Short Note on Unit 3: Computer Software (Grade 8)
In this unit, we explore different types of computer software, their functions, and how they help
in managing and operating a computer system. Below is an overview of the key software types
and their uses:
3.1 Operating System (OS)
Definition: An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer
hardware and software resources. It enables communication between the computer's
hardware and software, and allows other programs to run. It performs basic tasks such as
file management, memory management, and process control.
Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu, Linux, Unix.
3.2 Utility Software
Definition: Utility software helps manage and optimize a computer system's
performance. It is often part of the operating system but can also be purchased as
standalone products. Utilities are used for tasks like virus scanning, backup, and file
management.
Types of Utility Software:
o System Utilities: Anti-virus software, diagnostic tools, network utilities.
o Storage Management Utilities: Backup software, disk formatters, partition
editors.
o File Management Utilities: Data recovery, data compression, file conversion.
3.3 Driver Software
Definition: Driver software allows the operating system to communicate with hardware
devices such as printers, monitors, and speakers. Without drivers, the hardware wouldn't
function correctly. For example, a printer driver lets the computer communicate with
the printer.
Purpose: Ensures that hardware devices can send and receive data between the OS and
the device, often with the aid of wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth).
3.4 Application Software
Definition: Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks
for the user, such as word processing, spreadsheet calculations, or graphic design.
Examples: Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word), web browsers (e.g., Chrome,
Firefox), media players, and accounting applications.
3.5 Word Processor
Definition: A word processor is a program used for creating, editing, and storing text
documents. It allows users to write, format, and print documents.
Key Features:
o Create Documents: Start with a blank document and save it with a name.
o Text Formatting: Insert text, change fonts, use bold/italic/underline, and adjust
text color.
o Editing Tools: Copy, cut, paste, and delete text; insert new text in any part of the
document.
3.6 Spreadsheet
Definition: A spreadsheet is an application used to organize, calculate, and analyze data
in the form of tables, with rows and columns. It is particularly useful for numerical data
and calculations.
Key Features:
o Formulas: Used for simple calculations (e.g., =A1+B1 to add two cells).
o Functions: Predefined formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, etc., for more
complex calculations.
3.7 PowerPoint
Definition: PowerPoint is software for creating presentations, consisting of slides that
can include text, images, charts, and animations.
Key Features:
o Slide Creation: Insert new slides with various layouts.
o Text and Graphics: Add text, images, and other media to slides.
o Presentation Tools: Add transitions and animations to enhance presentations.
Summary of Unit 3:
Operating System: Manages hardware and software resources.
Utility Software: Performs tasks like system maintenance and virus scanning.
Driver Software: Allows hardware devices to work with the OS.
Application Software: Includes programs for specific tasks (e.g., word processing,
spreadsheets, and presentations).
Word Processors: Used for creating and editing text documents.
Spreadsheets: Organize and calculate numerical data in rows and columns.
PowerPoint: Helps create visual presentations with slides.
This unit introduces the basic software categories that help users interact with computers,
ensuring that hardware, system performance, and applications function effectively
Unit 3: Computer Software for Grade 8:
Multiple Choice Questions (25)
1. Which of the following is an example of an operating system?
o A) Microsoft Word
o B) Windows
o C) Google Chrome
o D) Avast Antivirus
Answer: B) Windows
2. What is the primary function of an operating system?
o A) To manage hardware and software
o B) To play games
o C) To edit photos
o D) To browse the internet
Answer: A) To manage hardware and software
3. Which of the following is NOT considered utility software?
o A) Antivirus software
o B) Disk formatters
o C) Word processors
o D) Backup software
Answer: C) Word processors
4. Which of the following is an example of a system utility?
o A) Microsoft Word
o B) Disk partition editors
o C) Google Chrome
o D) VLC Media Player
Answer: B) Disk partition editors
5. Which of the following is a common task that utility software performs?
o A) Creating documents
o B) Managing system resources
o C) Browsing the internet
o D) Playing music
Answer: B) Managing system resources
6. What does driver software help with?
o A) Running the operating system
o B) Managing files and folders
o C) Enabling communication between hardware devices and the operating system
o D) Editing photos
Answer: C) Enabling communication between hardware devices and the
operating system
7. Which software is used to create presentations?
o A) Word Processor
o B) Spreadsheet
o C) PowerPoint
o D) Antivirus
Answer: C) PowerPoint
8. Which of the following is an example of application software?
o A) Ubuntu
o B) Microsoft Word
o C) Windows 10
o D) Linux
Answer: B) Microsoft Word
9. What does a word processor allow you to do?
o A) Create and store documents
o B) Edit images
o C) Manage system files
o D) Play videos
Answer: A) Create and store documents
10. Which of these tasks can be done with spreadsheet software?
o A) Creating a slideshow
o B) Performing mathematical calculations
o C) Editing text documents
o D) Managing emails
Answer: B) Performing mathematical calculations
11. Which of the following can be used to calculate the sum of numbers in a
spreadsheet?
o A) =AVERAGE()
o B) =SUM()
o C) =MULTIPLY()
o D) =SQUARE()
Answer: B) =SUM()
12. What is the purpose of formatting text in a word processor?
o A) To change the font size only
o B) To make text bold, italicized, or underlined
o C) To create a spreadsheet
o D) To save a document
Answer: B) To make text bold, italicized, or underlined
13. Which of the following is NOT a type of utility software?
o A) Data compression tools
o B) Diagnostic programs
o C) Word processing software
o D) Anti-virus software
Answer: C) Word processing software
14. Which of the following is the function of a storage management utility?
o A) Backing up files
o B) Creating documents
o C) Managing fonts
o D) Editing photos
Answer: A) Backing up files
15. What is the primary use of driver software?
o A) To manage the operating system
o B) To help hardware devices communicate with the computer's OS
o C) To manage files and folders
o D) To perform calculations in a spreadsheet
Answer: B) To help hardware devices communicate with the computer's OS
16. Which of the following is an example of a file management utility?
o A) Antivirus
o B) Data recovery tool
o C) Disk formatter
o D) Backup software
Answer: B) Data recovery tool
17. In a word processor, what is the "Save As" function used for?
o A) To delete a document
o B) To create a new document
o C) To save a document with a new name or in a new location
o D) To print a document
Answer: C) To save a document with a new name or in a new location
18. Which of the following is a type of spreadsheet function?
o A) =SUM()
o B) =WORD()
o C) =SLIDE()
o D) =TEXT()
Answer: A) =SUM()
19. What is a key feature of spreadsheet software?
o A) It allows you to create slideshows
o B) It helps you organize and calculate data in cells
o C) It is used for photo editing
o D) It manages system resources
Answer: B) It helps you organize and calculate data in cells
20. Which of the following is an example of driver software?
o A) Printer driver
o B) Web browser
o C) Spreadsheet software
o D) Antivirus software
Answer: A) Printer driver
21. What is the function of a word processor's copy and paste feature?
o A) To move a block of text
o B) To create new documents
o C) To format text
o D) To insert images
Answer: A) To move a block of text
22. What is the purpose of the formatting options such as bold, italics, and underline in
a word processor?
o A) To change the text color
o B) To emphasize or style the text
o C) To insert images
o D) To create spreadsheets
Answer: B) To emphasize or style the text
23. Which of the following software is used to create a PowerPoint presentation?
o A) Excel
o B) Word
o C) PowerPoint
o D) Photoshop
Answer: C) PowerPoint
24. Which of the following is NOT a feature of PowerPoint software?
o A) Creating slideshows
o B) Inserting and formatting text
o C) Performing complex mathematical calculations
o D) Manipulating graphic images
Answer: C) Performing complex mathematical calculations
25. Which of the following is the correct syntax for a function in a spreadsheet?
o A) =SUM(1, 2)
o B) SUM(1, 2)
o C) =SUM(1 + 2)
o D) =SUM(1,2)
Answer: D) =SUM(1,2)
True/False Questions (10)
1. The operating system is responsible for managing hardware and software resources.
o True
2. Antivirus software is an example of application software.
o False
3. Utility software is used to manage system resources and perform maintenance tasks.
o True
4. Driver software allows peripheral devices to communicate with the operating
system.
o True
5. A spreadsheet can only be used for storing data, not for calculations.
o False
6. A word processor can help users create, store, and print documents.
o True
7. A driver software is required for the operating system to function properly.
o False
8. PowerPoint is used for creating and editing images.
o False
9. File management utilities can be used to recover lost data.
o True
10. The Save As option in a word processor is used to save the document with the same
name in the same location.
o False
Matching Questions (10)
Match the software type to its function:
1. Operating System
o A) Used to perform mathematical calculations
o Answer: B) Manages hardware and software resources
2. Utility Software
o B) Used to create and edit presentations
o Answer: C) Manages system resources and performs maintenance tasks
3. Driver Software
o C) Manages system resources and performs maintenance tasks
o Answer: D) Allows hardware devices to communicate with the operating system
4. Word Processor
o D) Allows hardware devices to communicate with the operating system
o Answer: A) Creates, stores, and prints documents
5. Spreadsheet
o E) Used to perform text formatting
o **Answer
