Introduction to software : Module 1.2
1.
Sets of instructions that ‘tell’ a computer what to do are known as programs.
2.
The two main groups of software are:


System software
Application software
3.
System software which controls all activities that take place in a computer is known as the
operating system.
4.
Programs that were written to perform specific tasks for users are called application software.
5.
Software that is intended to control, support or operate the computer, is called system
software.
6.
Android, iOS and Windows Mobile are examples of operating systems used in mobile devices.
7.
Two examples of Windows operating systems are:
Any two:




Windows7
Windows 2010
Windows Vista
Windows XP
8.
The part of the operating system that presents and arranges the content of the screen to make
it easy for users to understand and use, is known as the interface.
9.
The program that manages all the hardware and software on the computer is called the
operating system.
10.
The program that maintains all security on a computer, is called the operating system.
11.
GUI is the acronym for Graphical User Interface.
12.
The first basic ‘screen’ that a user sees when the computer is switched on, is the desktop.
13.
Name four visual aids used in modern operating systems to make it easier for users to
communicate with a computer:
Any four:






Menus
Windows
Icons
Toolbars
Buttons
Dialog boxes with components like textboxes, spinners, radio buttons, etc.
14.
Small programs that reside on your desktop and provide some useful functions such as
displaying the time on a clock, showing you the latest news and weather and displaying a
calendar, are called gadgets or widgets.
15.
The text that appears when the mouse is resting on an icon is called a tooltip.
16.
The control that allows the user space to enter information is a textbox.
17.
When the user clicks on this control, a command is executed or something is activated:
Button.
18.
The GUI-component that allows a user to choose from a list of given options or add his own
options: Combo box.
19.
The GUI-component where multiple options can be selected by the user: Check box.
20.
Useful programs that come bundled with most operating systems, that are not specifically
aimed at the core functioning of the operating systems, but provide useful add-on programs for
the user: Accessories.
21.
Application software that allows you to perform tasks that are based on calculations and also
provides charting facilities: Spreadsheet.
22.
Application software that is used to access and view web pages on the Internet: Web browser.
23.
Application software used to create, edit, format and print text-based documents: Word
processor.
24.
Application software used to store data in an organised manner, manipulate the data and
process the data into information: Database.
25.
Application software that can combine text, sound and graphics including animation into a
presentation – usually in the form of an electronic slide show – is called presentation software.
26.
Special programs that are needed to allow the user to view ‘special’ effects (usually multimedia effects) are called plug-ins.
27.
Application software used in the creation and design of websites: Web authoring software.
28.
Separate programs such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation and
communication software that are combined as an integrated unit and that is sold as a bundle
to be used in office environments: Office suite.
29.
Give four examples of financial application programs:




30.
Pastel Accounting
ACCPAC
Microsoft Money
Quicken
Give three examples of communication software:
Any three:





31.
Microsoft Mail
Outlook
Pegasus Mail
Skype
Google Chat
A Windows accessory that provides different options to capture screen shots is called a
snipping tool.