Software is a set of instructions written in a programming language that performs one or
more tasks.
2 different types of softwares:
- System software
- Application software
System software:
System software provides the services that the computer requires, including operating
system and utility software
These are programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to
communicate with the computer
Features of system software:
- Set of programs to control and manage the operation of hardware
- Provides a platform for other softwares to run on
- provides human computer interface (HCI)
- Required to allow software and hardware to run without any problems
- System software enables computer to work
System software is made up of 2 elements:
- Operating system
- Utility system
, Examples of system software:
- Operating system (O/S):
Its a software that's running on the back of a computer
It manages basic functions
Without OS computers would be user-unfriendly and it would be hard to work
with computers
- Device Driver
Its a software that enables hardware devices to communicate with the computer's
operating system
Without device driver, hardware devices would be unable to work with computer
All hardware devices connected to computers have associated drivers
The operating system looks for appropriate driver as a hardware is connected
If the driver cant be found an error message will be produced
EXAMPLES: printers, memory sticks, mouse, CD drivers.
- Compilers
Are computer programs that translate a program written in high level language
into machine code so that it can be directly used by computer to perform a
required task
Original program (source code)
Compilation
After program (object code)
HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES: Java, python, visual basics, C++
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