set of programs between
application software and
computer hardware
functions
resource
management
managing computer hardware
provision of
user interface
Anotações:
(e.g. Windows) to allow users to perform tasks, e.g.
running application software, changing settings on the computer, downloading and installing new software
= software needed to run
the computer's hardware
and application
programs
utility programs
designed to optimise the
performance of computer
OR perform tasks
backing up files
encrypting data before transmission
providing a firewall
disk defragmenter
Anotações:
a program that reorganises a hard disk
Files split up into blocks and stored all over the disk get recombined in a single series of sequential blocks
- Makes reading a file faster
virus checker
Anotações:
checks hard drive, and possibly incoming emails and internet downloads, for viruses and removes them
libraries
Anotações:
in windows, often have a .dll extension
ready-compiled
programs
grouped together in
software libraries
Many compiled
languages have their
own libraries which
can be invoked in the
user's programs
programming
language
translators
compilers
interpreters
assemblers
translate program code into machine code
Application
software
general-purpose
Anotações:
e.g. word processor, spreadsheet, graphics package
can be used for many different purposes
special purpose
Anotações:
performs a single specific task or set of tasks
e.g. payroll and accounts packages, hotel booking systems, fingerprint scanning systems, browser software
Software may be bought "off-the-shelf", ready to use, or it may be specially written by a team of programmers for a particular organisation