Section 8.2. Classification of Software   Section 8.2. Classification of Software   21/04/2017

Software Types of Software The programs – the sets of instructions – that determine how the computer behaves Types of Software System Software Application Software 21/04/2017

Operating System Library Programs System Software Utility Programs Language Translators 21/04/2017 8.2. Classification of Software

Operating System Interface between user and hardware Allows user to perform tasks without having to know how they are done Save a file on disk Install a printer Device driver takes care of printing a document 21/04/2017

Library Programs Pre-written routines that can be shared by different applications Same print routines used by many programs For multi-user computer systems Carries out common tasks required by everyone search for lost files restore corrupted files 21/04/2017 8.2. Classification of Software

Utility Programs Provides tools to manage, configure and maintain the computer (housekeeping facilities). anti-virus tools File compression tools Back up and archiving File managers (move, delete etc) Disk defragmenters Disk partitions 21/04/2017 8.2. Classification of Software

Language Compilers, Interpreters and Assemblers translates high-level language program into a computer’s machine code or some other low-level language. It produces an independent program which is capable of being executed by itself (compilation) After compilation the original translator is no longer needed Interpreter Translates and executes a program one statement at a time Slower as the analysis of each statement in a loop has to be repeated each time Assembler Translates a program written in assembly language into machine code 21/04/2017

Applications Software Programs that do the ‘real’ work for users. Perform specific tasks The software may be designed specifically for one particular company Software purchased ‘off the shelf’ Examples Order entry, payroll 21/04/2017

General Purpose Software Application Software General Purpose Software Special purpose Software Bespoke Software 21/04/2017 8.2. Classification of Software

General Purpose Software All common application packages Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, Spreadsheet, Database, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Presentation packages Sold as a package, including a CD containing the software and manuals 21/04/2017

Integrated packages and Software Suites Combine all features (word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics and communications software) into one single product for a low price e.g. Microsoft Works, Microsoft office, Lotus SmartSuite All programs are completely compatible Import and export data between applications 21/04/2017

Generic and Special Purpose Software Generic – can do many different tasks Word processing, spreadsheet and database software Special Purpose – designed to do one particular task Income tax return program, Accounting package Web browser Air Traffic Control 21/04/2017

Bespoke or off-the-shelf Bespoke Software Specially written, tailor-made or commissioned software Advantages Designed to the exact specifications of the user Can be written to run on specific hardware Software can be integrated with existing software There may not be a suitable software package on the market 21/04/2017

Bespoke or off-the-shelf Off-the-shelf Software Advantages Is generally less expensive to buy Feedback from other users of the package is available Software can be bought and installed straight away Software is tried and tested, fewer bugs Is usually well documented Training may be available 21/04/2017

A single application that combines the major features of several types of applications is called _____. integrated software a suite a combo package high-end a

The operating system for a computer does the following: manages the disks and files manages the computer's resources manages the computer's memory all of the above none of the above d

A proprietary operating system is ____. unique to a manufacturer similar to those of other manufacturers used by many different computer manufacturers properly configured to operate a

A computer's BIOS will ____ check for the presence of peripherals like mouse, sound card, scanner run a check of memory be loaded first when the computer is powered on none of the above c

A backup program _____. makes a copy of files you select. returns you to the previous program undoes the last change you made none of the above a

Disk formatting software is an example of: Application software Library program Utility program Operating system c