Transcript software - Click to

A-Level Computing
types and uses of software
Objectives
• Know that software can be split into different
categories
• Know what each type of software is used for
• Understand how software deals with the jobs it
is given
Software
• All programs that run on a computer
• Perform many different jobs and roles
• Can be split into several categories
Software
• Systems software
• Application software
• Special Purpose
• Bespoke software
• Some software will could be put into many
different categories.....
Systems software
• Performs tasks needed to run the computer
system
• Operating systems
• Library programs
• Utility programs
• Programming languages
Operating systems
• every computer needs and operating system
• Works in between the hardware and the user.
• A set of programs which allows the user to
perform tasks without knowing how they are
done (e.g. save)
• Windows, Apple OS, Linux (PC’s)
• iOS, Android, Blackberry OS (smart phones)
Library Programs
• Available to all users of the computer
• Performs common tasks needed by users
• e.g. restoring lost files
• similar to/often called utility programs
Utility Programs
• Makes life easier for users of a computer
• Sorting files
• Copying files for backup
• Compressing files (.zip files)
Programming Language
• Compilers, interpreters and assemblers.
• Used to convert programming code into
statements a computer can then perform and
run.
Applications Software
• Carry out some task for the user that’s
seperate from computers
• Writing a letter
• Editing an image
• Creating wage slips
General purpose
• Word processors, spreadsheets, desktop
publishing, databases etc.
• Sold as a package, mass produced as sold as
such
• Suites offer many applications in one package
• Can be made to do many different tasks
Special Purpose
• Performs a specific Task
• e.g. payroll, stock control, accounts, filling in
tax returns
• Only designed to do one task only
Bespoke Software
• Designed for a particular one off type of job
• Usually specific to a customer
• Written to a special
specification for a
particular customer
Choices?
• Bespoke software offers a solution just for the
customer, specialised for them
• No unwanted features
• May not be another option
• Costs much more
• General purpose is quicker to install, no need
to be developed, can be supported by others
who uses it.
• Good level of help/documentation