Module 1.2

Summary - concepts, terms and tips

Software - sets of instructions that tel' a computer what to do.

To work, the software must be loaded from storage into memory.

Application versus system software

• Application software - a group of programs that perform specific tasks for us as users.
  (Refer to the table on page 19 which lists the different types of application software.)

• System software - software that is intended to control, support or operate the computer.

• operating system
  utility software such as anti-virus software. Some utilities are included in the operating system, but you can buy others.

The operating system

System software which controls all activities that take place in a computer.

• Every computer needs an operating system in order to be able to function

• First set of programs that loads when we boot a computer

• Examples - the Windows range (e.g. Windows 8 and Windows 10), Apple's operating systems (macOS, OS X), Linux

• Examples for mobile devices - iOS (for Apple devices), Android, Windows for smartphones

• Functions:

• Manages all the hardware and software on the computer

• Maintains security

• Provides a user interface (GUI)

Windows

• Desktop - the first basic 'screen' of the operating system

• Icons - tiles, shortcuts

• Sub-menus and shortcut keys provide further ways to access programs etc.

• Windows components - window, menu, dialog box, textbox, combo box (can add an option), list box (only choose from options listed), etc.

• Useful programs included - Snipping Tool (allows the user to 'capture' or copy a section of what appears on the screen), Calculator