Computer Software Overview
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Questions and Answers

What does GUI stand for?

Graphical User Interface

What are the two major categories of computer software?

Systems software and applications software

What is the primary function of application software?

  • To create and maintain a user interface
  • To translate high-level programming languages into machine code
  • To provide users with tools to perform specific tasks (correct)
  • To manage the computer's hardware and resources

    • Spreadsheets are a type of system software.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of personal information management software?

    <p>Web browser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the acronym WYSIWYG used for in word processing software?

    <p>What You See Is What You Get</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of data management software?

    <p>To support the storage, retrieval, and manipulation of related data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common feature of modern word processing software?

    <p>Database management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of computer-aided design (CAD) software?

    <p>To design and “build” production prototypes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of multimedia software?

    <p>To combine different media types, such as audio, video, text, and graphics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A web browser is a type of system software.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a popular web browser?

    <p>Google Docs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    HTML is the only file format supported by web browsers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of system software?

    <p>To manage and control the operations of the computer system, including its hardware and software.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of system support program?

    <p>Web browsers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of utility programs?

    <p>To perform maintenance-type tasks related to managing the computer, its devices, and software.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Antivirus software is a type of utility program.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a computer virus?

    <p>A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of computer virus?

    <p>Operating system virus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of backup software?

    <p>To create a backup of the files on your computer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Disk tools are only used to manage hard drives.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of system development programs?

    <p>To help users and system developers design and build computer systems, including programs and procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a language translator used by system development programs?

    <p>Web browser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Compilers translate programs written in high-level languages into machine language.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a compiler and an interpreter?

    <p>A compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes each instruction of the program one at a time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of system management programs?

    <p>To manage the hardware, software, and data resources of a computer system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of system management program?

    <p>Web server</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An operating system is a type of application software.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a task performed by an operating system?

    <p>Web page design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a single-user OS and a multi-user OS?

    <p>A single-user OS is designed for a single user to interact with the computer at a time, while a multi-user OS allows multiple users to access and utilize the computer simultaneously.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A command-line interface was the main way users interacted with computers before the development of graphical user interfaces.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a graphical user interface (GUI)?

    <p>To provide a visually intuitive and user-friendly way to interact with computer systems, often using icons, menus, and graphical elements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DOS (Disk Operating System) is a modern operating system still widely used today.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a desktop OS?

    <p>To provide a user interface and functionalities specifically designed for personal computers, often used for tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and entertainment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Windows XP was widely considered one of Microsoft's most successful operating systems.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main design philosophy behind Windows 8?

    <p>To create a user experience that seamlessly adapts to both touchscreen devices and traditional mouse and keyboard input, making it suitable for both tablets and personal computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Windows 8.1 is considered a significant advancement over Windows 8, incorporating user feedback and new features.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Computer Software

    • Computer software provides instructions to perform tasks
    • A routine is a set of instructions for a specific task
    • A program is a complete set of instructions for related tasks
    • Software (a program) contains instructions for a common purpose, telling the computer what tasks to perform and how
    • User interacts with a program through its user interface
    • User interface controls how data and instructions are entered and displayed

    Computer Software: Categories

    • System software manages computer operations
      • System management programs
      • General-purpose programs
      • System support programs
      • Application-specific programs
      • System development programs
    • Application software helps users with tasks or productivity
      • More productive or assists with personal tasks
      • Wide use includes web browsers (for internet access)
      • Other types: word processing, spreadsheets, database management, photo editing, desktop publishing, and multimedia

    Types of Application Software

    • Spreadsheets: transforms screen into a grid (rows/columns) to enter numerical or textual data
      • Formulas can calculate answers
      • Macros are sequences of commands for single instructions
    • Data Management: supports storage, retrieval, and manipulation of related data
      • Two basic types: simple filing programs (like traditional filing) and database programs (fast & accurate data storage/retrieval)
    • Word Processing: manipulates text instead of numbers
      • Modern processors have writing and editing features
      • Integrated programs: editor, formatting, print, dictionary, thesaurus, grammar checker, mailing list, plus graphics, charts, and drawing

    Other Types of Software

    • Desktop Publishing: a level of sophistication beyond regular word processing
      • Useful for newsletters, announcements, advertising copy
      • Can use photographs, diagrams, and other images to produce a finished, ready-to-print document.
    • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): used for designing items for manufacturing
      • Enables designers to build prototypes in software
      • Allows testing in software
      • Used to create parameters, parts, quantity lists, & outlining production & assembly
    • Multimedia: combines at least two types of media (audio, voice, animation, video text, graphics, images)
      • Combines spatial-based media (text, images) with time-based media (sound, video)
    • Internet Browser: displays and interacts with text, images, and other web content
      • Contains hyperlinks to other pages (on the same or different websites)
      • Format information using HTML
    • Protocols and Standards:
      • Web browsers communicate with web servers primarily using HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol)

    System Support Programs

    • Programs that support efficient computer operation
    • Provide services for users and management
    • Includes: utility programs, security monitors, and performance monitors
    • Utility programs frequently requested by other programs
      • Transfer data, format disks, and back up and sort files

    Utility Programs

    • Allows users to perform maintenance tasks on the computer, its devices, or programs
    • Used for transferring digital photos to an optical disk and managing disk drives and printers

    Other Software

    • Antivirus software prevents, detects, and removes malware
      • Signature-based (looks for known patterns of malware) & heuristic (uses genetic signatures and virtual testing to find zero-day threats)
    • Definition of a computer virus A program (or piece of code) that replicates and runs against user wishes without their knowledge.
      • Replicates frequently, uses memory, interrupts operations
      • Classifications: resident, multipartite, direct-action, overwrite, directory, encrypted, network

    System Management Programs

    • Manage hardware, software, and data resources of computer systems
    • Including the operating system (coordinates activities, provides means of communication)
    • Database Management Systems (DBMS) control creation, maintenance, and use of databases.

    Operating System

    • Functions as an intermediary between the user and the computer, managing resources (hardware, software, abstract resources)
    • Allocates resources and controls operations
    • Also manages and prevents user errors

    Operating System Tasks

    • Process Management: manages running programs (processes) and their resources
    • Memory Management: allocates memory to programs & manages memory hardware
    • File System Management: organizes and manages files
    • Device Management: uses and manages devices/operations

    Operating System Types

    • Single-user OS: deals with one set of input devices at a time
    • Multiuser OS: deals with multiple input devices simultaneously
    • Server OS: manages distributed networks (e.g., email, web hosting)
    • Desktop OS: for desktop/notebook computers
    • Handheld OS: for handheld devices (like phones & tablets)
    • Disk Operating System (DOS): manages input/output between a computer and its disks

    DOS Commands

    • Dir : lists directory contents
    • Dir/p: lists contents page by page
    • Dir/w: lists contents in a wider format
    • Dir [drive]: lists contents of a specified drive
    • MD`/Mkdir: creates a new directory
    • CD: changes from one directory to another (using the path)
    • **RD:**removes a subdirectory
    • IPCONFIG: displays the list of IP addresses/ configurations

    Other Operating Systems

    • UNIX: developed in 1969 (primarily used in multiuser systems)
    • OS/2 (IBM's): a 32 bit operating system (designed to work with other operating systems/applications, including MS DOS & Windows)

    Windows Versions

    • Multiple Windows versions exist, each with improvements and new features (e.g., Windows 1.0 to 8.1 – including XP, ME, and Vista)
    • Windows 1.0 introduced a graphical user interface & changed how users interacted with their computers
    • Graphical user interface (GUI): allows user communication through symbols & icons
    • Windows operating systems, use DOS operating system as a base / employs GUI technology

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    Related Documents

    Introduction to Computing PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer software, including the definitions of programs, routines, and user interfaces. It categorizes software into system and application software, detailing their functions and examples. Test your knowledge of how software operates and its various types.

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