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Understanding Software

Study purposes for information technology

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5 views14 pages

Understanding Software

Study purposes for information technology

Uploaded by

adisa.smith88
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Software

GRADE 7
What is Software?

● Set of instructions (programs) that


tell a computer what to do

● Allows you to perform tasks like


writing, drawing, or calculating

● Examples: word processors,


spreadsheets, graphics packages

● Question: What software have you


used recently?
Types of Software
● Two main categories: Application software and System software

● Application software: Programs for specific tasks (e.g., writing,


drawing)

● System software: Programs that manage the computer's operations


● Can you think of examples for each type?
Application Software

● Designed for specific tasks or


problems

● Examples: Word processors,


graphics packages, games

● Often comes pre-installed on


new computers

● What application software do


you use most often?
Categories of Application Software
● Entertainment software (e.g., games)
● Home or personal software (e.g., encyclopaedias)
● Productivity software (e.g., word processing,
spreadsheets)
● Specialist software (e.g., desktop publishing, graphics
packages)
Types of Application Software
● General-purpose software - designed to provide users with a general tool to
perform a wide range of tasks on a computer

● Integrated software - combines several software applications into one program.


Example microsoft office suite.

● Customised software - Created or modified to suit the user’s need.


● Custom-written (tailor-made) software - designed software to satisfy a
customer’s particular preferences.

● Specialized Software - software that is specially designed to perform specific


tasks.
System Software

● Manages and supports computer


operations

● Acts as a buffer between hardware and


application software

● Enables application software to run

● Why do you think system software is


important?
Components of System Software
● Operating system - An operating system is a set of programs residing in main
memory which directs all operations in the computer. Examples of operating
systems:

●
Components of System Software
● Utility programs - software is a specialised software that can be used to
protect and maintain the System software.
Utility Software continued
Common task performed by a Utility programs:

● Protecting software against damage caused be computer viruses


(anti-virus program)
● Back-up of files
● Recovering files after software has stopped working(crashed).
● Install/uninstall programs
● Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
Components of System Software
● Device drivers - a special kind of software program that controls a
specific hardware device attached to a computer.

● Language translators - translate programs written in high level


languages into the machine code that a computer understands.
Software in Your Daily
Life
● Smartphone apps are also
software!

● Think about the apps you use


every day

● What tasks do these apps help you


accomplish?

● Can you name three apps you


couldn't live without?
Multimedia Software
● Multimedia: Combination of text, audio, images, animations, video,
and interactive content

● Examples: Video editing software, music production apps


● How might you use multimedia software in your school projects?
The Future of Software

● Software is constantly evolving

● New technologies like AI and


VR are changing software

● What new types of software do


you think we'll see in the future?

● How might software change the


way we learn and work?

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