Software

Software

1. Systems software

   • Controls how the computer system works and enables the user to access system hardware and applications software
   • Operating System
     • Functions
       • Booting
       • user interface
       • Memory management
       • Monitors performance
       • Drivers
         • Peripheral drivers
         • Printer drivers
     • Examples
       • Windows
       • Unix
       • Linux
       • Mac OS
   • Interfaces
     • Command line/driven
     • GUI
     • Menu-driven
     • Form driven
     • Natural language

2. Applications software

   • Custom written
   • Off the shelf
   • It allows the user to perform a particular task
     • Word processing
     • Spreadsheets
     • Databases
   • Categorised into:
     • Package
     • Generic
     • Integrated
     • Specific
     • Bespoke