Software (CIE IGCSE ICT)

• Software refers to programs that control the operation of a computer or the processing of electronic data

Application Software

• Application software provides the services that users require to solve a task
• E.g.:
• Word processing: creating and editing text documents
• Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format
• Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing data in databases
• Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system
• Applets and apps: specialised software for specific tasks
• Video editing: creating and modifying video files
• Graphics editing: creating and modifying images
• Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files
• Computer Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in 2D or 3D

System Software

• System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate e.g.
• Compilers: translating high-level programming languages into machine code
• Linkers: combining object files into a single executable program
• Device drivers: controlling hardware components and peripherals
• Operating systems: managing the computer's resources and providing a user interface
• Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimising the computer's performance

An Operating System has a user interface to allow the user to interact with the computer. There are different types of user interfaces:

• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Text-based interface
• Users type commands to perform tasks
• Requires knowledge of command syntax
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Visual-based interface with icons, windows, and menus
• Users interact with the system using a mouse and keyboard
• Easier for beginners to learn and use
• Dialogue-based interface
• Users communicate with the system through text or voice
• The system responds with appropriate actions or feedback
• Gesture-based interface
• Users interact with the system through physical gestures
• Requires a camera or sensor to detect movements

Differences between types of interface

• CLI has a steeper learning curve compared to GUI
• GUI is more resource-intensive than CLI
• Dialogue-based and gesture-based interfaces enable more natural and intuitive interaction
  
  

 Advantages & Disadvantages