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Unit 4 Software Expanded Notes

Software is the intangible component of a computer system that provides instructions to hardware, making it functional. It is categorized into system software, application software, utility software, and programming software, with system software being crucial for basic computer operations. Key types of system software include operating systems, device drivers, and utility software, which performs maintenance tasks to enhance system efficiency and security.

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11 views2 pages

Unit 4 Software Expanded Notes

Software is the intangible component of a computer system that provides instructions to hardware, making it functional. It is categorized into system software, application software, utility software, and programming software, with system software being crucial for basic computer operations. Key types of system software include operating systems, device drivers, and utility software, which performs maintenance tasks to enhance system efficiency and security.

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Unit 4: Software (Expanded Notes)

1. What is Software?

Software is the non-physical (intangible) part of a computer system.

It provides instructions to the hardware, telling it what to do and how to do it.

Without software, hardware is useless, as it cannot function on its own.

Main Categories of Software:

1. System Software

2. Application Software

3. Utility Software

4. Programming Software (sometimes treated separately)

2. System Software

Definition:

Software that controls the basic functions of a computer.

Key Types:

a. Operating Systems (OS):

The most critical system software. It acts as a bridge between the user, the application software,
and the hardware.

Functions of an OS:

User interface management (GUI or CLI)


Resource management (allocating CPU time, memory, etc.)
Memory management (RAM usage, virtual memory)
Device management (communicates with input/output devices using device drivers)
File management (organizing, saving, retrieving files)
Multitasking (running multiple programs at once)
Security and access control (passwords, file permissions)
Error detection and handling

Common Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux (for desktops)


Android, iOS (for mobile devices)
b. Device Drivers:

Small programs that tell the OS how to communicate with hardware components like printers,
keyboards, and monitors.
Different devices require different drivers.

c. Utility Software:

Performs maintenance tasks to keep the system efficient and secure.

3. Utility Software (Expanded)

Used to analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain the computer. Not usually involved in the main
tasks but helps the system run smoothly and securely.

Examples and Roles:

Anti-virus/Anti-malware – Detects, quarantines, and removes harmful software.


Firewall – Blocks unauthorized access to/from the network.
Backup software – Regularly saves copies of data (full/incremental backups).
Disk Defragmenter – Rearranges fragmented files to speed up the hard disk.
Compression software – Reduces file sizes for storage or sharing (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip).
System diagnostics – Monitors hardware status and usage.
System cleanup tools – Deletes junk files, browser caches, and registry errors.

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