Podcast
Questions and Answers
What distinguishes software from hardware?
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?
Which is an example of system software?
- Operating System (correct)
- Text editor
- Word processor
- Web browser
What is NOT a component of software?
What is NOT a component of software?
- Mechanical components (correct)
- Associated libraries
- User manual
- Executable programming code
Which statement best describes application software?
Which statement best describes application software?
What type of software tools are included in programming software?
What type of software tools are included in programming software?
Why might software designed for Windows XP have compatibility problems on Windows 2000?
Why might software designed for Windows XP have compatibility problems on Windows 2000?
In software terminology, what does 'script' refer to?
In software terminology, what does 'script' refer to?
What is a characteristic of system software?
What is a characteristic of system software?
What is the primary focus of software evolution?
What is the primary focus of software evolution?
During the initial phase of software evolution, what is the first step taken by developers?
During the initial phase of software evolution, what is the first step taken by developers?
What does the law of 'Continuing Change' in software evolution imply?
What does the law of 'Continuing Change' in software evolution imply?
Which law indicates that a software system's complexity tends to increase as it evolves?
Which law indicates that a software system's complexity tends to increase as it evolves?
According to the laws of software evolution, what happens to software quality without maintenance?
According to the laws of software evolution, what happens to software quality without maintenance?
What does the 'Conservation of Familiarity' law emphasize in software evolution?
What does the 'Conservation of Familiarity' law emphasize in software evolution?
Which law stresses the importance of a software system acting as a multi-loop, multi-level feedback system?
Which law stresses the importance of a software system acting as a multi-loop, multi-level feedback system?
What does the law of 'Organizational Stability' state about the activity rate in an evolving system?
What does the law of 'Organizational Stability' state about the activity rate in an evolving system?
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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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