Introduction to Software

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of systems software?

To manage system memory

To help users solve particular problems

To control the operations of computer hardware (correct)

To improve personal productivity

What is the term for the set of programs that coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and other programs?

Middleware

Systems software (correct)

Operating system

Application software

What is the scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization called?

Sphere of influence (correct)

Personal sphere of influence

Enterprise sphere of influence

Workgroup sphere of influence

What is the term for the combination of a hardware configuration and systems software?

Computer system platform Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the kernel in an operating system?

To control the most critical processes of the OS Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for two or more people working together to achieve a common goal?

Workgroup Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for software that helps users solve particular problems?

Application software Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for software that enables users to improve their personal effectiveness?

Personal productivity software Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system in terms of hardware?

Managing files and controlling access to system resources Signup and view all the answers

What type of user interface requires text commands to interact with the computer system?

Command-based user interface Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Application Program Interface (API)?

To allow a software program to access and use the services of another software program Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a software application to function on a wide variety of devices regardless of the local hardware?

Hardware independence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a user interface?

To allow individuals to access and interact with the computer system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for interfaces that allow users to interact with the computer system using icons and menus?

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Signup and view all the answers

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.