This is a structure showing where Operating System is located on generally used software systems on desktops. Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
System software
System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes a combination of the following:
device drivers;
operating systems;
servers;
utilities;
windowing systems.
The purpose of systems software is to unburden the applications programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used, including such accessories as communications devices, printers, device readers, displays and keyboards, and also to partition the computer's resources such as memory and processor time in a safe and stable manner. Examples are- Windows XP, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Programming software
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include:
compilers
debuggers
interpreters
linkers
text editors
An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single application that attempts to manage all these functions.
Application software
Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (not directly computer development related) tasks. Typical applications include:
industrial automation
business software
computer games
quantum chemistry and solid state physics software
telecommunications (i.e., the internet and everything that flows on it)
databases
educational software
medical software
military software
molecular modeling software
image editing
spreadsheet
Word processing
Decision making software
Application software exists for and has impacted a wide variety of topics.
Task 2. Discuss the following questions.
1. What does the term computer software mean?
2. What does this term include?
3. What tasks does application software perform?
4. Is there any difference between computer software and hardware?
5. Who and when invented the term software?
6. Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes. What are they?
7. What is the purpose of systems software (programming software, application software)?
8. What kinds of files are included in a typical software product?
9. Why does software require so many files?
10. How does a programmer write software?
11. How does a computer process a program?
12. How is software categorized?
Task 3. Mark the following statements as True or False.
1. Computer software typically consists of many files that contain user-executable programs, support programs and data files.
2. The main executable file provides the primary set of instructions for the computer to execute and calls various support programs and data files as needed.
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3. Support programs often have file extensions such as.txt,.bmp, and.hlp.
4. Individuals often write software for their personal computers.
5. High-level languages are fairly easy to test and modify.
6. A compiler converts high-level instructions into a new file containing machine language instructions.
Task 4. Fill in the blanks choosing from the variants given.
1. The instructions that tell a computer how to a task are referred to as a computer program.
a) require b) create c) carry out d) define
2. A programming language tools for creating a lengthy list of instructions called source code.
a) prefer b) refer to c) avoid d) provide
3. As a program is running an interpreter converts one instruction into machine language.
a) at a time b) at the same time c) all the time
4. eVidpro.exe is a compiled program, so its instructions are immediately by the processor.
a) provided b) modified c) executed d) adapted
5. Software includes menus, buttons, and other control objects that are by a programmer, who designates their properties.
a) converted b) defined c) reduced d) purchased
6. The software that provides the computer with for each use is called application software.
a) approaches b) efficiency c) utilities d) instructions
Task 5. Make two-word expressions by combining words from two lists: A and B. Then fill in the gaps in the following sentences.
A: executable B: language
application code
machine file
source extensions
file software
high-level instructions
1. When using a Windows PC, you can start an by clicking its icon, selecting it from a Start menu, or entering its name in the Run dialog box.
2. Computer software can be divided into two major categories: software and system software.
3. The data files supplied with a software package sport such as.txt,.bmp,.hlp.
4. A programming language provides tools for creating a lengthy list of instructions called .
5. A simple instruction to add two numbers becomes a long series of 0s and 1s in a.
6. A compiler converts into a file containing machine language instructions.
Task 6. Fill in the gaps in the text.
Software consists of computer ___ (programs/utilities) and data files that work together to provide a computer with the ___ (instructions/approaches) and ___ (data/tools) necessary for carrying out a specific type of task, such as document production, video editing, graphic design, or Web browsing.
To create a software ___ (efficiency/environment), a programmer must define the ___ (approaches/properties) for each element in the environment, such as where an object appears, its shape, its color, and its behavior. Most programmers today prefer to use ___ (high-level/machine) languages. A computers microprocessor understands only ___ (machine/high-level) language, however, so a program that is written in a high-level language must be ___ (avoided/compiled) or interpreted before it can be ___ (processed/modified).
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Task 7. Look back at the article. Find the adjectives which mean the following. The first and the last letters are given:
1) perceptible by touch; definite, clearly intelligible, not elusive or visionary (te);
2) consisting of two parts, dual (b.y);
3) capable of being numbered or estimated (c..e);
4) based on random choice or whim; capricious; despotic (a.y);
5) of or for or done by soldiers of the armed forces (my).
Task 8. Which of these statements are true? Correct the false ones.
1. Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
2. System software provides the necessary services for application software.
3. Testware performs productive tasks for users.
4. Software testing can be launched for use by either an individual or a group.
5. Computer software is often regarded as hardware.
6. Software includes video games, websites, programs and logic systems of modern consumer devices.
7. Systems software unburdens the applications programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used.
8. Programming software assists a programmer in writing computer programs.
9. Industrial automation, educational software and business software are examples of application software.
