Unit 5: Software Systems — Short Questions

Software is a collection of programs and data that instructs a computer how to do specific tasks. Software often comes with accompanying documentation.

Software can be classified into the following types:

• System software
• Application software

The software used to control, monitor, or facilitate the use of the computer is called system software.

Types of system software

Following are the types of system software.

• Operating system
• Device drivers
• Utility programs
• Language processors

The application software is a program created to perform a specific task for user. Application software is developed for computer users to solve their problems such as preparing a letter, creating a presentation or managing a database.

Types of application software

Commonly used application software is following:

• Productivity software - Business software
• Entertainment software - Education software

An operating system is a set of programs running on a computer system and providing an environment in which other programs can be executed and the computer system can be used efficiently. Examples: MS windows, DOS, UNIX etc

The following tasks are performed by the operating system.

• Manages hardware resources.
• It controls the operation of input/output and storage devices.
• It detects hardware failures and displays messages to fix them.
• Loads and executes programs.

A device driver is system software that controls the operation of a computer device. When users attach a device such as printer or scanner to their computer, they should install its driver also to make it operational. Device drivers are provided by device manufactures.

System software is essential for the operation of a computer system, acting as an intermediary between the hardware and the user applications. It ensures that the hardware components of a computer work together efficiently and provides a stable environment for application software to run.

Some most commonly used operating systems are:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• IOs

An open-source OS that is used for everything from servers to desktop computers. It can look different depending on the distribution (version) you use.

The operating system is responsible for running applications on a computer. Loads applications into memory, allocates the necessary resources, and manage their execution. The OS also ensures that applications do not interfere with each other and that they run efficiently.

Antivirus software scans files and incoming data for known viruses and malware signatures. It also provides real-time protection to prevent virus attacks.

File compression tools compress one or multiple files into a single archive format (e.g., ZIP, RAR) while preserving data integrity. They also provide options for encryption and password protection.

Example of Word Processing Software:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Apple Pages
• LibreOffice Writer

Spreadsheet software is a type of application software used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tabular form. Spreadsheets consist of a grid of cells arranged in rows and columns.

Examples of Spreadsheet Software

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• Apple Numbers
• LibreOffice Calc

Available on macOS and iOS, Apple Numbers provides a user-friendly interface with strong visualization tools for creating visually appealing spreadsheets. It includes templates and easy integration with other Apple products.

Graphic design software is a type of application software used for creating, editing, and managing visual content. These programs provide tools for drawing, painting, photo editing, and creating illustrations, making them essential for designers, artists and anyone involved in visual media.

A web-based graphic design tool accessible on any operating system with internet access. Canva provides an easy-to-use interface with a wide range of templates and design elements, making it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

Available on Windows and macOS, Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular graphic design programs. It offers powerful tools for photo editing, digital painting, and graphic design.