WGU D322 Section 5: Computer Science Terms & Definitions

System software

general-purpose software that is used to operate computer hardware

Application software

specific-purpose software used to perform a specific task

Operating systems

contains the user interface and the kernel of the operating system

Operating System (OS)

software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers

Operating systems typically come in which four categories?

Network operating systems

Server operating systems

Mobile operating systems

Personal computer operating systems

Operating systems typically fall into which two categories?

Network operating system

Desktop operating system

Windows

Developed by Microsoft, Inc. Is a closed-source operating system, also known as proprietary software, because only the company that owns the software can modify the code.

MacOs

Developed by Apple, Inc. Operating systems are closed-source and designed to only run on Apple hardware.

Linux

Open-source operating system software, which means it can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. There are many different distributions (versions), referred to as flavors. In addition to the desktop operating systems, many distributions are designed for servers.

Utility software

Extends the capabilities of an operating system. Helps customize the operating system's function. Some examples include software to compress or decompress data, play multimedia presentations, and handle network communications.

Kernel

The internal part of an operating system. Contains the operating system components that perform the basic functions required by the computer installation.

User Interface

allows end users to communicate with the operating system

Command-line interfaces (CLIs)

a type of user interface that communicate with end users through textual messages using a keyboard and monitor

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs)

allow end users to issue commands through input devices such as mouses, keyboards, or touch screens

Superuser or Root Account.

Accounts are established by the administrator, whose account is often called a _______

File managers

able to bundle files into directories or folders

Directories

Can be placed within others, resulting in a hierarchical file structure. The path tells a user where the file is located within the file system. Often written as the folder names separated by slashes.

Where is the user's home directory found within a Windows shell?

C:\Users

Where is the user's home directory found within a Linux shell?

/home/

paging

When more main memory space is needed, the memory manager can create an illusion of additional space by rotating programs and data between the primary and secondary memory, a technique called _______

virtual memory

The additional memory space created in secondary memory by paging is referred to as _______

Device drivers

Software that communicates with controllers or other peripheral devices and translates generic requests into the technical steps required to complete the task. Sometimes referred to as middleware, facilitates the communication of hardware and software.

productivity software

Software that people use to complete daily tasks is called _______. Used to complete tasks such as writing documents, managing personal information, giving presentations, and storing data.

Collaboration software

Helps people communicate and work with one another, and helps computers share information

Online workplace

Provide an online environment for running cloud-based services and applications

Document storage

Provide private or shareable file storage via cloud-based services

Video conferencing software

Place and receive video calls among two or more locations

Instant messaging software

Enable two or more people to communicate in real time using text

Email software

Send and receive email messages

Bespoke software

custom made, specifically designed and developed for an organization

Off-the-shelf software

provides a general set of features that are useful to a broad range of users

Hybrid software

off-the-shelf software, customized to an organization's needs

Local applications

Application software stored on individual computers. Mostly found on personal machines, as they are often impractical for large organizations.

Cloud computing

Delivers services, including computing, storage, databases, networks, software, analytics, and intelligence, thus offloading infrastructure resource requirements to the cloud service provider

Open-source systems

allow individuals and organizations to open and modify the operating system's kernel, the heart of the operating system

Shareware

An application that can be installed as a trial limited by time and/or functionality. If the user decides to purchase the application or subscription, they then get the full functionality.

Freeware

Free of cost; however protected by end-user license agreements (EULA) and copyright laws (where applicable)

Public domain software

has no EULA and no intellectual property protections and is available for anyone to download and use at their own discretion

Compiler

Translates source code into machine language. Checks source code for errors before translating it into object code.

Interpreters

Translate and execute source code into machine language one line at a time. If it finds an error, the process is terminated at the statement containing the error and displays an error message. The error must be resolved before continuing to the next line.

Algorithm

A step-by-step formula outlining how to execute a task. Provides a specifically structured set of inputs required to produce a specific output.