Chapter 3 Computer Software

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is a computer software?
Answer:
Computer software is a collection of programs,
procedure and related data that provide the
instructions for telling a computer what to do and
how to do it.
Question 2.
What do you mean by system software?
Answer:
System software refers to the programs that
controls internal computer operations and makes
best use of the hardware devices.
Question 3.
What do you mean by an operating system?
Answer:
Operating system is a program that acts as an
interface between the user and the hardware.
Question 4.
In order to use the printer, an operating system will
need a special type of software. This software is
known as what?
Answer:
In order to use the printer, an operating system will
need a device driver software.
Question 5.
Which language processor converts an HLL
program into machine language at once?
Answer:
Compiler is a language processor which converts
whole HLL program into machine language at
once which can be understood by the processor.
Question 6.
Define a utility software.
Answer:
A utility software is a system software designed to
help in the management and tuning of operating
systems, computer hardwares and different
application softwares.
Question 7.
Mention some examples of utility software.
Answer:
Data compression utilities, virus protection utilities
and disk defragmentation utilities.
Question 8.Which software do you use to keep
your system intact from computer viruses?
Answer:
Antivirus software is used to keep your system
intact from computer viruses.
Question 9.
Why we cannot use a text editor as a picture
editing tool?
Answer:
Text editor is a editing program which does not
support the editing of graphical images because it
works only on text.
Question 10.
Describe an application software.
Answer:
An application software is designed to help the
user to perform specific functions.
Question 11.
Why do we use spreadsheets?
Answer:
A spreadsheet is specially used to organise data
in tables and to analyse the tabulated data in
desired manner. It allows you to do a lot of
calculations.
Question 12.
Name the software used to control redundancy
from a collection of large amount of data.
Answer:
A database is a collection of integrated data stored
together with controlled redundancy to serve one
or more applications in an optimal fashion.
Question 13.
Name the latest attendance recording devices
used in an attendance system.
Answer:
Biometrics and Access cards.
Question 14.
What do you mean by machine language?
Answer:
Machine language is the only language that is
understood by the computers. It is a collection of
binary digits (0 or 1) or bits that the computer
reads and interprets.
 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Name the types of software with examples for
each.
Answer:
There are two types of software, i.e. system
software and application software. Language
processors (interpreters, compilers and
assemblers), operating systems etc., are the
examples of system software. Whereas, payroll
system, accounting software etc., are the
examples of an application software.
Question 2.
Write a short note an BIOS.
Answer:
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is
commonly known as ; system BIOS. It is a boot
firmware or a small program that controls various
electronic devices attached to the main computer
system. The initial function of the BIOS is to
initialise system devices such as RAM, hard disk,
CD/DVD drive, video display card and other
hardwares. It sets the machine hardware into a
known state that helps the operating system to
configure the hardware components. This process
is known as Booting Up the computer.
Question 3.
Which is more beneficial a compiler or an
interpreter and why?
Answer:
Compiler is more bent fi cial than an interpreter for
translating a high leve, language program into
machine language program because compilation
process of a compiler is nearly 5 to 25 times faster
than interpreter.
Question 4.
What are the functions of an interpreter?
Answer:
Interpreter is very useful for debugging and
suitable for novice programmer. This is a slow
process and consumes less memory space.
Some basic functions of an interpreter are as
follows:
• Translates one instruction at a time.
• It checks the execution of the instructions line-
by-line.
Question 5.
Distinguish between compiler and interpreters.
Answer:

Compiler Interpreter

Compiler takes entire Interpreter takes single

program as input. instruction as input.

Intermediate object code No intermediate object

is generated. code is generated.

Conditional control Conditional control

statements execute statements execute

faster. slower.

Memory requirement is
Memory requirement is
more (since, object code
less.
is generated).

Errors are displayed Errors are displayed for

after entire program is every instruction

checked. interpreted.

e.g. Compiler in C e.g. Interpreter in Basic

language. language.

Question 6.
Explain any one utility software.
Answer:
It is a system software designed to help in
management and tuning of operating systems,
computer hardware and different application
software.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a
utility or a tool. Utilities are those application
programs that assist the computer by performing
house-keeping functions like backing up disk or
scanning/cleaning viruses.
A utility program carries out some of the common
tasks, while using a computer system. Utility
software is also known as service program,
service tool or utility routine. It differs from
applications mostly in terms of size, complexity
and function. Utility programs are bundled with
operating systems. However, these programs are
also available in a separate package and that’s
why they are sometimes considered separate from
system software.
Utilities include Disk Compression, Backup, Virus
Protection Utilities (Antivirus), Disk
Defragmentation Utilities etc.
Question 7.
Explain the main role of data backup software.
Answer:
Backup software is used to make a copy of all the
information stored on a disk and restore it when
needed.
An ideal data backup software provides
functionalities beyond simple copying of data files.
This software often supports user needs to
specifying what is to be backed up and when.
Question 8.
What is the use of disk defragmenter?
Answer:
It can detect computer files, whose contents are
broken across several locations on the hard disk
and move these fragments in a particular location
to increase storage efficiency. You can use disk
defragmenter to rearrange files and unused space
of your hard disk, so that programs run fast, e.g.
My Defrag, Perfect Disk, Diskeeper, Defragged
etc.
You can start Disk Defragmentation process as
follows:
Click Start —> All Programs —> Accessories —
> System Tools —> Disk Defragmenter.
Question 9.
What do you mean by debugging?
Answer:
The process of searching and correcting bugs
(errors) in a program is called debugging and
debugger is a program that is used as an aid to
remove bugs from program. Bug in a small
computer program causing a problem to crash the
system or produce an invalid output.
Question 10.
What are the four steps in debugging?
Answer:
The four steps in debugging are as follows:
1. Discovering of the bug
2. Isolation of the bug
3. Finding the bug
 4. Fixing the bug
Question 11.
What do you understand by network utilities?
Write some cpmmands to start a network utility?
Answer:
Network utilities provide a way to check the
connectivity of a network and log events while
using the Internet, ipconfig, ping, spray etc., are
some commands to start a network utility.
Question 12.
What is the use of network utility?
Answer:
Network utility analyses the computer’s network
connectivity, configure network settings, check the
data transfer or log events. It works for the router
to check whether the network is connected or not
and other technical issues.
Question 13.
Explain file manager.
Answer:
It is a software program that provides a user
interface to work with file system. It helps a user to
manage all the files on its computer system. All file
managers allow the user to view, edit, copy and
delete the files on its computer system, e.g.
Nomad.net, Master Commander, Unreal
Commander etc.
Question 14.
What is the difference between machine language
and assembly language?
Answer:
Difference between machine language and
assembly language are as follows:

Machine Language Assembly Language

Assembly language used

Machine language uses
mnemonic codes to write
binary digits (0s and 1s)
a program in place of
to write a program.
binary digits.

It is not human readable It is a more human

language. readable language.

It is not directly
It is directly understood
understood by the
by the computer.
computer.
 Assembler is used to

There is no need of any translate assembly

type of language language into computer

processor. understandable

language.

Question 15.
Explain encryption and decryption.
Answer:
A process to convert a plain text into cipher text is
called encryption. Whereas, a process to convert a
cipher text into plain text is called decryption.
Question 16.
What is general purpose application software?
Give some examples of general purpose
application.
Answer:
General purpose application software are those
software, which are used for any general function.
They allow people to do simple computer tasks. It
is sometimes referred to as GPS. e.g. graphics,
multimedia, presentation software, desktop
publishing software etc.
Question 17.
Why do we use reservation system?
Answer:
It is a computerised system used to store and
retrieve information and conduct transactions
related to air travel, hotels, car rental or other
activities.
It is an application software which is commonly
seen at railway reservation offices, this software
helps the concerned department to automatically
check the availability of the seats or berths of any
train and on any particular date with an
incomparable speed.
Question 18.
What are HLLs? Give example of some HLLs.
Answer:
It is an advanced computer programming
language that is not limited to one computer,
designed for a specific job and is easier to
understand. The main advantage of high-level
languages over low level languages is that they
are easier to read, write and understand, e.g.
BASIC, C, FORTRAN, Java and Pascal.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is an operating system? Explain its functions
with an example.
Answer:
It is a program that acts as an interface between
the user and the hardware (i.e. for all computer
resources). An operating system is an important
component of a computer system, which controls
and co-ordinates all other components of it. It
activates all devices that makes them ready for
work. It also performs all internal management
functions and ensures systematic functioning of a
computer system.
The operating system performs the following
functions:
• It recognises input from keyboard and sends
output to the display screen.
• It makes sure that the programs running
simultaneously do not interfere with each other.
• It is also responsible for security, ensuring that
unauthorised users cannot access the system
e.g. MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows XP,
Windows Vista etc.
Question 2.
Describe utility software and also define its types.
Answer:
It is a system software designed to help in
management and tuning of operating systems,
computer hardwares and different application
softwares.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a
utility or a tool. Utilities are those application
programs that assist the computer by performing
house-keeping functions like backing up disk or
scanning/cleaning viruses.
A utility program carries out some of the common
tasks, while using a computer system. Utility
software is also known as service program,
service tool or utility routine. It differs from
applications mostly in terms of size, complexity
and function. Utility programs are bundled with
operating systems. However, these programs are
also available in a separate package and that’s
why they are sometimes considered separate from
system software.
Utilities include Disk Compression, Backup, Virus
Protection Utilities (Antivirus), Disk
Defragmentation Utilities etc.
• Disk Compression
It is a utility software which perform the task of
emphasis on the drive, so that more space is
available for additional data to be stored.
• Backup
It can make copy of all information stored on a
disk and restore either the entire disk files (e.g.
an event of disk failure) or selected files (e.g. an
event of accidental deletion) on the user
defined storage.
• Disk Defragmenter
It can detect computer files, whose contents are
broken across several locations on the hard
disk and move these fragments in a particular
location to increase storage efficiency.
• Disk Checker and Disk Cleaner
Disk Checker is a fully-featured disk diagnostics
and repairing tool with backup ability.
• Disk Partition Tool
It is an utility tool which can divide an individual
drive into multiple logical drives, each with its
own file system which can be mounted by the
operating system and treated as an individual
drive.
Question 3.
Name at least two softwares that could be used to
produce a publication such as brochure or
newsletter. Explain each.
Answer:
A brochure or newsletter can be produced using
• Word processor
• DTP software
A Word processor is a general software, which is
used for the processing of textual matter and
creation of organised and error less documents.
However, there are several Word processors,
which offer features and utilities similar to DTP
software. So, even they can be used for creating
professional publications.
A DTP software is meant for creating professional
publications. It combines the functions of
traditional typesetter and a layout artist to produce
documents such as newsletters, brochures,
leaflets, magazines etc.
Question 4.
Explain Database Management. What are the
features of DBMS?
Answer:
It refers to the software that is responsible for
storing, maintaining and utilising a database. It
enables a user to define, create and maintain the
database and provide controlled access on it. A
database is a collection of integrated data stored
together to serve multiple applications.
Database Managements System provides several
additional features which are as follows:
• Removes data redundancy
• Elimination of data inconsistency
 • Data integration
• Dat a sharing
• Data security
e.g. MS-Access, Corel Paradox, Lotus
Approach, MySQL, OpenOffice.org Base etc.
Question 5.
Explain any five specific purpose application
software.
Answer:
1. Hotel Management System
It refers to the management techniques used in
the hotel sector. It includes hotel administration,
accounts, billing marketing, housekeeping, front
office or front desk, e.g. Hotelogix PMS, Djubo,
True Hotel Management, Aatithya HMS etc.
2. Payroll Management System
It is used by all modern organisations to
encompass every employee of the organisation,
who receives regular wages or other
compensation.
All different payment methods are calculated by
the payroll software and the appropriate
paychecks are issued. This software can also
be used for printing or E-mailing the salary slip
of employees, e.g. Namely, UltiPro etc.
3. HR Management System
It refers to the systems and processes at the
intersection between Human Resource
Management (HRM) and Information
Technology (IT). The function of HR department
is generally administrative and common in all
 organisations.
e.g. Effective Staff, Cezanne HR etc.
4. Attendance System
It is an application software designed to track
and optimise the presence of a person/student
in an organisation/school. Now-a-days,
attendance system can be integrated with
customer’s existing time/ attendance recording
devices like Biometrics/Access cards.
Attendance management can be done in two
ways as follows:
• Biometric integration

• Manual attendance integration

e.g. eTimeTrackLite, Pyramid PTR 4000 etc.

5. Billing System
It refers to the software that is used to’ perform
the billing process. It handles the tracking of
labelled products and services delivered to a
customer or set of customers.
e.g. Billing Manager, BillingTracker, kBilling etc.
Question 6.
What is an accounting software and HR
management system. Also, name the types of
accounting software?
Answer:
Accounting Software
This system records and processes accounting
transactions within functional modules such as
accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll
and trial balance. It works as an accounting
information system.
There are several types of accounting software as
follows:
 • Accounts payable software
• Bank reconciliation software
• Budget management software etc.
e.g. Tally ERP9, HDPOS, MARG, ProfitBooks
etc.
HR Management System
It refers to the systems and processes at the
intersection between Human Resource
Management (HRM) and Information Technology
(IT). The function of HR department is generally
administrative and common in all organisations.
e.g. Effective Staff, Cezanne HR etc.
Question 7.
What are the generations of languages. Explain
them.
Answer:
• The first generation languages or 1GLs are
low level languages like machine language.
It is the only language understood by the
computers. Sometimes, it referred to as
machine code or object code or binary
language. It is a collection of binary digits (0 or
1) or bits that the computer reads and
interprets.
• The second generation languages or
2GLs are also low level languages that
generally consist of assembly language.
It is a low level programming language, which is
used as an interface with computer hardwares.
It uses structured commands as substitutions
 for numbers, allowing humans to read the code
easier than looking at binary codes.
• The third generation languages or 3GLs are
high level languages such as C.
It is an advanced computer programming
language that is not limited to one computer,
designed for a specific job and is easier to
understand. The main advantage of high level
languages over low level languages is that they
are easier to read, write and understand, e.g.
BASIC, C, FORTRAN, Java and Pascal.
• The fourth generation languages or
4GLs are the languages that consists of
statements similar to the statements of human
language. 4GLs are commonly used in
database programming and scripting
programming.
• The fifth generation languages or 5GLs are
programming languages that contains visual
tools, which helps to develop a program. A
good example of 5GLS is Visual Basic.
Application Oriented Questions
Question 1.
The following paragraph describes the term
software.Software is a collection of computer (i)
……. and related data that provide the(ii) ………
for telling a computer what to do and how todo.
Software is a conceptual (iii) …….. which is a set
of (iv) …… programs,(v) ……… and associated
(vi) ………… concerned with the operation of a
data (vii) ……… system.
Fill in the blanks with words from the list below:
instructions, basic, programs, processing, entity,
computer, useful, procedures, documentation,
hardware
Answer:
(i) programs
(ii) instructions
(iii) entity
(iv) computer
(v) procedures
(vi) documentation
(vii) processing
Question 2.
Software is not only the basic requirement of a
computer system, it makes a computer more
powerful and useful.
Computer systems divide software into two major
classes.
1. What is the meaning of the term software?
2. (ii) Name the two major classes of software.
Answer:
1. Software is a set of programs that tells the
computer to perform a task.
2. Computer system divides software into two
major categories:
• System software

• Application software

Question 3.
Operating system is an important component of a
computer system. Various types of operating
systems are available.
 1. Operating system belongs to which class of
software?
2. (ii) What is the need of an operating system?
3. (iii) Why an operating system is important?
Answer:
1. System software.
2. Operating system provides a software platform
on which other programs, called application
programs are run.
3. It acts as an interface between the user and
the hardware.
Question 4.
Reena got an assignment on the topic Word
processing software. Help her to solve the
assignment.
1. What is Word processing software?
2. Which type of software is Word processor?
3. Give some examples equivalent to type of
Word processing software.
4. Give some examples of Word processing
program.
Answer:
1. Word processing software is an application
software that helps to create text based
documents. It also processes paragraphs,
pages and entire papers.
2. General purpose application software.
3. Electronic spreadsheets, database
management systems, desktop publishing
 software, graphics, multimedia and presentation
applications.
4. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect (Windows only),
AppleWorks (Mac only) and OpenOffice.org
Writer.
Question 5.
Mr. X has recently installed a new operating
system on his computer
• Describe the main functions of an operating
system.
• Name any two utility programs used by an
operating system.
Answer:
• Monitors the performance of the system,
enables software to communicate with
hardware and application softwares to be
loaded; gives prompts and error reports to the
users.
• Antivirus and compression tool.
Question 6.
Below is the list of various types of application
softwares:
A. Database
B. Desktop publishing
C. Drawing
D. Word processing
E. Spreadsheet
Which one would be the most suitable to use for
each of the following tasks?
• Rotation of shapes
 • Typing in text for a novel
• Using frames to position text and graphics on a
page
• Replication of cells
• Carrying out a complex search on two or more
criteria
Answer:
• Drawing
• Word processing
• Desktop publishing
• Spreadsheet
• Database
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which one of the following is a set of instructions
that tells the hardware how to perform the tasks?
(a) Compiler
(b) Software
(c) Hardware
(d) CPU
Answer:
(b) Software is a set of instructions that tells the
hardware how to perform the tasks.
Question 2.
Operating system is a
(a) application software
(b) system software
(c) hardware
(d) language
Answer:
(b) Operating system is a system software that
acts as an interface between the user and the
hardware.
Question 3.
Which software takes control of computer system
on startup?
(a) Compiler
(b) Operating system
(c) Application software
(d) All of these
Answer:
(b) Operating system takes control of computer
system on startup.
Question 4.
Which device is used to convert the program
written in assembly language into machine
language?
(a) Interpreter
(b) Compiler
(c) Assembler
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Assembler is used to convert the program
written in assembly language into machine
language because it is a language processor that
converts the user defined language into a form
which can be easily understood by the computer.
Question 5.
Interpreter converts a high level language program
into a machine language by
(a) one go mechanism
(b) line-by-line mechanism
(c) group of five lines mechanism
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(b) Interpreter is a language processor, which
converts the high level language program into
machine language by using line-by-line
mechanism.
Question 6.
The language processor which converts high level
language into machine language is
(a) assembler
(b) compiler
(c) interpreter
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both compiler and interpreter are language
processors that converts high level language into
machine language.
Question 7.
Utility programs include
(a) Virus scanning software
(b) Backup software
(c) Disk defragmenter
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) Utility programs includes virus scanning,
backup, disk defragmenter software.
Question 8.
Disk Cleaner helps to free
(a) data
(b) recycle bin
(c) spaces
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Disk Cleaner helps to free spaces. So that, the
free spaces can be utilised to store another file or
folder.
Question 9.
This part of utility software is used to prevent
phosphor burning on computer monitors by
blanking the screen with moving images.
(a) File Managers
(b) Debugging Tool
(c) Disk Cleaners
(d) Screensavers
Answer:
(d) Screensavers fill the computer screen with
moving images or patterns, when the computer is
not in use.
Question 10.
Which of the following is not related to a utility
software?
(a) Text editor
(b) Antivirus program
(c) Disk compression software
(d) Railway reservation system
Answer:
(d) Railway reservation system is an example of
application software whereas, rest all are software
utilities.
Question 11.
Which type of software is designed to perform
specific, personal, business or scientific
processing tasks?
(a) System
(b) Application
(c) GUI
(d) Compiler
Answer:
(b) Application software is a computer software
which is designed to help the user to perform
some specific or personal tasks.
Question 12.
Which of the following is not related to an
application software?
(a) Word processor
(b) DBMS
(c) Operating system
(d) Railway reservation system
Answer:
(c) Application software is a software which carries
out a specific task like Word processor,
spreadsheet, DBMS etc. Among the given options,
operating system is related to system software.
Question 13.
DTP is a tool for graphic designers and non-
designers to create visual communications for
professional. DTP stands for
(a) Device Transfer Protocol
(b) Desktop Publishing
(c) Device Transfer Programs
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(b) DTP stands for Desktop Publishing.
Question 14.
Assembly language is a low level programming
language
(a) makes use of mnemonics to interact with
computer system
(b) sometimes referred to as machine code or
object code
(c) that is not limited by the computer or for one
specific job
(d) used to interact with computer software
Answer:
(a) Assembly language is a low level programming
language that use mnemonics to interact with
computer system.
Question 15.
Machine language sometimes referred to as
(a) programming language that is used widely by
the programmer.
(b) machine code or object code
(c) programming language that is more easily
understood
(d) language that is not limited by the computer
Answer:
(b) Machine language sometimes referred to as
machine code or object code because it is the
language which is only understood by the
computer as a computer itself is just a machine or
an electronic device.
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
Program is a set of ……..
Answer:
instructions
Question 2.
The software is categorised as …. and ……
software.
Answer:
system, application
Question 3.
………….. and ……… aresystem softwares.
Answer:
Operating system, language processors
Question 4
……….. is a software that controls and manages
the hardware.
Answer:
Operating System
Question 5.
The software that helps the computer in
maintaining its performance is called …………..
Answer:
Utility software
Question 6.
A safe way to remove viruses is to run an ………
Answer:
antivirus software
Question 7.
……….. is a software program that provides a
user interface to work with the file system.
Answer:
File manager
Question 8.
Encryption is the process of transforming ……….
Answer:
plain text into cipher text
Question 9.
A ……… is a group of related fields.
Answer:
database
Question 10.
Payroll system and accounting system are the
……… softwares.
Answer:
application
Question 11.
Programmers use a variety of ………….. to
communicate instructions to the computer.
Answer:
programming languages
True or False
Question 1.
We cannot work on computer without software.
Answer:
True
Software is a set of programs, which instructs the
computer to do a task. We always need a software
to work on the computer system.
Question 2.
Hardware is operated by system softwares.
Answer:
True
System softwares tell hardwares how to perform a
task.
Question 3.
Operating system is an application software.
Answer:
False
It is a system software which acts as an interface
between the user and the hardware.
Question 4
Device drivers are the part of application software.
Answer:
False
Device drivers are the part of system software,
which is used to make interface between the
device and the user or the operating system.
Question 5.
Interpreter translates whole program at a time.
Answer:
False
Interpreter is a language processor which
translates the whole program line-by-line.
Question 6.
A text editor is used to facilitate the creation and
correction of text.
Answer:
True
A text editor is used to create and edit the text.
Text editor is a part of utility.
Question 7.
Encrypted data is referred as cipher text.
Answer:
True
Encrypted data is presented in coded form. So, it
is known as cipher text.
Question 8.
The set of programs designed to perform user
specific tasks is called application software.
Answer:
True
Application software refers to the programs that
perform operations for a specified task of a user.
Question 9.
MS-Word and MS-Excel are two application
softwares.
Answer:
True
MS-Word and MS-Excel are two application
softwares because such type of softwares pertains
to specific applications and specific task.
Question 10.
Assembly language uses mnemonic codes.
Answer:
True
Assembly language uses mnemonic codes to
represent each low level machine operation or
code.
Question 11.
The third generation of languages are low level
languages.
Answer:
False
They are high level languages such as C.