Computer Software Overview

Study Notes

Software

Software consists of programs and data.
Programs are sets of instructions for the processor.
Data encompasses any information a program requires, including character data, numerical data, image data, and audio data.
Both programs and data are stored in computer memory.

Types of Software

Computer software is categorized into three main types: systems software, applications software, and programming languages.
System software manages computer resources and enhances user-friendliness.
The operating system, a type of system software, manages computer resources and controls the execution of user programs.
Utility programs facilitate user maintenance tasks, often related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
Applications software empowers users to accomplish specific tasks.
Programming languages, a specialized type of computer language, are employed in computer programming to implement algorithms. Most programming languages contain instructions for computers.

Virtual Machine

A virtual machine encompasses the services and resources generated by software and presented to the user.
Programmers are shielded from the complexities of registers, addition circuits, and memory addresses. Instead, they encounter a virtual machine that understands symbols like "+" and "=".

Software Definition

Software is a collection of programs and data.
Programs provide instructions for the computer's processor.
Data can be various types of information like characters, numerical data, images, audio, and more.
Both programs and data are saved in the computer's memory.

Software Types

Computer software is categorized into three main groups: Systems software, Applications software, and Programming languages.
Systems software manages computer resources and simplifies user interaction.
The Operating System is a system software that manages computer resources and controls the execution of user programs.
Utility Programs help users perform maintenance tasks related to the computer, its devices, or its programs.
Applications software allows users to perform specific tasks.
Programming languages are a type of computer language used to implement algorithms in computer programming.
Most programming languages consist of instructions for computers.

Virtual Machines

A virtual machine is a set of resources and services created by software, presented to the user.
Programmers should be able to work with a virtual machine that understands symbols like + and = without needing to know about registers, circuits, and memory addresses.

Definition

An operating system (OS) is a software suite that coordinates the operation of all hardware and software within a computer system.

Function

Manages CPU scheduling, allocating resources like memory, handling input/output (I/O), and data transfer.

Examples

Desktop Operating Systems: MS-DOS, MS Windows, Unix, Solaris, Linux, macOS.
Mobile Operating Systems: iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, Windows Phone, Symbian.

Components

Memory Management
- Allocates memory space to processes.
- Ensures processes maintain their memory boundaries.
- Controls virtual memory.
I/O System
- Facilitates communication between the OS and peripherals or hardware.
- Coordinates I/O operations, including interrupts and direct memory access (DMA).
File System
- Organizes and grants access to files.
- Manages user file quotas in multi-user environments.
- Controls access permissions for files and records.
Application Program Interface (API)
- Provides system services for applications.
- Acts as an interface between applications and the OS.
User Interface
- Enables user access to programs.
- Allows user modification of system settings.
- Provides a consistent interface between the user and the OS.

Operating systems

An operating system (OS) is a collection of programs designed to manage a computer's hardware and software.
The OS acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer's hardware.
It is responsible for scheduling tasks, managing resources (memory, I/O, data transfer), and providing a user interface.
Common desktop operating systems include MS-DOS, MS Windows, Unix, Solaris, Linux, and macOS.
Mobile operating systems include iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, Windows phone, and Symbian.

Operating System Components

Memory management allocates memory to processes, ensures processes stay within their designated memory boundaries, and manages virtual memory.
I/O system manages communication with peripheral and hardware components, coordinating I/O operations like interrupts and direct memory access.
File system organizes and manages files, maintains user file quotas on multi-user systems, and controls access to files and records.
Application Program Interface (API) provides system services for applications, acting as an interface between applications and the operating system.
User interface allows users to interact with programs, view and change system settings, and offers a consistent interface between the user and the operating system.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer software, including definitions and categories such as systems software, applications software, and programming languages. Test your knowledge on how software functions and the relationships between programs and data.