Computer Basics/Software/Computer software
From WikiEducator
< Computer Basics | Software
Computer Basics
Basic skills and knowledge to use a computer in the workplace or at home.
An OP Online course from the National Certificate in Computing (Level 2) programme.
| Computer Basics | |
|---|---|
| Software | Introduction | Computer software | System software | Application software | Software interaction | Key points | Assessment |
Computer software
Software is any type of program which:
- contains step by step instructions
- tells the computer what to do
- tells the computer how to do it
Without software, a computer system is a collection of plastic and metal parts that wouldn't be able to do anything.
Main types of computer software
There are two types of software programs: system software and application software.
System software controls the computer hardware and the computer system.
Examples are:
- Windows
- Linux
- Mac OS X
Application software are programs that make computers perform specific tasks.
Examples are:
- Word processors
- Spreadsheets
- Database management systems
- Internet Browsers
