Software Basics and Types

Study Notes

Software

Software is the programs and data that a computer uses
Programs are lists of instructions for the processor
Data can be any information the program needs: character data, audio data, numerical data, image data.
Both programs and data are saved in computer memory

Types Of Software

Computer software is divided into three main categories: system software, application software, and programming languages
System software manages computer resources and makes computers easier to use
Operating System is a system software that manages computer resources and controls the running of user programs.
Utility programs allow the user to perform maintenance tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs
Application software enables a computer user to do a particular task
Programming languages are used in computer programming to implement algorithms.
Most programming languages consist of instructions for computers.

Virtual Machine

The set of services and resources created by the software and seen by the user is called a virtual machine
The programmer shouldn't need to know about registers, circuits, or memory addresses but instead should see a virtual machine that “understands” programming symbols like + and =.

Software Components

System software includes: operating systems, networking systems, and utility programs
Application software includes: website servers, word processors, game programs, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics programs
Programming languages include: assembly, VisualBasic, Pascal, C++, Java, and Python

Operating Systems

Operating Systems (OS) are a group of programs that coordinate the operation of all the hardware and software components of the computer system.
Some jobs Operating Systems perform include: scheduling jobs to be processed by the CPU and managing resources such as memory, I/O, and data transfer.
Examples of desktop operating systems include: MS-DOS, MS Windows, Unix, Solaris, Linux, and macOS.
Examples of mobile operating systems include: iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, Windows phone, and Symbian

Operating System Components

Memory Management: allocates memory, ensures processes stay within memory boundaries, and controls virtual memory
I/O System: communicates with peripherals and hardware components, co-ordinates I/O systems such as interrupts and direct memory access.
File System: Organizes and accesses files, maintains user file quotas on a multi-user system, and controls file/record access.
Application Program Interface: provides system services for applications; interface between applications and the operating system
User Interface: allows the user access to programs, view and change system settings, and provides a consistent interface between the user and the operating system.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of software, including its definition, types of software, and their functions. Understand the difference between system software, application software, and programming languages, as well as the roles of operating systems and utility programs. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of how software operates within computer systems.