intro to computing module 4

computer software

consists of programs, instructions, and related date that tell computer hardware what to do

application software

designed to help perform particular tasks

also called end-user programs

system software

controls and manages computer hardware and provides a platform for applications

device drivers

manage and regulate the communication between operating system and the hardware elements

firmware

aka software for hardware

embedded in the hardware devices that enables them and their feature to function properly

helps devices to start up and communicate

system utilities

helps the system software to run

performs routine maintenance to lessen troubleshooting and find computer’s defect

programming language translator

converts source code from one programming language to another programming language or to a machine code

compiler

translates source code to machine code

assembler

translates assembly language to machine code

interpreter

translates single statement of source code into machine code

operating system

provides foundation framework for all the software and applications to run on the computer

software licensing

legal contract that gives a user or organization the right ot use, copy, or distribute a software application

proprietary software

software controlled by an individual or organization

open-source software

software whose source code is made available under a license that permits specified forms of use, modification, and redistribution

freeware

software provided at no monetary cost, although it may still be proprietary

shareware/trial software

software distributed for evaluation, often with limitations

subscription software

users pay periodically for continued access