Lesson 5.1: Computer Software

Question 1

Application and System Software

Answer 1

Software can be divided into application and system software. System software is general-purpose software that is used to operate computer hardware. It provides a platform to run application software. Application software is specific-purpose software used to perform a specific task.

Question 2

Windows

Answer 2

Windows. Windows is developed by Microsoft, Inc. (Microsoft). Windows is a closed-source operating system, also known as proprietary software, because only the company that owns the software can modify the code. Windows OS maintains the largest market share for server and personal computer operating systems. Typically, Microsoft products are known for their easy-to-use design with a clearly displayed screen using graphics and text.

Question 3

Linux

Answer 3

Linux is open-source operating system software, which means it can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. There are many different distributions (versions) of Linux, referred to as flavors, including Linux Mint, Mandrake, Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and CentOS. In addition to the desktop operating systems, many distributions of Linux are designed for servers.

Question 4

Google Android

Answer 4

Android is a mobile operating system that is open-sourced, which allows original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to customize the Android source code to fit their devices. At the time of this writing, this mobile operating system has the largest user base.

Question 5

Apple iOS

Answer 5

This is the mobile operating system developed by Apple for use on proprietary Apple hardware. Apple regulates all mobile apps and services that can run on iOS.

Question 6

Utility Software

Answer 6

Utility software extends the capabilities of an operating system. Utility software helps customize the operating system’s function. For example, installation utility software consists of programs for performing activities that are fundamental to computer installation but not included in the operating system. Some examples of utility software include software to compress or decompress data, play multimedia presentations, and handle network communications.

Question 7

Kernel

Answer 7

The kernel is the internal part of an operating system. The kernel contains the operating system components that perform the basic functions required by the computer installation. One such unit is the file manager whose function is to coordinate the machine’s storage. The file manager maintains records of all the files stored in secondary storage, including where each file is stored, which users have access, and which portions of the storage are available for new files.