loaded from storage into memory.
How do you start running software on a computer?
You can easily tell the computer to start running any software that is installed on its storage by double-clicking the file or icon of the program.
What are the two main types of software?
The two main types of software are application software and system software.
What is application software?
Application software is a group of programs that perform specific tasks for users.
Give examples of application software.
Examples include:
- Word processing programs like Microsoft Word
- Typing Tutor software
- Gaming software
What is system software?
System software is intended to control, support, or operate the computer.
What is the most associated program with system software?
The operating system is the program most associated with system software.
What does the operating system do?
The operating system manages the computer as a whole and creates the user interface.
What comes pre-installed when you buy a computer?
When you buy a computer, it comes with the operating system already installed.
What must you do to use application software?
You have to buy and install the application software you want to work with.
What is included in system software apart from operating systems?
System software also includes utility software such as anti-virus software and compression software like WinZip.
What is the purpose of anti-virus software?
Anti-virus software prevents your computer from being affected by viruses.
What does compression software do?
Compression software reduces the size of files.
What is the role of an operating system?
The operating system controls all activities that take place in a computer.
Why does every computer need an operating system?
Every computer needs an operating system to function, as it is the first set of programs that loads when booting.
Name some well-known operating systems.
Examples include Windows (e.g., Windows 8, Windows 10), macOS Sierra, and Linux (e.g., Ubuntu).
What are some mobile operating systems?
Examples of mobile operating systems include iOS, Android, and Windows for smartphones.
What are the functions of an operating system?
Functions include managing hardware and software, maintaining security, and providing a user interface.
How does an operating system maintain security?
It maintains security through the creation of different users, each with their own usernames and passwords.
What is a user interface?
The user interface allows interaction with the computer and programs, facilitating communication.
What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
A GUI presents the interface in a graphical way with icons, menus, and buttons for ease of use.
Why is understanding the role of the operating system important?
Understanding the role of the operating system helps you better understand how a computer works.
What is the interface in the context of an operating system?
The interface is the arrangement and presentation of content on the screen for user interaction.
What is the desktop?
The desktop is where you personalise the computer by changing the background image and arranging shortcuts to your favourite apps and folders.
What are tiles in the context of apps?
Tiles are icons that represent apps, some of which are ‘live’ tiles that update and change their display information.
An example is the Weather tile of the weather app, which displays updated temperature information on the tile itself. Internet access is required for this.
What is the function of tiles and shortcuts?
Tiles and shortcuts perform similar functions and can both be double-clicked to open the associated app or program.
What indicates further sub-menus in menus?
Further sub-menus are normally indicated by the presence of an arrow pointing to the right.
What does it mean if an option is ‘greyed out’?
If an option is ‘greyed out’, then that option is not currently available.
What is the purpose of the Save As dialog box?
The Save As dialog box allows you to select from all possible file types.
What are shortcut keys?
Shortcut keys are sometimes listed alongside menu options or in tooltips and often make use of the Ctrl key and another key.
What is a common keyboard shortcut to copy something?
The common keyboard shortcut to copy something is <Ctrl><C>.</C></Ctrl>