User Application Operating system Hardware
This is a structure showing where Operating System is located on generally used software systems on desktops. Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
System software
System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes a combination of the following:
· device drivers;
· operating systems;
· servers;
· utilities;
· windowing systems.
The purpose of systems software is to unburden the applications programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used, including such accessories as communications devices, printers, device readers, displays and keyboards, and also to partition the computer's resources such as memory and processor time in a safe and stable manner. Examples are- Windows XP, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Programming software
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include:
· compilers
· debuggers
· interpreters
· linkers
· text editors
An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single application that attempts to manage all these functions.
Application software
Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (not directly computer development related) tasks. Typical applications include:
· industrial automation
· business software
· computer games
· quantum chemistry and solid state physics software
· telecommunications (i.e., the internet and everything that flows on it)
· databases
· educational software
· medical software
· military software
· molecular modeling software
· image editing
· spreadsheet
· Word processing
· Decision making software
Application software exists for and has impacted a wide variety of topics.
Task 2. Discuss the following questions.
1. What does the term “computer software” mean?
2. What does this term include?
3. What tasks does application software perform?
4. Is there any difference between computer software and hardware?
5. Who and when invented the term “software”?
6. Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes. What are they?
7. What is the purpose of systems software (programming software, application software)?
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8. What kinds of files are included in a typical software product?
9. Why does software require so many files?
10. How does a programmer “write” software?
11. How does a computer process a program?
12. How is software categorized?
Task 3. Mark the following statements as True or False.
1. Computer software typically consists of many files that contain user-executable programs, support programs and data files.
2. The main executable file provides the primary set of instructions for the computer to execute and calls various support programs and data files as needed.
3. Support programs often have file extensions such as .txt, .bmp, and .hlp.
4. Individuals often write software for their personal computers.
5. High-level languages are fairly easy to test and modify.
6. A compiler converts high-level instructions into a new file containing machine language instructions.
Task 4. Fill in the blanks choosing from the variants given.
1. The instructions that tell a computer how to … a task are referred to as a computer program.
a) require b) create c) carry out d) define
2. A programming language … tools for creating a lengthy list of instructions called source code.
a) prefer b) refer to c) avoid d) provide
3. As a program is running an interpreter converts one instruction… into machine language.
a) at a time b) at the same time c) all the time
4. eVidpro.exe is a compiled program, so its instructions are immediately … by the processor.
a) provided b) modified c) executed d) adapted
5. Software includes menus, buttons, and other control objects that are … by a programmer, who designates their properties.
a) converted b) defined c) reduced d) purchased
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6. The software that provides the computer with … for each use is called application software.
a) approaches b) efficiency c) utilities d) instructions
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