Types of Software Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key software concepts, system and application software types, operating system functions, interfaces, and language processors based on the lecture notes.

Binary language

A special language directly understood by the computer that consists of only two characters, 1 and 0, representing the electrical pulse states of flowing and not flowing.

Bits

Binary Digits (0 and 1) that are typically arranged in groups of 8 or 16 bits to store characters and numbers.

Program

An ordered set of instructions given to the computer.

Software

A set of programs that governs the operation of a computer system and/or its related devices.

System Software

Software that guides the functions of all physical components of a computer system and controls internal activities inside a computer and between attached components.

Operating System (OS)

A set of system programs stored on hard disk or external storage that controls and coordinates computer system operations and provides interaction between user and computer.

Character User Interface (CUI)

A user interface requiring the user to type each instruction with proper syntax on a prompt to send requests to the computer, such as DOS or CMD.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An event-driven user interface that uses images, icons, and graphical components like text boxes, buttons, and menus to represent options and commands.

Touch Screen Interface

An interface on a display screen that allows users to interact with applications by directly touching pictures or words on the pressure-sensitive screen using a hand or stylus.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System; boot firmware that serves as the first set of instructions run when powered on to initialize system devices such as RAM, hard disk, and video display card.

Device Driver

System software acting as an interface between a device and the user or Operating System to help communicate with accessories like printers, scanners, and web cameras.

Language Processor

Software used to translate High Level Languages, which use simple English-like statements, into machine language.

Application Software

Software running on top of an operating system that uses OS services to perform specific tasks such as creating documents, calculations, or presentations.

Utility Software

Application software designed for the efficient working of a computer system, including text editors, compression tools, disk defragmenters, and anti-virus software.

Disk Defragmenter

Utility software that speeds up system performance by rearranging fragmented files stored on a disk into contiguous locations.

General Purpose Software

Common software used globally for standard application tasks, including word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools, and database systems.

Customized Software

Tailored software created to satisfy the specific requirements of a customer, such as systems for school operations, restaurant management, banking, or hospital management.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

A single package platform that bundles software development tools such as a code editor, debugger, compiler/interpreter, and output window.

Compiler

A language processor that converts High Level Language code into machine language for the entire program in one go, reporting all errors along with line numbers.

Interpreter

A language processor that translates and executes High Level Language code line by line, stopping execution immediately when an error is encountered.