Software is a sequence of instructions, called programs, that hardware can understand and execute.
There are two main categories of software that you need to be able to distinguish:
1. System software.
2. Application software.
System software
System software is a type of computer software that manages and controls the hardware components of a computer system and provides a platform for other software to run.
Features of the system software describe its functions:
1. Hardware abstraction
Provides an interface between hardware and application software.
Allows applications to run on different hardware configurations without modification.
2. Resource management
Manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, storage, and I/O devices.
Efficiently allocates resources to various processes.
Supports software development.
Performs service tasks.
3. User interface
Provides a user interface (UI) for interacting with the system.
Provides user input and output operations.
Application software
Application software is designed to handle specific tasks for users.
Key features of application software:
User-focused
Designed to meet the needs and requirements of end users.
Provides tools and features for specific tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet calculations, and graphic design.
Interactivity
Allows users to interact with software through user interfaces.
Supports user input via keyboards, mice, touch screens, and other input devices.
Questions:
What is the primary purpose of the software?
Name two categories of the software.
Is the system software responsible for booting the computer and initializing hardware components?
What is the purpose of application software?
How does system software functionality differ from application software functionality?
Which type of software is more user-focused, and why?
Exercises:
Ex.1 Software
Ex.2 Distribute software
Ex.3 Identify missing keywords
Exam questions:
Provide three differences between system software and application software (3 marks).
The main purpose of system software is to manage and control hardware resources while the main purpose of application software is to help users perform specific tasks (1 mark).
System software controls the basic operations of the system while application software offers functionality tailored to specific user actions (1 mark).
System software interacts with users primarily through configuration and management interfaces, while application software is designed for direct and frequent user interaction (1 mark).
System software requires regular updates to ensure compatibility with new hardware while application software updates are aimed at adding new features (1 mark).
