Section 5: Computer Software Flashcards
System software
General purpose software used to operate hardware; provides a platform to run applications
Application software
Specific purpose software used to perform a specific test
Operating system
Software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs typically comes in four categories.
Network OS
Server OS
Mobile OS
PC OS
Utility software
Extends the capabilities of an operating system
Kernel
The internal part of an operating system; contains the OS components that perform the basic functions
User interface
Allows end users to communicate with the OS
Device drivers
Software that communicates with controllers or other peripheral devices; facilitates the communication of hardware and software; often referred to as middleware
Productivity software
Software people use for daily tasks
Collaboration software
Software which helps people communicate and work together on computers
Bespoke application software
Custom-made specifically designed and developed for an organization
Off the shelf application software
Provides a general set of features that are useful to a broad range of users
Hybrid application software
Off the shelf software customized to fit an organizations needs
Machine code/ machine language
Programs written in binary that computers can read
Compiler
Checks source code for errors before translating it into object code. If errors are found, the compiler specifies them so that they can be resolved
Used in languages like Java, c++ and c#
Compiled languages are referred to as programming languages
Interpreter
Translates and executes code one line at a time. If an error is found, the process is terminated at the statement and displays an error message
Examples include python, PHP, JavaScript and Ruby
Interpreted languages are referred to as scripted languages
