ASSIGNMENT 4
Computer Software
NAME: DIMANGADAP, Amerainah H.
SUBJECT & SECTION: GEC 133 - GH
A. Discuss the following questions each in two or more paragraphs:
1. What are the major types of software?
Software can be divided into two major categories, the system software and
application software.
System software is the background software that enables the application software
to interact with each other. Meanwhile, application software is a group of programs
designed to accomplish a single task or a group of related tasks.
2. What industry does software fall under?
Software belongs under the Information Technology industry. Companies in the
information technology (IT) sector produce software, hardware, or semiconductor
equipment, as well as companies that provide internet or related services.
3. What is software system?
System software is software that serves as a foundation for other software. It is
intended to run the hardware and application programs of a computer. If we consider
the computer system to be a layered model, system software serves as the interface
between hardware and user applications.
Examples of system software include operating systems like macOS, Linux,
Android and Microsoft Windows, computational science software, game engines,
search engines, industrial automation, and software as a service applications.
4. What are the disadvantages of system software?
Some disadvantages of system software include producing an initial system that is
more expensive to build and maintain, requiring more extensive and accurate
definitions of user needs and requirements, being difficult to customize, requiring
maintenance staff training, and being difficult to use with existing systems.
5. What factors are taken into consideration when determining needs for software?
There are a few things one have to consider when determining needs for software:
The way you will use the system; how much processing power do you actually need;
how long you want to keep it before upgrading or changing it; how much you are
able to spend for the main hardware; what components are more important and what
new hardware will be launched soon; and how the prices will vary; what software is
the most reliable; how much you will spend on the monitor and other peripherals as
the mouse, keyboard, speakers, a printer, and others.
6. What are the challenges in software?
Challenges are inevitable everywhere especially in software. Thus, these challenges
require development and attention. Here are some challenges: bugs, broken code, premature
optimization, complicated new technology, too much (or not enough) abstraction and
overlooking the little things.
7. What is the difference between system software and application software?
System software is designed to manage the system's resources. It serves as a
platform for running application software. System software is developed in a lowlevel language (assembly language for example). Meanwhile, application software
aids in the execution of a specific set of functions for which it was created.
Application software is developed in a high-level language such as Java, C++,
The main difference between System Software and Application Software is that
system cannot run without system software, whereas system always runs without
application software.
8. How can application software be beneficial to the users?
The single most significant advantage of application software is that it meets the
exact needs of the user. Because they are specifically designed with one purpose in
mind, the user understands that he must use one specific software to complete his
task. The risk of viruses invading custom-made applications is very low because any
company that incorporates it can restrict access and devise ways to protect their
network as well.
For security reasons, licensed application software receives regular updates from
the developer. Furthermore, the developer sends personnel on a regular basis to
correct any problems that may arise from time to time.
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of software?
Like any other thing, software has advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few
benefits of using software technology: you can benefit from some technical and
strategic advantages; you can get all the necessary applications based on your needs
or wants; some software is free and some is premium level; software development
companies create all the necessary software; you can take full advantage of software
outsourcing services like Nearshore software development or offshore software
development; and the software will either perform exactly as they expect it to or
simply have the functionality they expressly require for their business.
Software has a number of disadvantages, including lengthy development times,
high development costs, the necessity for businesses to hire teams of analysts and
programmers, and a lack of user support and online assistance.
10. What are the disadvantages of system software?
Some disadvantages of system software include producing an initial system that is
more expensive to build and maintain, requiring more extensive and accurate definitions
of user needs and requirements, being difficult to customize, requiring maintenance staff
training, and being difficult to use with existing systems.
11. Can you operate a computer without the computer software?
Hardware without software is useless since the machinery is unable to function
without instructions from software. An operating system is essential for a computer to
function. You can't type anything, listen to music, watch videos, or do anything else
without additional applications like Microsoft Office.
It can run. However, the computer would stop functioning because Windows is
the operating system, the program that keeps it running and offers a platform for
applications like your web browser. Your laptop is merely a box of bits without an
operating system that cannot connect with you or one another.
12. What are the 4 types of operating system?
The basic categories of operating systems are: Embedded operating systems,
Network Operating systems (NOS), Stand-alone operating systems, and Real-time
Operating System.
An Embedded Operating System is designed to perform a specific task for a
particular device which is not a computer. Network Operating systems (NOS) are
used to control and coordinate computers that are networked or linked together.
Stand-alone operating systems control a single desktop or notebook computer. Lastly,
the Real-time Operating Systems are used in the situation where we are dealing with
some real-time data.
B. Research and list down software programs belonging to each of these categories:
A. GAMES (Application software)
1) Counter-Strike
2) Dota 2
3) PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
B. UTILITIES (System software)
1) Antivirus Software (Avast, AVG)
2) File Management (Windows Explorer)
3) File Compression (WinZip, WinRAR)
C. COMMUNICATION (Application software)
1) Microsoft Teams
2) Google Workspace
3) Zoom
4) Messenger