Types of Software

Learning Objectives: By the end of this topic you should be able to: identify different types of software: give examples of how and where each type of software would be used;

Software computer programs provides the instructions enabling the computer to work

Task write down one piece of software that you have used in the past week pass your paper on to the next group

Types of Software Computer systems generally require 3 types of software:

Types of Software Computer systems generally require 3 types of software: Operating System

Types of Software Computer systems generally require 3 types of software: Operating System Applications software

Types of Software Computer systems generally require 3 types of software: Operating System Applications software Utilities

Operating systems “controls the entire operation of the computer” e.g. Windows, Mac OSX, Apple iOS, Linux, Android acts as the interface between the user and the computer system allow users to communicate with the hardware recognises input from the keyboard sends output to the monitor provides a platform for the applications software to run on controls & monitors allocation of hardware resources allocate processor time, memory, hard disk space, allow connection to peripheral devices manage network printer queues

Applications software programs used to solve particular problems word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, Internet browsing, email, games, stock control, ticket booking, ………..

Utilities individual programs which carry out minor tasks assist the user in basic tasks: maintenance monitoring provide additional functions not included in Operating System examples: anti-virus, file management, backup, compression, security …

Utilities virus checkers compression file management check disks and memory for viruses delete or clean infected files if detected compression compress (‘zip’) files so that they occupy less space before sending via email before back-up or archive file management organise files & folders copy, move, delete, rename repair corrupted files defragmentation - reorganise files on disk so that free space is contiguous faster loading of programs & files

Utilities Security software Backup checks user IDs and passwords prevents unauthorised access to system user access logging records total login time, software/files accessed, websites visited firewalls levels of access allocated to different users block web access to certain sites only accept connections from allowed network connections prevent viruses, malware …. Backup copy & synchronise files to removable storage medium backup can be automated

Exam questions:

Exam questions: One mark for type of software, 2nd for its use, eg: Operating system (1) to run the computer/ connect to scanner/printer/digital camera (1) Utility Software (1) to provide additional functionality to the OS/to run anti virus checks (1)

Exam questions:

Exam questions: Utility Software Assists the user in basic tasks (1) To provide additional services not included in applications/OS (1) Specific utility role (1) Operating System Software To communicate with the hardware (1) Interface between user and computer (1) To give a platform for the applications software to run on (1) Manages sharing of resources (1) Allocates and manages tasks (1)

Exam questions:

Exam questions: (a) Reduce the size of the file (1) Increase memory space (1) Reduce amount of bandwidth used (1) [2] (b) Compress photographs before sending them (1) Compress old bookings/archiving/incremental back-ups (1) Decompress files sent by travel company (1) [1]

Exam questions:

Exam questions: (a) To act as the interface (1) between hardware/application/user (1) Controls allocation of usage/hardware/resources (1) eg memory/central processing unit (CPU) time/hard disk space/ peripheral devices (1) Performs basic data management tasks (1) recognising input from the keyboard/ sending output to the display screen/keeping track of files and directories on the disk (1) (b) e.g. File compression (1) Firewall (1)

Exam questions:

Exam questions: Operating system (1) to run the computer (1) to connect to scanner/ printer/ digital camera (1) Utility Software (1) to provide additional functionality to the OS (1) to run anti virus checks (1) User Interface (1) to load applications (1)