AS ComputingAS Computing

Software definitions

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Learning objectivesLearning objectives

Define the different types of software: operating system, user interface, translator,utilities, programming languages and generic application software;

Describe the different roles and functions of systems software and application software;

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Generic application can be used in many different circumstances. For example,

Word processing software

Desktop publishing software

Spreadsheet packages

Database packages: Access, Paradox, etc

Multimedia authoring tools: authorware, macromedia Director

Expert system software: Crystal, etc

Generic applicationsGeneric applications

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All computers process instructions using machine code, which uses numeric codes to represent basic operations such as load, move, add, subtract and so on.

Programming languagesProgramming languages

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An operating system is a set of computer programs that controls the operation of the computer system.

For example:

MS-DOS

Linux

Windows

Operating SystemsOperating Systems

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Utility programs perform common task such as formatting disk, repairing damaged files.

For example:

Winzip

Anti-Virus

Utilities Utilities

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User interface is a method that users use to communicate with computers.

Graphical user interface(GUI) displays information in a pictorial manner.

User InterfaceUser Interface

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Programming languages have its own ‘translator’, which will take the code programmer write and turn it into machine-executable form.

e.g from a low-level language to machine code.

Translator Translator

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The operating system

Utility programs will perform specific task, e.g. Disk formatting, Disk Copier, Data compression, etc.

Library programs is a program that is stored on a disk in a special type of file and is available to all users of the system.

Translators convert programming languages into machine code.

System softwareSystem software

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An application program is a program of instruction that someone has written that does something useful for a user.

For example, word processor, spreadsheet and database applications.

Applications softwareApplications software

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They contain a number of separate applications such as a word processor and a database;

Information can easily be exported from on application in the package and imported into another application in the package;

The package comes with some form of documentation explaining the functions of each application and the package as a whole;

There is a common user interface across the applications in the package so that users can quickly learn each one.

Integrated software packageIntegrated software package

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There are many different programming languages, for example, Java, Visual Basic, etc. Do some research and write a list of as many different programming languages as you can.

Task 1Task 1

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Task 2Task 2

What four areas need to be discussed if you want to fully describe ‘system software’?

The operating system

Utility programs

Library programs

Translators

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Task 3Task 3

With the aid of example, explain what the word ‘generic’ means.

Microsoft word application

Access database application