BTE 210 - Software

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on software classification, operating system functions, open-source software, and distribution models from the BTE 210 lecture notes.

Software

Programs that direct computer hardware to perform specific tasks.

System Software

Software that includes operating systems, programming languages, and system utilities.

Application Software

Software consisting of instructions that direct a computer system to perform specific information-processing activities and provide functionality for users, such as spreadsheets, word processors, and browsers.

Operating System (OS)

The most essential type of system software, present on every general-purpose computer to manage tasks, memory, hardware devices, user interfaces, and file systems.

Single-user Operating System

An operating system designed primarily for a single user, such as Windows, Mac OS, or Android.

Multiuser Operating System

An operating system that permits hundreds of concurrent users, such as Linux, Unix, and Windows Server Editions.

Multitasking

The capability of an operating system to rapidly switch between processes to give the appearance that it is running a multitude of processes simultaneously.

Wipe (Secure Delete)

An operation where the operating system overwrites disk space with either zeros or random data to make previously deleted files hard or impossible to recover.

Drivers

Special programs used by the operating system to translate data sent between the processor and various hardware peripheral devices.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

The first software that runs on a computer, responsible for initializing and identifying system devices, establishing device management, and loading the operating system.

Proprietary Software

Software developed by a company that has restrictions on its use, copying, and modification, with source code kept private.

Software Piracy

The illegal practice of making copies of software without the manufacturer's explicit permission.

Open Source Software

Computer software whose source code is available under a license that permits users to study, change, improve, and distribute the software.

Linux

An open-source family of operating systems used on a wide variety of computer hardware, from mobile phones to mainframes, supercomputers, and servers.

GNU General Public License

The license agreement under which Linux original source code can be used, freely modified, and redistributed both commercially and non-commercially.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Cloud-based application software accessed via subscription over a web browser, requiring no installation or manual updates.

Traditional Software

Software installed on local devices, typically purchased through a one-time payment, and requiring manual software updates.