Software Fundamentals Quiz

Software Fundamentals

• Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs telling a computer how to work
• Unlike hardware (physical components), software is intangible
• Software manages hardware and provides functions for other software
• Software is written in programming languages, executed by the computer's processor
• System software acts as a bridge between applications and hardware, ensures efficiency and user interaction

Types of Software

• System Software:
  • Manages hardware and provides basic functionality for other programs
  • Examples: Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), device drivers, firmware
• Application Software:
  • Designed for end-users to perform specific tasks
  • Examples: web browsers, word processors, communication tools

System Software Features

• Hardware Management: Controls and allocates resources (memory, CPU, storage)
• User Interface: Provides graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces (CLIs)
• Application Platform: Supports the execution of application software
• Device Control: Includes drivers for hardware communication
• Security: Provides basic security features (authentication, access control)

Types of System Software

• Operating Systems: Manages hardware and software resources, facilitates user interaction
  • Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
  • Single Boot Systems: Run only one operating system at a time
• Device Drivers: Enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices
• Firmware: Embedded software integrated into hardware (e.g., BIOS) that controls its functions
• Hypervisors: Allow multiple operating systems to run on a single machine through virtualization
• Utility Programs: Tools for system analysis, optimization, and maintenance (e.g., disk cleanup, antivirus)

Application Software

• Performs specific tasks (document creation to complex calculations)
• Categorized by delivery method/usage
  • Desktop Applications: Installed on single computers (e.g., Microsoft Office, Photoshop)
  • Web Applications: Run within web browsers (e.g., Gmail, Google Docs)
  • Native Applications: Optimized for specific platforms (e.g., iMessage, Google Maps)
  • Hybrid Applications: Combine web and native elements (e.g., Instagram, Uber)
  • Cross-Platform Applications: Work on multiple operating systems (e.g., Slack, Facebook)

Programming Languages

• Machine Language: Binary code, directly executed by the computer; very low-level
• Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics (keywords) for machine instructions, making it easier for humans to understand.
• High-Level Languages: Abstractions over hardware, enabling problem-oriented programming (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
• Programming Paradigms:
  • Imperative: Focuses on how tasks are executed (e.g., procedural, object-oriented).
  • Declarative: Focuses on what the program should achieve(e.g., functional, logic-based)

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• A structured process for creating, developing and maintaining high-quality software
• Phases of SDLC:
  • Planning: Defines goals, feasibility and scheduling
  • Analysis: Gathers and documents requirements (functional and non-functional)
  • Design: Outlines architecture, user interfaces, technical specifications
  • Implementation: Converting designs into code
  • Testing: Ensures software error-free and meets requirements (unit, integration, performance, user acceptance)
  • Deployment: Delivers software to users
  • Maintenance: Fixing bugs, providing updates, monitoring performance

SDLC Models

• Waterfall: Sequential phases with minimal iteration, suitable for projects with stable requirements
• Iterative: Develops software incrementally, incorporating user feedback, ideal for evolving systems
• Agile: Emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development, delivering working software in short cycles / sprints, prioritizing communication between customers and developers.