Lesson 3 Hardware and Software and their types (English Medium)

 

1. What is Software? Describe their different types with examples.

Ans:- Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that direct a computer to perform specific tasks. Software is classified into two major categories:

• System Software: This includes programs that manage the hardware and run the core functionalities of the computer. Examples include Operating Systems (Windows, Linux), Device Drivers, and Utility Software (antivirus, disk cleanup tools).

• Application Software: These are programs designed for end-users to perform specific tasks. Examples include Microsoft Office (word processing), Adobe Photoshop (image editing), and Google Chrome (web browsing).

Additionally, software can be categorized into other types, such as:

• Utility Software: Tools that help maintain, analyze, and optimize computer performance (e.g., Disk Defragmenter).
• Programming Software: Tools that assist in writing and testing software, like Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and compilers (e.g., Eclipse, GCC).

Software plays a crucial role in enabling hardware to function and provides users with the ability to perform a wide variety of tasks, from computing to entertainment.

2. What is System Software? Describe their different types.

Ans:- System Software manages and controls computer hardware, providing a foundation for application software to function. Its primary purpose is to manage hardware resources and ensure the smooth operation of the system.

Types of system software include:

• Operating Systems (OS): These are the most essential system software, managing hardware, file systems, and executing applications. Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

• Device Drivers: These specialized programs control specific hardware components like printers, video cards, and storage devices. They act as intermediaries between the OS and hardware.

• Utility Software: Utility software helps maintain, optimize, and secure the computer system. Examples include antivirus programs, firewalls, and disk management tools.

• Firmware: This is software programmed into the hardware itself, such as in the BIOS of a computer. It provides low-level control for the device's specific hardware.

System software runs in the background, enabling hardware functionality and providing a platform for applications to run smoothly.

3. What is Language Translator? Describe their different types with examples.

Ans:-  A language translator is software that converts programs written in high-level programming languages into machine code that a computer’s processor can understand. The three main types of language translators are:

• Compiler: A compiler translates an entire program written in a high-level language (e.g., C, C++) into machine code in one go. The output is an executable file that the system can run. Examples include GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and javac (Java compiler).

• Interpreter: An interpreter translates a program line by line into machine code and executes it immediately. It does not produce an executable file. Examples include Python's interpreter and PHP interpreter.

• Assembler: An assembler converts assembly language, which is a low-level human-readable representation of machine instructions, into machine code. Examples include the NASM (Netwide Assembler) for Linux.

Translators are essential for converting human-readable code into machine-executable instructions, enabling software development and program execution.

4. What is General Purpose Software? Describe the places where they are used.

Ans:-  General Purpose Software is designed to perform a variety of common tasks and can be used by a wide range of users. These are not specialized for a single task but offer versatility across different domains. Examples include:

• Word Processors: Programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are used for writing, editing, and formatting documents in businesses, schools, and homes.
• Spreadsheet Software: Tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are used for data analysis, financial calculations, and project management.
• Presentation Software: Programs like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides are used for creating presentations in educational institutions and corporate settings.
• Web Browsers: Browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are used to access the internet.

These software applications are commonly used in offices, homes, educational institutions, and other settings where versatile, everyday tasks need to be performed.

5. Difference between Application Software and System Software.

Ans:-  System Software and Application Software serve different purposes within a computer system.

• System Software: Manages hardware resources and provides a platform for running application software. It runs in the background and is essential for the functioning of the computer. Examples include operating systems like Windows and Linux, and utility programs like firewalls.

• Application Software: Designed for end-users to perform specific tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, or playing media. It operates on top of system software and is optional for the system's operation. Examples include Microsoft Word, Spotify, and Google Chrome.

Here are  key differences between Application Software and System Software:

1. Purpose:

   • System Software: Manages and controls the hardware components of the computer, acting as a platform for other software. It ensures the basic functions of the computer. Example: Operating Systems (Windows, Linux).
   • Application Software: Designed for end-users to perform specific tasks, such as document editing, browsing, or graphic design. Example: Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop.

2. Interaction:

   • System Software: Directly interacts with hardware and manages system resources.
   • Application Software: Runs on top of system software and interacts with users, performing tasks requested by them.

3. Necessity:

   • System Software: Essential for the functioning of the computer, as it manages hardware and system processes.
   • Application Software: Not essential for the system's basic operation; it is installed according to the user’s needs.

4. Startup:

   • System Software: Starts as soon as the computer is powered on.
   • Application Software: Starts only when a user initiates it.

5. Dependency:

   • System Software: Independent of application software.
   • Application Software: Dependent on system software to function.

6. Examples:

   • System Software: Operating systems (Windows), device drivers.
   • Application Software: Word processors (MS Word), web browsers (Chrome).
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SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Difference between hardware and software.

Ans:- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, monitor) that can be touched. Software consists of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do, such as the operating system and applications. Hardware executes tasks, while software provides the instructions.

2. What is an operating system? What is its role?

Ans:- An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides services for applications. Its role includes managing files, memory, processes, and devices, ensuring smooth system operation and allowing user interaction with hardware.

3. Discuss the role of utility software in the context of system performance.

Ans:- Utility software enhances system performance by managing and maintaining resources, optimizing tasks like disk cleanup, virus protection, and file compression. It improves security, system efficiency, and the overall functionality of the computer.

4. How can computer software be classified?

Ans:- Computer software is classified into system software (e.g., operating systems, device drivers) that manages hardware, and application software (e.g., word processors, web browsers) designed for specific user tasks.

5. What is compiler and interpreter?

Ans:- A compiler translates an entire high-level language program into machine code before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes code line by line. Compilers create executable files; interpreters do not.

6. Write the feature of utility software.

Ans:- Utility software helps maintain, secure, and optimize a system, offering features like virus scanning, disk cleanup, data backup, and system diagnostics, ensuring smooth computer operation.

7. Explain what type of computer hardware and software complements each other.

Ans:- Hardware and software complement each other by working together: hardware (like CPU, RAM) executes tasks, while software (like operating systems and applications) provides instructions for those tasks, ensuring the computer performs efficiently. Both are essential for proper system functioning.