Explain the role of the different types of software in computer operation;

Software is a set of instructions which control the operation of a computer.

It is broken down into two main categories: system software and application software.
System Software – controls the operations of a computer and the other types of software that it runs.
Types of System software
o Operating System - A collection of programs which, together, manage all the basic functions of a
computer (computer resources). Examples of OS are Unix, Windows 3.1/95/98/2000/XP etc.,
Linux and Mac OS.
 Utilities - carry out task to assist the operating system in the management of the computer
system such as virus detection, device drivers, backup and recovering of files.
Application software – programs that are used to perform task other than the operation and
management of the computer system. Each program can be classified as one or more of the following
types of application:
 General purpose program -software developed to aid the general problem solving need of
people. It is not specific to a particular type of organisation and can perform a wide range of
tasks. They are mass produces and therefore relatively cheap e.g. database management, word
processing, spreadsheet.
 Specialised/ Special Purpose Software - designed to perform specific task.

Source of application software

o Off the shelf - are ready-made and available for sale to the general public.
o Custom written programs - are created to meet the needs of a particular individual or
company.
o Customized programs - This is the modification of general purpose software so that it is
better suited for the purpose of the client. This allows you to add features to the
program while maintaining familiarity without writing the program from the beginning.
This can be done by adding new code or recording macros.

1. discuss the relative merits of the various types of user interface;

Hardware: touch screens, specialised keyboards.
Software: touch, menu-driven, graphical user, command line.

User Interface - this is the hardware, or software, or both that enables a user to interact with a computer.

Hardware interface are special devices with additional features that will make the interaction much
easier. Keyboards, mice, screens and speakers are part of the standard user interface, but many additional
hardware devices can be used as part of the user interface to suit the needs of particular users.

Special keyboards
 Ergonomic keyboard – is shaped so that it is more comfortable to use
 Braille keyboard – has its keys marked with raised dots to aid the blind
 Concept keyboard – replaces the keys with a flat touch-sensitive panel. An overlay
placed on the panel marks out area that can act as buttons. Used in restaurants or early
learning.
 Left-handed keyboard – designed for the left handed individual
  Virtual/projection keyboard – is projected onto any surface and touched. E.g. touch
screen keyboard of the ATM.

Touch screens is an input and output device that is sensitive to pressure. The user interacts with
the computer by touching pictures or words on the screen.

Software interface

1. Command Line Interface/Command Driven Interface – the user types in commands at the
command prompt. Difficult to use because you need to learn the syntax. e.g. MS DOS

2. Menu Driven – display options for tasks and actions you can perform.

3. Graphical User Interface – make up of WIMP (Windows, Icons Menus and Pointers)

4. Touch – allows the user to communicate using the sense of touch