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Form 2 Software Notes

Software is a program that controls computer operations, categorized into system software and application software. System software includes operating systems that manage hardware and utilities for maintenance, while application software performs specific user tasks. Types of application software range from general purpose to custom written, catering to various user needs.

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11 views

Form 2 Software Notes

Software is a program that controls computer operations, categorized into system software and application software. System software includes operating systems that manage hardware and utilities for maintenance, while application software performs specific user tasks. Types of application software range from general purpose to custom written, catering to various user needs.

Uploaded by

jadenboba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SOFTWARE

Software is a program or set of instructions that controls the operation of a computer. It guides the hardware
and tells it how to accomplish each task. The two main types of software are system and application
software.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Computer programs that are designed to make the computer hardware and application work together. Two
types of System Software are Operating System and Utilities.

Operating System (OS)

The OS controls the basic operation of a computer. When you turn on a computer, the operating system
programs run and check to be sure all the parts of the computer are functioning properly. Once loaded, the
operating system manages all activities. Examples: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Functions of the OS
§ Memory management: The operating system ensures that the correct data and Instructions are
copied into memory.
§ File management: The operating system organises the files•
§ Device management: The operating system controls the operation of the peripheral devices.
§ Input/output management: The operating system organises this data flow between input devices
and output devices.
§ Process management: A modern computer will typically have multiple processes under way at the
same time. These are organised by the operating system. •
§ Security: The operating system controls some aspects of data security, for example the password
login to a network.
§ User interface: The user interface is the system that allows you - the user - to Interact with the
computer, to input instructions and data, and to receive results.

Utilities

An utility program is a type of system software that helps maintain or configure the computer. Many of them
are installed with the OS but some can be added after.

Types of Utilities

▪ Disk defragmenters organises the files on the drive so that the computer run faster and more
efficiently.
▪ A disk clean-up utility searches for and removes unnecessary files.
▪ Antivirus programs removes viruses and malicious programs,
▪ A backup and restore utility allows users to copy files to another storage medium and reverses the
process and returns backed up files to their original form
▪ File compressors decrease the size of a file.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

These consist of programs designed to perform specific tasks for users. Apps are small application usually
written for use on tablets or smart phones.

Types of Application software

All types of application can be grouped into one or more main types:
▪ General Purpose or Single Purpose Software
▪ Integrated Software
▪ Off the Shelf or Custom Written or Customized Software

General purpose software: These are designed to be used as many people as possible and they allow the user
to perform a wide range of tasks.E.g: word processors, spreadsheet

Single purpose/Specialized software: These are designed to be used to perform specific tasks E.g: web
browsers, calculators

Integrated software: This is a set of applications bundled together as one package.


Eg: Microsoft Office

Off the shelf software: These are usually general-purpose software and are not made for a specific user. They
are readily available from a computer shop or online. They are often cheaper and more reliable than custom
written software. Eg: Microsoft Office

Custom written software: These, also called Bespoke/Tailor-made Software, are designed specifically for a
single user. They can be more expensive than off-the-shelf but are more catered to the customer’s need.

Customized software: Software modified by writing or adding programming modules to perform specific
tasks .

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