Software Basics - Lesson 1

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes software from hardware?

Software is static and cannot be changed.

Software requires specific physical components.

Software is responsible for executing instructions. (correct)

Software can perform mechanical tasks.

Which is an example of system software?

Operating System (correct)

Text editor

Word processor

Web browser

What is NOT a component of software?

Mechanical components (correct)

Associated libraries

User manual

Executable programming code

Which statement best describes application software?

It includes programs that perform specific tasks for users. Signup and view all the answers

What type of software tools are included in programming software?

Tools to support developers in writing code. Signup and view all the answers

Why might software designed for Windows XP have compatibility problems on Windows 2000?

Software compatibility varies due to platform differences. Signup and view all the answers

In software terminology, what does 'script' refer to?

A set of instructions for automation or tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of system software?

Operates at a basic level to interact directly with hardware. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of software evolution?

To adapt and update existing software to meet changing requirements. Signup and view all the answers

During the initial phase of software evolution, what is the first step taken by developers?

Creating a prototype based on gathered requirements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of 'Continuing Change' in software evolution imply?

Software systems must adapt to real-world changes to remain useful. Signup and view all the answers

Which law indicates that a software system's complexity tends to increase as it evolves?

Increased Complexity Signup and view all the answers

According to the laws of software evolution, what happens to software quality without maintenance?

It declines unless rigorously maintained. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Conservation of Familiarity' law emphasize in software evolution?

Knowledge about software development processes should be preserved. Signup and view all the answers

Which law stresses the importance of a software system acting as a multi-loop, multi-level feedback system?

Feedback Systems Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of 'Organizational Stability' state about the activity rate in an evolving system?

It remains unchanged over the product's lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Software

Software enables the execution of various tasks, contrasting hardware which performs specific mechanical tasks.
It encompasses executable programming code, libraries, and documentation.
Tailored software for a specific purpose is termed a software product.

Classes of Software

System Software:
- Comprises programs that control and extend computer processing capabilities.
- Typically developed by manufacturers using low-level languages.
- Examples include Operating Systems, Compilers, Interpreters, and Assemblers.
Application Software:
- Designed for end-users to perform specific tasks such as word processing and web browsing.
- Often includes pre-installed options on computers.
Programming Software:
- Tools for developers to create and maintain programs, including compilers, linkers, debuggers, interpreters, and text editors.

Basic Principles of Software

Software consists of instructions guiding hardware to perform tasks, provided by developers for compatibility with specific platforms.
Programs are tailored to particular operating systems, affecting their compatibility across different versions (e.g., Windows XP vs. Windows 2000).
The term software encapsulates various forms, such as scripts and applications.

Software Evolution

Defined as developing a software product using software engineering principles, including ongoing maintenance and updates.
Initiates with requirement gathering, followed by prototype creation for user feedback, leading to iterative updates until the desired product is achieved.
Continuous adaptation and updates are necessary due to technological advancements and changing user requirements.

Laws of Software Evolution

Continuing Change: Software must adapt to remain useful over time.
Increasing Complexity: Complexity tends to grow with the evolution of software unless actively managed.
Conservation of Familiarity: Knowledge about software's development and operation must be maintained for effective updates.
Continuing Growth: The implementation size increases with the evolving needs of business.
Reducing Quality: Software quality declines without consistent maintenance.
Feedback Systems: Software evolution involves multi-level feedback loops crucial for improvements.
Self-Regulation: Evolution processes follow a regulated distribution pattern.
Organizational Stability: The activity rate within evolving systems remains consistent throughout the product's lifecycle.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts of software, distinguishing it from hardware and exploring its various functionalities. It covers essential definitions and introduces key components that define software, including executable code and associated documentation. Ideal for beginners looking to understand the nature of software.