1.7 Computer Software

 

1.7 Computer Software

1.7.1 Concept and its types

Software refers to a collection of programs, instructions, and related data that directs a computer to perform specific tasks. It enables the user to interact with computer hardware and controls the overall operation of the computer system. Without software, hardware cannot function meaningfully.

 

Types of Software

System Software

Application Software

 

System Software

System software is a type of software that manages and controls the computer hardware and provides a platform for running application software. It is responsible for the proper functioning of the computer system and acts as an interface between the hardware and the user. Examples: Operating system, device drivers, utility software.

 

Types of System Software

 

1. Operating System

An operating system manages computer hardware and software resources and provides an interface between the user and the computer. Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS

The operating system performs important functions such as process management, memory management, file management, and device management. It also controls input and output operations and ensures that different programs run properly without interfering with each other.

 

Functions of Operating System

• Process Management: Controls the execution of programs and manages CPU usage.
• Memory Management: Allocates and deallocates memory to different programs.
• File Management: Organizes, stores, and retrieves files and folders.
• Device Management: Controls and coordinates input and output devices.
• User Interface: Provides an interface for user interaction with the computer.
• Security Management: Protects the system from unauthorized access.

 

2. Device Drivers

Device drivers are system programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers, keyboards, and monitors.

 

3. Utility Software

Utility software helps in the maintenance, protection, and efficient functioning of a computer system.

It helps improve the performance of the computer by performing tasks such as disk management, virus protection, file backup, and system cleanup.

Examples: Antivirus programs, disk cleanup, backup tools.

4. Language Translators

Language translators convert programs written in high-level or assembly language into machine language so that the computer can understand them. Examples: Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler

 

Types of Language Translators

 

1. Compiler

A compiler translates the entire program at once from a high-level language into machine language. It produces an error list after compiling the whole program. Example: C, C++

 

2. Interpreter

An interpreter translates and executes the program line by line. It stops execution when an error is found.

Example: Python, JavaScript

 

3. Assembler

An assembler translates programs written in assembly language into machine language. Example: Assembly language programs

 

Assembler	Compiler	Interpreter
An assembler translates assembly language programs into machine language.	A compiler translates a high-level language program into machine language all at once.	An interpreter translates and executes a high-level language program line by line.
Translates the entire program at once	Translates the entire program at once	Translates one line at a time
Errors are shown after translation	Errors are displayed after compiling the whole program	Errors are shown immediately line by line
Execution is fast	Execution is fast	Execution is slow
Generates object code	Generates object code	Does not generate object code
Requires less memory	Requires more memory	Requires less memory
Program runs after translation	Program runs after compilation	Program runs during translation
Assembly language	C, C++	Python, JavaScript

 

Application Software

Application software is a type of software designed to perform specific tasks for the user. It helps users carry out activities such as word processing, calculations, data management, and internet browsing according to their needs. Examples:
Word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, media players.

 

Types of Application Software

 

Packaged Application Software

Packaged application software is ready-made software developed for general users to perform common tasks. It can be used by many users without modification. Examples: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, web browsers.

 

Customized Application Software

Customized application software is software that is specially developed to meet the specific requirements of a particular user or organization. It is designed according to their needs and work processes. Examples: Banking software, hospital management system, school management system.

 

 

 

Packaged Application Software	Customized Application Software
Packaged application software is ready-made software developed for general users to perform common tasks.	Customized application software is specially developed software designed to meet the specific needs of a particular user or organization.
Designed to meet the needs of many users.	Designed to meet the needs of a specific user or organization.
Less flexible as features are fixed.	Highly flexible as it is developed according to user requirements.
Generally cheaper as development cost is shared among many users.	Generally more expensive due to custom development.
Available immediately for use.	Requires more time for development and testing.
Limited modification possible.	Can be easily modified as per user requirements.
MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Web browsers.	Banking software, Hospital management system, School management system.

 

1.7.2 Open sources and proprietary software

 

Open Source Software (OSS)

Open Source Software (OSS) is software whose source code is freely available to users, allowing them to study, modify, and distribute the software according to its license. Examples: Linux, Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice, Apache.

.

Proprietary Software

Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a company, where the source code is not available to users and the software can be used only under specific license terms. Examples: Microsoft Windows, MS Word, Adobe Photoshop.

 

Open Source Software (OSS)	Proprietary Software
Open source software is software whose source code is freely available for users to view, modify, and distribute.	Proprietary software is software whose source code is owned by a company and is not accessible to users.
Source code is open and accessible to everyone.	Source code is closed and restricted.
Users are allowed to modify and improve the software.	Users are not allowed to modify the software.
Mostly free of cost.	Usually paid software.
Can be freely used, shared, and distributed under license terms.	Usage is restricted by license agreements.
Highly flexible and customizable.	Less flexible and cannot be customized by users.
Developed collaboratively by a community of developers.	Developed and maintained by a single company or organization.
Security issues can be identified and fixed by the community.	Security updates depend only on the software company.
Linux, Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice	Microsoft Windows, MS Word, Adobe Photoshop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.7.3 Compare features of System and Application software

System Software	Application Software
System software is software that controls and manages the computer hardware and system resources.	Application software is software designed to help users perform specific tasks.
Its main purpose is to operate and control the computer system.	Its main purpose is to solve user-specific problems or perform tasks.
System software is essential for the functioning of the computer.	Application software depends on system software to run.
Interacts indirectly with the user.	Interacts directly with the user.
Starts running when the computer is switched on.	Runs only when the user starts it.
Installed automatically during system setup.	Installed according to user needs.
Without system software, the computer cannot function.	Without application software, the computer can still function but cannot perform user tasks.
Operating system, device drivers, utility software.	MS Word, Excel, web browsers, media players.
Mostly general-purpose and system-oriented.	Task-oriented and user-specific.
Not easily modified by users.	Can be modified or replaced easily.

 

1.7.4 Introduction to Mobile and Web Application

 

Web Application

A web application is a software application that runs on a web server and is accessed through a web browser using the internet. It allows users to perform tasks and interact with data without installing the software on their local computer.

Examples: Gmail, Google Docs, Facebook, online banking systems.

 

Mobile App

A mobile application (mobile app) is a software application designed to run on smartphones and tablets. It allows users to perform specific tasks or access services directly on their mobile devices. Mobile apps are usually downloaded from app stores and can work online or offline.

Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, YouTube.

 

Mobile App	Web App
A mobile app is a software application designed to run on smartphones and tablets.	A web app is a software application that runs on a web server and is accessed through a web browser.
Must be downloaded and installed from an app store.	No installation required; accessed through a browser.
Platform-dependent (Android or iOS specific).	Platform-independent; works on any device with a browser.
Can work online or offline.	Mostly requires an internet connection.
Faster and smoother performance.	Performance depends on browser and internet speed.
Uses device storage and accessed by tapping the app icon.	Uses server storage and accessed using a URL in a browser.
Needs to be updated manually via app store.	Updates automatically on the server.
WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps.	Gmail, Google Docs, online banking websites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 K-LEVEL (Knowledge) MCQs (1–20)

1. Software is a collection of
A. Hardware components       B. Input devices          C. ✓ Programs and instructions            D. Output devices

2. Which software controls computer hardware?
A. Application software         B. ✓ System software             C. Utility software      D. Web application

3. Which of the following is system software?
A. MS Word                B. Google Chrome                  C. ✓ Operating System          D. Photoshop

4. Application software is mainly used to
A. Control memory    B. Manage devices     C. ✓ Perform user tasks         D. Boot the computer

5. Which is an example of proprietary software?
A. Linux                      B. LibreOffice            C. ✓ Microsoft Windows       D. Mozilla Firefox

6. Open Source Software allows users to
A. Only use software              B. Only copy software            C. ✓ View and modify source code
D. Buy license compulsorily

7. Which software is usually free and community developed?
A. Proprietary software          B. ✓ Open source software    C. Utility software      D. Application software

8. A web application runs on
A. Local computer      B. Mobile device only            C. ✓ Web server                     D. BIOS

9. Which is a mobile application?
A. Google Docs          B. Gmail                     C. ✓ WhatsApp                      D. Wikipedia

10. Operating System acts as an interface between
A. User and software              B. CPU and RAM       C. ✓ User and hardware   D. Input and output devices

11. Which is NOT a function of OS?
A. Memory management        B. File management   C. ✓ Word processing            D. Device management

12. Utility software is used for
A. Programming                     B. User interaction     C. ✓ System maintenance                  D. Gaming

13. Antivirus software is an example of
A. Application software         B. ✓ Utility software              C. System software     D. Web software

14. A compiler translates
A. Assembly language            B. ✓ High-level language       C. Machine language              D. Binary code

15. An interpreter works
A. All at once              B. ✓ Line by line        C. After execution                  D. Without errors

16. An assembler translates
A. High-level language          B. ✓ Assembly language        C. Machine language  D. Binary code

17. Packaged software is
A. Custom-built          B. ✓ Ready-made software    C. Free software         D. Hardware-specific

18. Customized software is developed for
A. All users     B. General purpose     C. ✓ Specific user/organization         D. Entertainment

19. Which software starts when computer boots?
A. Application software         B. Utility software      C. ✓ Operating System          D. Web application

20. Which is NOT application software?
A. MS Excel               B. Photoshop              C. ✓ Device driver     D. PowerPoint

21. Which software is best for writing documents?
A. OS              B. Utility software                  C. ✓ Word processor              D. Device driver

22. Which OS function allocates RAM to programs?
A. File management   B. ✓ Memory management    C. Process management         D. Device management

23. Which software protects a computer from viruses?
A. Compiler                B. OS              C. ✓ Antivirus            D. Browser

24. Which translator helps in debugging easily?
A. Compiler                B. Assembler              C. ✓ Interpreter                      D. Loader

25. Which software allows users to browse the internet?
A. Utility software      B. OS              C. ✓ Web browser                  D. Firmware

26. Which app requires installation on phone?
A. Web app     B. ✓ Mobile app         C. OSS D. Utility software

27. Which software is best for accounting in a company?
A. Packaged software             B. ✓ Customized software     C. Utility software                  D. OS

28. Which OS feature allows multiple programs to run?
A. File management               B. ✓ Process management                 C. Security      D. Booting

29. Which software updates automatically via server?
A. Mobile app             B. ✓ Web app             C. Packaged software             D. Utility software

30. Which software helps compress files?
A. Application software         B. ✓ Utility software              C. OS  D. Translator

31. Which is a disadvantage of proprietary software?
A. Free to use             B. Source code available        C. ✓ Restricted modification D. Community support

32. Which software is used to manage files and folders?
A. Utility software      B. Application software          C. ✓ Operating System          D. Compiler

33. Which translator produces object code?
A. Interpreter              B. ✓ Compiler            C. Assembler  D. Loader

34. Which software is platform-independent?
A. Mobile app             B. ✓ Web app             C. OS              D. Utility software

35. Which software depends on system software to run?
A. OS              B. Utility software                  C. ✓ Application software                  D. Firmware

36. Without system software, a computer will
A. Run slowly             B. Partially work                     C. ✓ Not function       D. Open applications

37. Which combination is correct?
A. Linux – Proprietary           B. Windows – OSS     C. ✓ LibreOffice – OSS         D. MS Word – OSS

38. Which translator executes during translation?
A. Compiler                B. Assembler              C. ✓ Interpreter          D. Loader

39. Which software is best for frequent feature updates?
A. Packaged software             B. Customized software         C. ✓ Web application D. Proprietary software

40. Which software gives maximum user control?
A. Proprietary software          B. ✓ Open source software    C. Utility software      D. Firmware

41. Which software is closest to hardware?
A. Application software         B. Utility software      C. ✓ System software             D. Web app

42. Which software can work offline after installation?
A. Web app                 B. ✓ Mobile app                     C. OSS            D. Browser

43. Which translator is fastest in execution?
A. Interpreter              B. ✓ Compiler            C. Assembler              D. Loader

44. Which software manages I/O devices?
A. Utility software      B. ✓ Operating System          C. Application software          D. Web app

45. Which software is usually paid and licensed?
A. OSS                        B. ✓ Proprietary software      C. Utility software      D. Web software

46. Which software is developed for general users?
A. Customized software         B. ✓ Packaged software         C. Firmware    D. Translator

47. Which software helps recover lost data?
A. Application software         B. ✓ Utility software  C. OS  D. Compiler

48. Which translator shows errors one by one?
A. Compiler    B. Assembler  C. ✓ Interpreter          D. Loader

49. Which software enables multitasking?
A. Application software         B. Utility software      C. ✓ Operating System          D. Web app

50. Which software does NOT require installation?
A. Mobile app             B. Packaged software             C. ✓ Web application             D. Utility software

 

1. Define software. Explain its types with suitable examples.
2. What is system software? Explain its types in detail.
3. Define application software. Explain its types with examples.
4. What is an operating system?  Explain the functions of an operating system.
5. Differentiate between system software and application software.
6. What is utility software? Explain its functions and examples.
7. Explain language translators and their types.
8. Compare assembler, compiler, and interpreter.
9. Differentiate between open source software and proprietary software with examples.
10. Compare packaged application software and customized application software.
11. Explain web applications and mobile applications with examples.

 

1. Which component is considered the brain of the computer?
A. RAM                      B. Motherboard                      C. ✓ CPU                    D. Hard disk

2. Which input device is mainly used for selecting options on the screen?
A. Keyboard               B. Scanner                              C. ✓ Mouse                D. Microphone

3. Which unit of CPU performs logical decisions?
A. Control Unit           B. ✓ ALU                                C. Register                  D. Cache

4. Which bus is responsible for carrying control signals like read and write?
A. Data bus                 B. Address bus                        C. ✓ Control bus        D. Expansion bus

5. Which memory is used to store data permanently?
A. RAM                      B. Cache                     C. ✓ Secondary memory        D. Register

6. Which type of ROM can be erased electrically?
A. PROM                    B. EPROM                  C. ✓ EEPROM                       D. Mask ROM

7. Which output device produces soft copy output?
A. Printer                    B. Plotter                    C. ✓ Monitor              D. Dot matrix printer

8. Which printer uses pins and ribbon for printing?
A. Inkjet printer                      B. Laser printer          C. ✓ Dot matrix printer          D. 3D printer

9. Which port is commonly used to connect a monitor to a CPU?
A. USB                        B. Ethernet                  C. ✓ HDMI                 D. Audio port

10. Which of the following is a peripheral device?
A. CPU                        B. RAM                      C. ✓ Printer                D. ALU

11. Which software is required to run application software?
A. Utility software      B. ✓ System software             C. Web application     D. Firmware

12. Which function of OS manages files and folders?
A. Memory management        B. Device management  C. ✓ File management   D. Process management

13. Which translator does NOT generate object code?
A. Compiler                B. Assembler              C. ✓ Interpreter          D. Loader

14. MS Excel is an example of:
A. System software                B. Utility software      C. ✓ Application software      D. Open source software

15. Which application requires a web browser to run?
A. Mobile app             B. Desktop app           C. ✓ Web app             D. Packaged software