CLASS 9 CH-2 KNOWING THE SOFTWARE

 KNOWING THE SOFTWARE

Answer the following questions.

a) What do you understand by the term 'Software'? List down the different types of software.

Software is a set of instructions/programs that control the operation of a computer system and direct the computer to

accomplish a task.

b) What is system software and what role does it play in the functioning of the computer?

System software is designed to control the operations of computer's hardware and application programs.When you switch on the computer System software activates different units of our computer and makes them ready for us to work. System software consists of a group of programs that control the operations of the computer equipment including the functions like managing memory, managing peripherals, loading and storing. It is an interface between the application programs and the computer.

c) What is an Operating system? Write its four functions.

Operating system (OS) is the first program loaded into the computer by a boot program that manages computer hardware

resources and provides common services for application software.

The basic functions of an operating system are:

• Booting the computer.

• Perform basic computer tasks e.g. managing the various peripheral devices e.g. mouse, keyboard.

• Provide a user interface, e.g. command line, graphical user interface (GUI).

• Handle system resources such as computer's memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU) time with various applications or peripheral devices.

• Provide file management which refers to the way the operating system manipulates, stores, retrieves and saves data.

d) Name any five application software and explain their usage.

1. Microsoft Word- This software enables users to create and edit documents.
2. Microsoft Power point- This software is used to display information in the form of a slide show.
3. Window Media Player- This allows users to create and play audio and video files.
4.  Microsoft Access- Database software allows users to store and retrieve data from databases.
5. Tally- This is used for financial accounting.

e) Explain the term ' File System'.

A file system is a method for storing and organizing files on a storage medium such as a hard disk, memory card, CD/DVD/BD or on a flash drive. A file system can be thought of as an index or database containing the physical location of every piece of data on the hard drive or another storage device. The data is usually organized in folders called directories, which can contain other folders and files.

f) What are Mobile Apps and how are they different from regular apps.

Mobile Application is a term used to describe Internet applications and other mobile applications that run on smart phones.

Mobile Apps Are Different From 'Regular' Apps-

1. Many mobile apps have corresponding programs meant to run on desktop computers. Mobile apps have to work with different constraints than their desktop equivalents.
2. Mobile devices have a wide range of screen sizes, memory capacities, processor capabilities, graphical interfaces,buttons and touch functions. The developers must accommodate them all.
3. For example, mobile app users (like website visitors) don't want to scroll sideways to see text, images, or interactive touch points, nor do they want to struggle reading tiny text. An additional consideration for mobile app developers is the touch interface common to mobile devices that helps handling these problems..

g) Why are utility software called so?

Utility software is a set of software that adds functionality to computer and helps the computer perform better through various functions.

h) What do you understand by specific‐purpose application software?

These applications are specially designed software used for specific task in an organization or for individuals, such as financial accounting, employee's attendance record, etc. These applications are not written for a specific company/ organization, but are developed by the manufacturer to provide the entire feature that they anticipate a company/organization might need. Example Tally, Busy are financial accounting software.

i) What are customized application software? 

These are the applications that are customized (or developed/ tailor made) to meet the specific requirements of an organization/individual. For Example: Student information details, School Fee package, Payroll packages, inventory control etc. These packages are developed using high‐level computer language.