(L2) COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Q1: What is the significance of software, according to the analogy provided in the text?

A: Software is to a computer what programs are to a TV set. The computer and its peripherals are useless without a wide array of programs to make them useful.

Q2: Name three ways software is considered significant as a resource.

A: Software is significant because it provides: 1. A world of diversity, being aimed at different people and used for a variety of purposes (e.g., personal accounting, browsers). 2. A structuring resource, supporting users as they manipulate data, gather it, and save it in databases or files. 3. Communications, governing the way we communicate and interact on the Internet

Q3: What are the three main types of programs that constitute System Software?

A: The three types of programs that make up System Software are: Utilities, Device Drivers, and the Operating System.

Q4: What is the primary role of System Software?

A: System software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle technical details.

Q5: Define a Utility program and list two examples of essential utilities.

A: A utility program is a specialized program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources, and is designed to help manage and tune the computer hardware, operating system, or application software . Two examples of essential utilities are Antivirus programs and Backup programs.

Q6: Explain the purpose of a Disk Defragmenter utility.

A: A Disk Defragmenter utility identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments, rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations, and speeds up file access.

Q7: What are Device Drivers?

A: Device Drivers are specialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computer. They must be installed when a new device is added.

Q8: Name the three basic categories of Operating Systems (OS).

A: The three basic categories are: Embedded operating systems (for handheld/smaller devices), Network operating systems (to control networked computers), and Stand-alone operating systems (for a single desktop/notebook computer)

Q9: Distinguish between a Command-line interface and a Graphical user interface (GUI).

A: In a Command-line interface, the user interacts with the OS by typing commands to perform specific tasks (e.g., DOS). In a Graphical user interface (GUI), the user interacts by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus (e.g., Windows Vista/7/8).

Q10: What is Application Software?

A: Application Software is end user software that is used to accomplish a variety of tasks

Q11: What are the two categories of Application Software?

A: The two categories are Basic applications and Specialized applications.

Q12: What is the primary function of Word Processing Software?

A: Word Processing Software is used to create text-based documents, such as memos, letters, reports, newsletters, and manuals.

Q13: Name two features commonly found in Word Processing Software for editing and formatting.

A: Editing features include the Thesaurus and Spelling and grammar checkers. Formatting features include Font and font sizing, Character effects, and Bulleted and numbered lists.

Q14: What does Graphics Presentation Software allow users to create, and what is the function of a 'Master Slide'?

A: It allows users to create visually interesting presentations. The Master Slide helps compare different design templates quickly; a single change to this slide changes all slides in the presentation.

Q15: What kind of data do Spreadsheet programs manipulate, and list two of their key features.

A: Spreadsheet programs manipulate numeric data . Key features include Formulas, Functions, Workbook files, Worksheet (or sheet), and Analytical graphs or charts.

Q16: What is Statistical Software, and what are two examples mentioned in the text?

A: Statistical Software is related to the mathematical science of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data . Examples of statistical software include SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), MATLAB, and Minitab