ISAIAH THOMAS SECONDARY SCHOOL
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FORM 5
12/01/2016
Computer software
Systems software
Systems software controls hardware and how it works. Systems software includes
operating systems, translators and utilities programs.
Operating system
The operating system is the core program of a computer. It controls the hardware and
the running of the application programs. It would be impossible to us e a computer
without an operating system. An operating system maks it easy to perform complex
functions.
When you start up a computer you are booting it. The booting instructions are
contained in the ROM chip. During booting the computer looks for the operating
system. Here are some operating systems:
 Windows which has different versions such as XP, Vista and windows 7
 Mac OS X (Apple)
 Linux
 Unix
 DOS
Translators
Translators, also called translation programs, are systems software that convert code
into a programming language the computer can process.
 An interpreter is a program that converts a program into machine code , line
by line
 A compiler translates all program lines in one go to create a stand-alone
program. Once translation is complete , the compiler instructs the processor to
carry out that program. Compilers are more efficient than interpreters,
because the code is compiled only once.
 An assembler is used to translate assembly language into machine language
Utilities
Utility programs or utilities are usually bundled with an operating system. They
maintain and protect the OS. Here are some tasks performed by utility programs:
1. manage files by renaming, sorting, listing, backing up, recovery and deleting
them.
2. perform disk formatting, which may include clearing a hard disk and
reprogramming it from scratch
3. scan and defragment a hard disk; this reorganises the hard disk for better
memory management.
4. scan for viruses on a hard disk and remove any viruses that are found.
Application software
Application programs, or application software, are programs that allow a computer to
carry out specific tasks but they are not essential for the computer to work
Some types of application software
Type
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Entertainment
Graphics
Communications
Use
For typing and compiling
documents
For putting together and
managing spreadsheets
For creating and managing
databases
For playing simulated
games on a computer
For creating and editing
artwork, photos and other
types of image
For using the internet.
Sending and receiving emails, sending instant
messages
Example
Microsoft word,
ClarisWorks
Microsoft Excel,
OpenOffice Calc
Microsoft Access,
Filemaker Pro
Tetris, Guitar Hero, The
Sims
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe
Photoshop, Paint
Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft
Internet Explorer,
Microsoft Outlook
Express, Windows Live
Messanger
Most application programs run on only one operating system. Application software
can be general-purpose, special-purpose or custom-written
General –Purpose
General purpose application software is popular software that can be used by most
people for many different purposes. Word process applications are general purpose,
because they are used for many reasons by people, businesses and professionals.
General purpose software is often fairly cheap and reliable because it has been used
and developed by many people over the years.
Special purpose
Special purpose application is designed for specific tasks or industries. It does not
have much use beyond those tasks. For example accounting software.
Custom written
Custom written application software is often called tailor made or bespoke software.
It is written for a few owners or users to perform specific tasks. It is often used to
modify general purpose software so it can do extra tasks.
Integrated software
Integrated software is a set of useful applications that are bundled together or sold
together as one package. For example Microsoft office is an integrated software
package of five application programs: word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access.
Integrated software is often cost-effective way of buying applications, because you
can get several applications for a good price. These applications are usually similar in
their layout and design, so once you can use one, the others should be easy to use.
Some disadvantages are that you may end up with extra applications that you do not
have a use for, and the applications may not have the full functionality of their stand
alone counterparts.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE FRIDAY 29th January 2016
1.
What is the name given to software that can be used by many people for a
wide range of tasks?
a. General-purpose
b.
Custom-written
c. Integrated
d.
Special-purpose
2.
Which of these is an example of systems software?
a. Spreadsheets
b.
Database
c. Utilities
d.
Games
3.
Which of these is a translator that translates code line by line?
a. Compiler
b.
Interpreter
c. Assembler
d.
Operating system
4.
Jim wants to install a program on his computer to do a disk clean up and
manage files. What type of software is this?
a. Application
b.
Operating system
c. translator
d.
utility
5.
State two advantages of using an integrated software package.
6.
State one disadvantage of using an integrated software package.
7.
State two advantages of using a general-purpose software package.
8.
Name two types of systems software.
9.
An engineering firm wants to purchase software designed specifically for
engineering drawing. What kind of application is this?
10.
What is the purpose of having utility programs on you computer?