Software

Software

1. Operating

   • The base controlling software of your hardware. All you applications can be navigated easily from your operating system
   • Usually Windows or OSX
   • Is usually user friendly so any type of user is able to navigate around a computer very easily
   • Manages hardware (e.g controls CPU and Memory)
     • All files can be managed from the operating system
   • Is able to create different users and increase security on shared devices
   • Is usually used without the user knowing they are using it

2. Application

   • A dedicated piece of programming to carry out a certain function
   • Microsoft office word is designed to create documents that can either be printed off or sent digitally via e-mail
   • Applications can vary with their ease of use as some can be designed for professionals where as others can be designed for everyday people
     • An example is Adobe Photoshop as it is not designed for people that don't know too much about computers. It is actually designed for professional photographers.
   • Will be navigated through the operating system

3. Storage

   • RAM
     • Is a type of volatile memory that will only store information while the hardware is power on
     • All information on the RAM is wiped as soon as the hardware is powered off
     • Is generally smaller in capacity than a ROM Device.
     • Any information on the RAM can be accessed easily
     • No form of navigation through files is required by the user when using the RAM
   • ROM
     • Is a type of non-volatile memory which keeps it's information even after the hardware equipment is powered off.
     • All Software is stored in some form of ROM Storage (e.g Hard Drive)
     • Is generally slower at retrieving information than the RAM
     • Can hold a lot more files than the RAM
     • Usually, some form of navigation is required through the files of the ROM device by the user