SOFTWARE
TASK 1: FILL IN THE GAPS
Use the words below just once in order to fill in the gaps
HARDWARE is any physical device that makes up part of or plugs into your computer, you can
see it, touch it and pick it up.
SOFTWARE is everything else, the PROGRAMMES or applications that allow you to perform
your various tasks.
There are two main types of computer software - SYSTEM software and application software.
System software includes the OPERATING System, and UTILITY programs that control how
the hardware of a computer works.
Application software includes common programs that you use daily, for example WORD
processors, SPREADSHEETS and DATABASES. It also includes e-mail programmes, WEB
browsers and anti-VIRUS software.
TASK 2: OPERATING SYSTEM
Explain in one or two sentences what an operating system is and give an example of one.
An operating system is the software, which supports a computer’s fundamental functions. As an
example, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux.
TASK 3: TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM
Name the two main types of operating system
1. System Software
2. Application Software
TASK 4: TASKS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM
What are some of the jobs that an operating system might do?
TASK 5: TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
There are three main categories of application software. They are known as:
1. Word processing
2. Web browsing
3. Spread sheets
TASK 6: GENERAL PURPOSE APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE
Explain briefly what this term means
-This term briefly means that
GENERAL-PURPOSE SOFTWARE
The most common types of general purpose software are listed in the table. You need to write a description of
what they are used for, and an example of each.
General Purpose Software
Database
Spreadsheet
Word Processing
Desktop Publishing (DTP)
Graphics Packages
Computer-aided design (CAD)
Communications
Presentation Graphics
Web Design Packages
Description
Used to store and retrieve information
Example(s)
MS Access, FileMaker
TASK 7: REASONS FOR USING GENERAL PURPOSE APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE
List the main reasons why people choose to use this type of software:
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TASK 8: INTEGRATED PACKAGES
Explain what this term means and why people might choose to use this type of software
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TASK 9: TAILOR MADE OR BESPOKE SOFTWARE
Explain what this term means and why people might choose to use this type of software
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