Lesson 9
Do it now
Last lesson we found out about software.
Can you explain what software is?
Can you explain the difference between high-level and low-level programming languages?
Can you explain what software is?
Can you explain the difference between high-level and low-level programming languages?
Software types
New LearningLast lesson we found out that software is actually just a set of instructions.
Today we are going to look at the different categories of software. There is software to do most things that a person might want a computer to do - in the future there will be even more! Despite this the software that exists can be roughly separated into two categories: System software - software written to control and make use of the hardware. It acts as a 'go between' between the user and the hardware and also between the applications and the hardware. Applications - These are what users buy computers for. These programs do the real-world tasks that users want. Applications have to use the system software to make the hardware do what they want. |
Learning objectiveInvestigate the different software categories and how they are used
Learning outcomesALL: Level 5
Understand how data, such as numbers, sound and images are physically stored on a computer system MOST: Level 6 Understand how instructions are run inside a computer SOME: Level 7 Understand how instructions can be written efficiently and be able to describe the efficiency of your programs. KeywordsOperating system
System software Applications CPU |
Talk TaskCan you think of some software that fits under each of the categories?
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Learning DevelopmentSystem software includes: operating systems, device drivers, firmware, servers, utilities and interfaces. Some think it should also include development tools such as compilers, interpreters, linkers and debuggers.
The operating system is a large collection of programs which tell the hardware what to do. When computers where first invented they had no operating system - the programmer had to interact directly with the hardware - either setting switches or plugging in jump leads. for many years computers could only handle one program at a time. The data was fed into the computer using punch cards or paper tape and the program was run until it was completed or crashed! |
Operating systems were developed so the programmer could largely ignore the hardware and focus on what they wanted to get the computer to do. Later, multitasking operating systems were developed to make better use of the CPU's time.
Device drivers - this is the software responsible for controlling the peripherals connected to your computer
Firmware - small programs that are stored on ROM or flash memory chips like the program used for your remote control can work your TV or the boot up operations stored in ROM on your computer
Servers - software that responds to requests from other pieces of software. One common example of this software is a web server which is used so that remote internet users can interact with a website
Utilities - software to perform a limited range of functions such as maintenance - often installed as part of the operating system but sometimes people like to install their own
Interfaces - software designed so the user can interact with the operating system - what you see on screen when you first load your computer is the interface for the operating system you use
Development software - this is not usually supplied with your operating system, this software allows you to design and develop your own applications and software!
Applications
This is the software or applications or apps that you have installed on your computer or device.
These are the programs that we use to do real-world jobs for us.
Device drivers - this is the software responsible for controlling the peripherals connected to your computer
Firmware - small programs that are stored on ROM or flash memory chips like the program used for your remote control can work your TV or the boot up operations stored in ROM on your computer
Servers - software that responds to requests from other pieces of software. One common example of this software is a web server which is used so that remote internet users can interact with a website
Utilities - software to perform a limited range of functions such as maintenance - often installed as part of the operating system but sometimes people like to install their own
Interfaces - software designed so the user can interact with the operating system - what you see on screen when you first load your computer is the interface for the operating system you use
Development software - this is not usually supplied with your operating system, this software allows you to design and develop your own applications and software!
Applications
This is the software or applications or apps that you have installed on your computer or device.
These are the programs that we use to do real-world jobs for us.
Plenary
What did you find most surprising about today's lesson? What did you not know before?