Learning and Information Technology Chapters 4 & 5 Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering Application Software, System Software, Operating Systems, and File Management based on the GT101 Chapter 4 and 5 lecture notes.

Software (program)

A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

Application software

Also known as end user software, it is the software used to perform tasks at home, school, and work.

Proprietary software

Commercial software created by companies for profit and then sold to the user.

Open source software

Software available free of charge and with few licensing and copyright restrictions, such as Linux or Gimp.

System software

Software that helps run the computer and coordinates instructions between application software and the computer’s hardware devices.

Productivity software

Software that enables you to perform various tasks required at home, school, and business, including word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and database management.

Word processing software

Software used to create and edit documents such as research papers, class notes, and résumés; examples include Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Spreadsheet software

Software used to perform calculations and numerical analyses using data types like text, formulas, and functions.

Database software

Programs that allow you to store and organize data into fields, records, and tables; examples include Oracle and Microsoft Access.

Operating system (OS)

A group of programs that controls how your computer functions, manages hardware, and provides a user interface.

Utility programs

Small applications that perform special functions on the computer, such as File management or Disk Cleanup.

Real-time operating system (RTOS)

Also called embedded systems, these perform repetitive series of specific tasks in precise time and require minimal user interaction.

User interface (UI)

The point of interaction between a user and a device, software, or application, enabling communication and control.

Command-driven interface

A type of UI where users enter specific commands and syntax to communicate with the computer system.

Menu-driven interface

An interface in which the user chooses commands from menus displayed on the screen.

Graphical user interface (GUI)

A user-friendly interface that displays graphics and allows users to interact using a mouse, cursor, or touchscreen.

Root directory

The top of the filing structure of a computer, referred to in Windows as the $C:$ drive.

File

A collection of program instructions or data that is stored and treated as a single unit.

File Explorer

The main tool in Windows for finding, viewing, and managing computer contents, showing the location and contents of every drive, folder, and file.

File extension

A suffix added to the end of a file name to indicate the file type, such as $.docx$ for Word or $.xlsx$ for Excel.

Disk Cleanup

A Windows utility that removes unnecessary files from a hard drive.

Task Manager

A utility used to check on a program or exit a program that has stopped working.

Disk Defragmenter

A utility that rearranges fragmented data so that related file pieces are unified.

Magnifier

A Windows accessibility tool that creates a separate window displaying a magnified portion of the screen.

Narrator

An accessibility utility that reads what is on the screen, including menu options and typed text.