9

Computer Software

1. What do you understand by software and software package?

Ans.: Software is a generic term for organized collection of computer data and instructions. It is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the hardware components of a computer and to accomplish specific tasks. In other words, it tells the computer what to do and how to do it. For example, it instructs the hardware what to display on the user's screen, what kinds of input to take from the user, and what kinds of output to generate. Thus, it communicates with the hardware by organizing the control sequences, and the hardware carries out the instructions defined by the software. As we know, a computer needs to be instructed to perform any task. Therefore, the user issues instructions and the CPU acts in accordance with the instructions. Thus, these set of instructions, which control the sequence of operations, are known as programs, and collectively programs are called software. It is an intangible commodity, that is, the part of a computer system that users cannot touch.

A set of programs that are specifically written to provide the user a precise functionality like solving a specific problem is termed as a software package. For example, a word processing software package provides functionality to the computer so that it can be used to create text documents like letters and mailing lists. Similarly, an image processing software package assists a user in drawing and manipulating graphics.

2. Differentiate between software and hardware.

Ans.: Software refers to the computer programs that are loaded into a computer system, whereas hardware refers to all the visible devices that are assembled together to build a computer system. Therefore, one can say software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to perform the requested actions. There are some differences among them that are listed in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1 Differences Between Software and Hardware

 

Basis of Difference	Software	Hardware
Types	Some software types are system software, programming software, and application software.	Some hardware types are motherboard, CPU, RAM, BIOS, power supply, CD-ROM drive, video display controller, computer bus, and floppy disk.
Interdependency	To deliver its set of instructions, it is installed on hardware.	It starts functioning once the software is loaded.
Function	It controls, integrates, and manages the hardware components of a computer and accomplishes specific tasks.	It serves as the delivery system for software solutions.
Failure	Software failure is systematic. It does not have an increasing failure rate.	Hardware failure is random. It does have increasing failure rate.
Reliability	It needs constant testing after upgrades.	It stays at steady reliability level in useful life.
Examples	Quickbooks, Adobe Acrobat, Winoms-Cs, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel are some examples of software.	CD-ROM, monitors, scanners, printers, video cards, routers, modems, and label makers are some examples of hardware.

 

3. Explain in brief on different types of software.

Ans.: Software can be classified into two categories: system software and application software. System software is a generic term for referring to any computer program whose purpose is to help the user to run the computer system, whereas application software employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. As an analogy, one can equate an electric bulb to an application and the electric power generation plant with system. The power plant merely generates electricity. It is not really of any use until harnessed to an application like the electric bulb, which performs a service that the user desires. Figure 9.1 illustrates the different categories of software.

Figure 9.1 Software Categories

System Software

It consists of several programs that are directly responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual hardware components of a computer system. A new computer system is always accompanied with some software either stored in a CD or DVD, which is supplied by the manufacturer. This software manages and supports the computer system and its information processing activities. The system software is more transparent and less noticed by the users as it usually interact with the hardware or the applications. This software provides a programming environment in which programmers can create applications to accommodate their needs. This environment provides functions that are not available at the hardware level and performs the tasks related to the execution of an application program. Hence, it acts as an interface between the hardware of the computer and the software applications. In simple terms, it makes the computer functional. It provides basic functionality like file management, visual display, keyboard input, etc., and are used by application software to accomplish these functions. Some examples of system software are operating system (OS), device drivers, language translators, and system utilities.

Application Software

It is used to accomplish specific tasks rather than just managing a computer system. For a user, the computer system has no specific use without the application software. It may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's Notepad (for writing and editing simple text), or a collection of programs, which work together to accomplish a task such as database management software. It may also include a larger collection of related but independent programs and packages (a software suite), which have a common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office suite. However, it is dependent on system software. Thus, system software (like operating system) acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, while application software performs specific tasks. It ranges from games, calculators, and word processors (document creating programs) to programs that paint images on screen (image editors). Applications represent real world tasks. They can be easily divided by looking at exactly what function they serve. Some examples of application software are word processors, spreadsheets, image editor, database management system, presentation applications, and desktop publishing software.

4. Differentiate between system software and application software.

Ans.: Both system and application software go hand in hand. That is, without system software, the computer will not run, and without application software, the computer, no matter how powerful, will not be helpful in meeting user requirements. There are some differences among them that are listed in Table 9.2.

Table 9.2 Differences Between System Software and Application Software

 

S. No.	System Software	Application Software
1.	It is basically the main functional system of every computer program. It contains the basic functional units such as the program files, system services, basic configuration units, system back-ups, and main drivers.	It is one part of the computer program that permits the access and utilization of various available applications made compatible to existing computer units and programs.
2.	Generally, users do not interact with system software as it works in the background.	Users interact with application software while doing different activities.
3.	It gets installed when the operating system is installed on the computer.	It is installed according to the requirements of the user.
4.	A computer may not require more than one type of system software.	There may be a number of application software programs installed on the computer at the same time.
5.	It includes programs such as compilers, debuggers, drivers, and assemblers.	It includes media players, word processors, and spreadsheet programs.
6.	It can run independently of the application software.	It cannot run without the presence of the system software.

 

5. Write a short note on device drivers.

Ans.: Device drivers are system programs that are responsible for proper functioning of devices. Every device, whether it is a printer, monitor, mouse, or keyboard, has a driver program associated with it for its proper functioning. Whenever a new device is added to the computer system, a new device driver must be installed before the device is used. In modern OS, most hardware drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with the OS. A driver acts like a translator between the device and the program (typically, an OS) that uses the device. For example, when a user prints a document, the processor issues a set of generic commands to the printer driver, and the driver translates those commands into the specialized instructions that the printer understands. It is to be noted that each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver understands. A device driver is not an independent program; it assists and is assisted by the OS for the proper functioning of the device.

6. What is a language translator? What are the types of language translators?

Ans.: Computers only understand machine language that is a language consisting of 0’s and 1’s. But, it is difficult for a programmer to understand the machine language. To ease the burden of the programmer, special programming languages called high-level programming languages were developed that resemble natural languages like English. Since the computer understands only machine language, a tool is required that could translate a program written in a high-level programming language to the machine language. Hence with every programming language, a language translator is also developed, which accepts the programs written in the programming language and transforms them into a form suitable for execution. In other words, language translators help in converting programming languages into machine language. To be precise, they convert programming statements into the 0’s and 1’s that the computer is able to process. Language translators are divided into the following three major categories:

1. Compiler: The programs written in any programming language needs to be converted into machine language, that is, in binary form. This is achieved by using a compiler. As a system program, a compiler translates source code (user written program) into object code (binary form). It looks at the entire piece of source code, recognizes the instructions, and converts them into their equivalent machine code.
2. Interpreter: It analyses and executes the source code in line-by-line manner, without looking at the entire program. In other words, an interpreter translates a statement in a program and executes the statement immediately, that is, before translating the next source language statement. The advantage of interpreters is that they can execute a program spontaneously, whereas compilers require some time before an executable program is made because it looks at the whole source code.
3. Assembler: In comparison to other programming languages, assembly language is closest to the machine code, but the computer is still unable to understand it. Thus, the assembly language program must be translated into machine code by a separate program called an assembler. The assembler program recognizes the character strings that make up the symbolic names of the various machine operations, and substitutes the required machine code for each instruction. In short, an assembler converts the assembly codes into machine codes, making the assembly program ready for execution.

7. What do you mean by system utility programs? What are their various functions?

Ans.: System utilities are generally small programs having specific tasks to perform. Some of them are usually provided along with the OS, some are free while some need to be purchased from the third-party commercial vendors. They perform day-to-day tasks related to the maintenance of the computer system. They are also used to support, enhance, and secure existing programs and data in the computer system. Most common functions of system utilities are as follows:

	File management: These utilities make it easier to manage data files. Many programs are written to help users to find the files, create and organize directories, copy, move, and remove files. For example, the Windows Explorer in Microsoft Windows OS does all the said activities in user-friendly interface.
	Back-up: Sometimes, data back-up becomes very useful when data files are corrupted or accidentally deleted. A back-up system utility is essential for those organizations that want to keep their data intact.
	Data recovery: It is the process of retrieving deleted or inaccessible data from failed electronic storage media such as computer hard disk drives, removable media, optical devices, and tape cartridges. The data might become inaccessible due to a software problem, computer virus, mechanical or electrical malfunction, or a deliberate human act. Using data recovery tools, an experienced technician can successfully recover 80% to even 100% of lost data.
	Virus protection: Antivirus programs are essential system utilities for a computer system functioning in a network. They provide the security to the system from viruses that can damage the computer system. Viruses are small programs written with malicious intent, which copy themselves to the hard disk from the Internet or other infected systems. To protect system from viruses, one needs antivirus software. Once installed on the system, it scans the hard disk for any kind of virus and, if found, removes them. In addition, it continuously monitors the computer and prevents viruses from getting inside. Examples of some antivirus programs are Norton antivirus and McAfee antivirus.
	Disk management: Disk management program includes various software such as disk defragmenter, data compressor, and disk formatting tools. Defragmentation implies putting fragments of files in a sequential order onto the disk, which reduces the time to access the file. It recognizes the data stored on the disk so that it can be arranged more effectively. Data compression programs squeeze out the slack space generated by the formatting schemes. Formatting tools format the hard drive in tracks and sectors for orderly storing of data in the disk.
	Firewall: It forms a barrier between networked computers within an organization and those outside the organization. It is commonly used to protect information such as e-mail and data files within a physical building or organization. Essentially, it is designed to protect a computer from unauthorized access, especially via network.
	Disk cleanup: To keep a computer running smoothly, its regular maintenance is vital. Therefore, one should use the Disk Cleanup utility, which easily determines which files on hard drive are no longer needed, and delete those files. In addition to freeing up potentially significant hard disk space; using Disk Cleanup on a regular basis can significantly improve system performance.

8. What is the importance of an application software? In which areas are the application software used? Give relevant application software names and their uses.

Ans.: An application software is regarded as an important software as it helps the user to do specific task rather than just managing a computer system. It continuously interacts with the real world and helps to solve related problems. It is designed to deal with words, letters, numbers, pictures, graphics, and even different combinations of these. It is also designed to meet the need of the user, whether it is a person or an organization. Moreover, the function of the application software is moulded according to the need that helps in performing the various functions such as content editing, digital animation editing, and digital audio and video composition. It can also be used for browsing and to perform some specific task such as education, accounting, business administration, customer care, etc.

It finds market in almost all the areas right from word processing to Bluetooth. In simpler terms, it is an integral part of many industries. It serves a great deal of importance in areas like entertainment, education, communication, business, health, and government. Science is considered as an important area for this software. For example, artificial intelligence, astronomy, genetics, molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, health sciences, microbiology, and chemical as well as physical science are some areas that widely depend on the application software for its effective functioning and development. Some of the commonly used application software and their uses are given as follows:

	Word processor: It is used to compose, format, edit, and print electronic documents. Word processing is one of the earliest applications for office productivity and the personal computer. It involves not only typing, but also checking the spelling and grammar of the text and arranging it correctly on the page. A variety of different typefaces is available for a variety of effects. It is possible to include pictures, graphs, charts, and many other things within the text of the document. It also allows for changes in margins, fonts, and colour. Nowadays, virtually all personal computers are equipped with a word-processing program, which has functions for writing letters, reports or other documents, and printing. Examples of some well-known word processors are Microsoft Word and WordPerfect.
	Spreadsheet: It is used by bookkeepers and accountants mainly for financial purposes. This application is in the form of a rectangular grid, which allows text, numbers, and complex functions to be entered into a matrix of thousands of individual cells. The spreadsheet provides sheets containing cells each of which may contain text and/or numbers. Cells may also contain equations that calculate results from data placed in other cells or series of cells. For example, a column of numbers totalled in a single cell containing an equation relating to that column. It is used predominantly for accounting and other numerically based tasks, because financial and mathematical data and analysis are often managed in a tabular style, with columns of financial figures being manipulated and then influencing other data computations. Examples of spreadsheet applications are Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3.
	Image editor: It is designed specifically for capturing, creating, editing, and manipulating images. It also provides a variety of special features for creating and altering images. In addition to offering a host of filters and image transformation algorithms, some image editors also enable the user to create and superimpose layers. With image editing software, one can darken or lighten an image, rotate it, adjust its contrast, crop out extraneous detail, and much more. Some examples of these programs are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw.
	Database management system: It is a collection of computer programs that allow storage, modification, and extraction of information from a database (which is a collection of inter-related records) in an efficient manner. It supports the structuring of the database in a standard format and provides tools for data input, verification, storage, retrieval, query, and manipulation. When such software is used, information systems can be changed much more easily as the organization's information requirements change. New categories of data can be added to the database without disrupting the existing system. It also controls the security and integrity of the database from unauthorized access. Some examples of database management systems are FoxPro and Oracle.
	Presentation application: A presentation is a means of expressing ideas in form of visual images, audio, and animation. To prepare presentations, presentation software is used. It allows the users to create presentation by producing slides or handouts for presentation of projects. Essentially, such computer programs allow users to create a variety of visually appealing electronic slides for presentations. Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most famous presentation applications.
	Desktop publishing software: Desktop publishing is a technique of using a personal computer to design images and pages, assemble type and graphics, and then using a laser printer or image-setter to output the assembled pages onto paper, film, or printing plate. Thus, to create magazines, books, etc., desktop publishing software is used. Such software assists in creating sophisticated documents including complicated page designs, detailed illustrations, and camera-ready typefaces. Quark Express and Adobe PageMaker are desktop publishing software.

9. Differentiate between OS and application software.

Ans.: The OS is the system software that makes the computer work. It acts as an interface between the user and the hardware, and also to other software. It not only contains drivers, but also offers a very specific graphical user interface (GUI) to control the computer. On the other hand, an application software program is a class of computer applications that enables the user to perform a required task by using the full capabilities of his/her personal computer directly. It is dependent on the system software. However, the computer system has no specific use without the application software.

10. Define the following:

(a) Software upgrade

(b) Software update

(c) Software patch

Ans.: (a) Software upgrade: Sometimes, the older version of the software (or parts of it) is replaced by their newer versions. This process of adopting a newer version of existing software with an enhanced feature is known as software upgrade. Generally, a new release (or version) of software contains new functionalities and upgrades are numbered. For example, various upgrades of Microsoft Internet Explorer had the versions IE4.0, IE5.0, IE5.5, IE6.0, and IE7.0.

(b) Software update: It is a new release (or version) of software that is generally understood to be an error correction release and does not contain new functionality. It usually adds relatively minor new features to a product or corrects errors (bugs) found since the program has released.

(c) Software patch: It is a collection of one or more files that correct flaws in the performance, reliability, or security of a specific software product. Each patch remedies a specific set of reported errors in the version of the product to which the patch applies. Every patch is identified by a unique number, such as ‘patch567’. The number is used in manufacturing to identify the errors that the patch corrects.

11. What is software piracy and how it can be avoided?

Ans.: Software piracy is the unauthorized copying of an organization's internally developed software or the illegal duplication of commercially available software. While purchasing software, the user gets a licence to use the application but it cannot be copied on other machines. The use of the software must comply with the product licence agreement that is included with the software. A software licence is a type of proprietary licence that acts as a memorandum of contract between the producer and the user of the computer software. It is sometimes also called an end user licence agreement (EULA), which specifies the perimeters of the permissions granted by the owner to the user.

Software piracy all over the world has become a major problem. To avoid this, several licence and copyrights are issued to the software and the users. A copyright is a form of intellectual property that grants its holder the legal right to restrict the copying of an original, creative expression for a defined period. Nowadays, some software developers use software copyrights in order to ensure that the software they develop will remain free, using licences such as the general public license (GPL). It is a good idea to put the copyright notice on computer software both on the packaging and in the program as it serves as a warning to others that the software is protected by copyright. Some guidelines by which software piracy can be avoided are as follows:

	Always buy software from authorized sellers and when in doubt, contact the software manufacturer for a list of authorized sellers.
	While purchasing software, consumers should make sure that they get authenticated software licences. In case of hardware purchase, do not allow dealers to install unlicensed software onto the computer.
	Unless authorized in the licensing agreement, employees of an organization should not make personal copies of software used in an organization.
	One should not make copies of software other than those allowed by the licence agreement.
	Software renting or reselling must not be practised.
	The best way to prevent software piracy is to report it to the concerned copyright holder.

12. Discuss various types of software piracy.

Ans.: Software piracy is the unauthorized copying of an organization's internally developed software or the illegal duplication of commercially available software. There are six basic types of software piracy:

1. Soft loading: It is also known as soft lifting. It means sharing a program with someone who is not authorized by the licence agreement to use it. A common form of soft loading involves purchasing a single licensed copy of software and then loading the software onto several computers, in violation of licensing terms. For example, sharing software with friends, co-workers, and others.
2. Software counterfeiting: It means producing fake copies of software and making it look authentic. This involves providing the packaging box, CDs or floppies, and manuals, all designed to look like the original product. Most commonly, a copy of a CD is made with a CD-burner, and a photocopy of the manual is made. Counterfeit software is sold on street corners, and sometimes unknowingly sold even in retail stores. It is sold at prices far below the actual retail price.
3. Internet downloading: It is the fastest-growing form of piracy. With the growing number of users online and with the rapidly increasing connection speeds, the exchange of software on the Internet has attracted an extensive following. Currently, there are thousands of ‘warez’ sites providing unlimited downloads to any user. Often, the software provided through these warez sites is cracked to eliminate any copy protection schemes.
4. Renting: It involves someone renting out a copy of software for temporary use, without the permission of the copyright holder. Similar to that of renting a video of a movie, violates the licence agreement of software.
5. Hard disk loading: This form of piracy involves installing an unauthorized copy of software onto a computer being sold to the end user. It is often committed by hardware dealers. This makes the deal more attractive to the buyer, at virtually no cost to the dealer. Dealer usually does not provide the buyer with manuals or the original CDs of the software.
6. Licence misuse: A software is distributed under special discount licences to high-volume customers, computer manufacturers, or academic institutions. After getting a copy of the software, manufacturers, customers, or institutions re-distribute the software to others who do not hold or qualify for these licences. This constitutes the misuse of licence.

13. Define the following terms:

(a) Public domain software

(b) Liveware

Ans.: (a) Public domain software: It refers to any program that is not copyrighted. This software is free and can be used without restrictions, that is, the user can copy, distribute, and even modify the software without obtaining permissions from the software developer. Usually, it is offered through websites, electronic bulletin boards, user groups, and other sources.

(b) Liveware: Human beings who write programs, operate, and maintain the computers are collectively known as liveware. They are also known as humanware or peopleware. It is based on the need for a human being to operate the computer system using hardware and software. The people, who are involved in this such as programmers, system analysts, hardware engineers, etc., constitute the liveware.

14. Write in brief on the following:

(a) Shareware

(b) Commercial software

Ans.: (a) Shareware: It is the software that comes with permission for people to redistribute copies for a limited period. Anyone who continues to use a copy is required to pay a licence fee. Therefore, the free use of the software is usually limited to a period. Typically, shareware software is obtained free of charge by downloading, thus allowing one to try out the program ahead of time. It is accompanied by a request for payment, and often payment is required as per the terms of the licence past a set period. For example, software that is distributed with a 30 days trial period like WinZip software.

(b) Commercial software: It represents the majority of software purchased from software publishers. This software comes pre-packaged, is available in software stores, and can be obtained through Internet. It is developed by business organizations that aim to earn profits from its use. It is always copyrighted. The licensing restrictions vary from vendor-to-vendor and product-to-product, and change frequently. It is generally more expensive than competing shareware products, for example, Microsoft Windows.

15. Differentiate between the following:

(a) Open source software and proprietary software

(b) Freeware and firmware

Ans.: (a) Open source software is created by generous programmers and released into the public domain for public use. The underlying programming code is available to the users so that they may read it, make changes to it, and build new versions of the software incorporating their changes for software. Usually, this software is distributed under an open-source licence GPL. Such a licence requires that the source code should be distributed along with the software, and that the source code is freely modifiable, with least restrictions, such as the requirement to preserve the author's names and copyright statement in the code. The Linux operating system is an example of open source software.

On the other hand, proprietary software describes a technology or product that is owned exclusively by a single company that carefully guards knowledge about the technology or the product's internal working. Some proprietary products can only function properly, if at all, when used with other products owned by the same company. Example of a proprietary product is Adobe Acrobat, whose portable document format (PDF) files can only be read with Acrobat Reader. Proprietary software is also called as closed source software (CSS). Its use, redistribution, or modification is prohibited or is restricted so much that the user effectively cannot use it freely.

(b) The term ‘freeware’ is commonly used for copyrighted software that is given free by its owner. Though it is available for free, the owner retains the copyright, which means that a user does not have the right to modify anything in the software. Thus, freeware software permits redistribution but not modification. It usually carries a licence that permits redistribution but may have other restrictions such as limitations on its commercial use.

On the other hand, firmware is a program or data that has been written onto read only memory (ROM). For example, the BIOS (which is installed inside a computer on a chip) checks different parts of the system before loading the OS into the memory. Being firmware, it ensures that it will always be available and will not be damaged in case of a power failure. ROMs, PROMs, and EPROMs that have data or programs recorded on them are firmware.

Multiple-choice Questions

1.   Which of the following is a system software?

(a) Microsoft Word

(b) Adobe Photoshop

(c) Microsoft PowerPoint

(d) Windows 98

2.   Which of the following is an application software?

(a) Database Management System

(b) Image Editor

(c) Spreadsheets

(d) All of these

3.   ____________ are system programs, which are responsible for proper functioning of devices.

(a) Device drivers

(b) Liveware

(c) Application software

(d) None of these

4.   The assembly language program must be translated into machine code by a separate program called ____________.

(a) Assembler

(b) Interpreter

(c) Compiler

(d) Loader

5.   Choose the odd one out:

(a) Disk cleanup

(b) File management

(c) Virus protection

(d) Hardware management

6.   If you change Windows 98 operating system to Windows XP, you are actually performing ____________.

(a) Update

(b) Upgrade

(c) Patch

(d) None of these

7.   ____________ is the unauthorized copying of an organization's internally developed software.

(a) Software piracy

(b) Software stealing

(c) Software duplicity

(d) All of these

8.   Which software is available for free of cost, but for a limited period of time?

(a) Commercial software

(b) Shareware software

(c) Public domain software

(d) None of these

9.   Linux is a type of ____________software.

(a) Shareware

(b) Open source

(c) Commercial

(d) Proprietary

10.   Which one of these is also termed as closed source software?

(a) Proprietary software

(b) Shareware

(c) Open source software

(d) Public domain software

Answers

1. (d)

2. (d)

3. (a)

4. (a)

5. (d)

6. (b)

7. (a)

8. (b)

9. (b)

10. (a)