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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of systems software?
What is the term for the set of programs that coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and other programs?
What is the scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization called?
What is the term for the combination of a hardware configuration and systems software?
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What is the primary function of the kernel in an operating system?
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What is the term for two or more people working together to achieve a common goal?
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What is the term for software that helps users solve particular problems?
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What is the term for software that enables users to improve their personal effectiveness?
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What is the primary function of an operating system in terms of hardware?
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What type of user interface requires text commands to interact with the computer system?
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What is the purpose of an Application Program Interface (API)?
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What is the term for the ability of a software application to function on a wide variety of devices regardless of the local hardware?
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What is the primary function of a user interface?
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What is the term for interfaces that allow users to interact with the computer system using icons and menus?
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Study Notes
Importance of Software
- Software is essential for computer systems and users
- It helps achieve career goals and is used in various applications such as sales orders, customer support, stock trading, and scientific analysis
Overview of Software
- Computer programs are sequences of instructions for the computer
- Documentation is text that describes program functions to help users operate the computer system
- There are two main types of software: systems software and application software
Systems Software
- Coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and other programs
- Each type is designed for a specific CPU and class of hardware
- The combination of a hardware configuration and systems software is called a computer system platform
Application Software
- Helps users solve particular problems
- Typically resides on the computer's hard disk, but can be stored on CDs, DVDs, or USB flash drives, or accessed on the Web as a rich Internet application (RIA)
Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals
- Software can serve the needs of an individual user, a workgroup, or an organization
- Personal productivity software enables users to improve their personal effectiveness
- Workgroup software helps members attain their common goals
- Enterprise software serves the needs of the firm in its interaction with its environment
Systems Software Functions and Types
- Functions: controls hardware operations, supports application programs' problem-solving capabilities
- Types: operating systems, utility programs, middleware
Operating Systems
- A set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs
- Combinations: single computer with single user, single computer with multiple users, multiple computers with multiple users, special-purpose computers
Operating System Kernel
- The heart of the operating system, controlling critical processes and tying all components together
Operating System Activities
- Controlling common computer hardware functions
- Providing a user interface and input/output management
- Providing hardware independence
- Managing system memory
- Managing processing tasks
- Providing networking capability
- Controlling access to system resources
- Managing files
Operating System Hardware Functions
- Getting input from keyboard or another input device
- Retrieving data from disks
- Storing data on disks
- Displaying information on a monitor or printer
Operating System User Interface and Input/Output Management
- User interface allows individuals to access and interact with the computer system
- Types: command-based, graphical user interface (GUI), natural user interface (NUI) or multi-touch interface, speech recognition, sight interfaces, brain interfaces
Operating System Hardware Independence
- Application program interface (API) enables software programs to access and use services of another software program
- Hardware independence makes a software application able to function on a wide variety of devices regardless of local hardware
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Description
Learn about the importance of software in computer systems and its applications in various fields. Explore types of software and their uses.
