Software Lesson 3

Learning Outcomes LO1: will be able to define what software is. LO2:will be able to give examples of operating systems, utility software and applications software. LO3:will be able to judge and justify which software is most suitable for a real world problem.

What is Software? The programs that run on a computer

Quiz: An introduction to Software Room: 468995 Starter Quiz: An introduction to Software Room: 468995

Types of Software LO1 OPERATING SYSTEM APPLICATION SOFTWARE A program that controls the hardware. It is the first thing a computer looks for when it is switched on. Examples of these are OSX, Windows, DOS and Linux. Programs designed for end-users to do the jobs they need. Types include generic, specialist and bespoke. Utilities software packages perform specific tasks that are usually related to managing system resources. Some of the programs are provided as part of the operating system, and others are purchased separately. Examples of these are Anti-Virus, Firewall, E-mail filter and File Converter. Just as people use different languages to communicate, so do computers. Programming software provides the computer with a set of instructions so it can understand. Examples of these are Basic, Logo, C++ and Visual Basic. APPLICATION SOFTWARE UTILITIES SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE

Task 1 Activity Types of Software Worksheet Complete the worksheet independently Draw a line to match up the key term to the correct definition and example. Save your work to your area Activity 10 Minutes LO2

When a computer boots up, it loads its operating system. An operating system turns an assortment of electronic parts into a computer that we can use to do things. It acts as an interface (go between) between the different hardware devices and the user.

Application software - generic Most software we use is made by large companies who make generic software that we can use to do lots of different jobs. If we buy a spreadsheet package, for instance, we can use it to keep track of what we spend, or to plot charts of temperatures in a science experiment.

Application software - Specialist We can also buy special purpose software that only does one job, like an accounts package or data logging software. It will do that job very well, but we can’t use it to do anything else.

Application software - bespoke If we have a very specialized job to do, we could have software specially written for it. This is called bespoke software, and would be much too expensive for most people. The government had bespoke software written for the passport agency, for example. Another example is the software used for online university applications.

I get all the unglamorous jobs around here. Utilities Software There is another group of software that does useful jobs, like checking for viruses. This is called utilities software. Some utilities, such as file management software, are usually delivered with the operating system. I get all the unglamorous jobs around here. Others, like firewalls and security software, come as separate packages.

Programming software All programs that run on a computer are written in programming code. A computer program gives the computer a list of instructions that it runs or executes. Some programming languages, like C++, are general purpose. Others are written for special purposes: Java is mostly used for web sites Logo moves a screen turtle BASIC is designed to be easy to learn and use.

Recap Operating systems Applications software Generic software Specialist software Bespoke software Utilities software Programming software turn electronic parts into computers we can use. lets us perform the tasks we need to do. It cannot run without an operating system. is multi-purpose, such as spreadsheets. has a single purpose, such as accounts. is specially written, like passport application processing. does useful things like checking for viruses. All the software packages above are written in code which is generated by a programming language

Task 2 Work independently LO3 Task 2 Work independently Put the following types of software into the correct category. Save your work in your area

Answers

Quiz: An introduction to Software Room: 468995 Plenary Quiz: An introduction to Software Room: 468995