Software_v1

Software_v1

1. Programming language

   • Low-Level Languages
     • Low level language consists of small set of commands called "Mnemonics" Example is Assembly Language.
     • Advantage: It is fast to execute the commands.
     • Disadvantages: It is difficult to read and understand. It is hard to debug.
   • High-Level Languages
     • High level language is a programming language that is closed to human language. Such example is C++.
     • Advantages: It is easier to understand as it is closer to the English language. It is easier to debug.
     • Disadvantage: It is slower to execute.
   • A computer program is a collection of commands that the computer has to follow. The commands is written in either Low language or High Level language.
     • Compiler - convert the high level language to low level language all at once
     • Interpreter - convert the high level language to low level language line by line
     • Assembler - convert the low level language to machine code

2. User interface

   • The computer software require user interaction to communicate with the hardware. The interface comes in 3 forms; User, Graphical and Menu.
     • Menu Interface
       • User is presented with a number of options. It allows user to select from the number of options.
         • Advantage: It is very user friendly.
     • Command line Interface
       • It allows user to interact with the computer by typing a series of text.
         • Advantage: It is fast
         • Disadvantage: User needs to learn the command before using.
     • Graphical User Interface
       • User is presented with graphical options. It incorporates window, icons, menus and pointers.
         • Advantage: It is easy to learn.
         • Disadvantage: It requires more processing power.

3. Application Software

   • Application software enable users to perform specifi tasks, such as producing documents, spreadsheet,calculation, and database management.
     • Off-the-shelf software
       • Advantage
         • Cheaper
         • Readily available and can be used straight away
         • Well tested before it is sold in the market
       • Disadvantage
         • It is not customized to the needs of company
         • It may be overly complex and difficult to learn
         • Errors in the software may not be troubleshoot by the develper
     • Custom-made soft ware (bespoke software)
       • Advantage
         • It is customized according to the needs of the company
         • It helps the company increase efficiency
       • Disadvantage
         • The cost of custom-made software is higher
       • It is a software written specially to suit the needs of a comany

4. System Software

   • Operating System
     • Manage system security
     • Manage file and folder
     • Manage system resources
     • Provide a platform for hardware and software to communicate
   • Utility programs
     • Used to perform certain tasks
       • Back up data
       • Compress the files eg winzip