3rd Class Computers Science Introduction to Hardware and Software Software

         Software  

Software is a collection of code and instructions that tell a computer and/or hardware how to operate. It can be compared to the human brain which works and controls our body. A set of instructions for a particular work given to the computer is called a program. Software is a set of programs that you install on your computer to help us to do different kinds of work including games, word processing programs, WordPad and Logo. Software is of two kinds: Applications Software (games, word processors) and Systems Software (programs which make the computer run). The most important piece of software on your computer is the operating system. The operating system lets you communicate with various computer parts and control how the computer and its accessories work. Without an operating system, you cannot open any files, use a printer or see anything on the screen.    

 Mcgra and Lara are discussing about software. Read their conversation and identify who is correct.

Mcgra: Software is a term primarily used for digitally stored data such as computer programs and other kinds of information read and written by computers.

Lara: Today, software includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computer such as film, tapes and records.

(A) Mcgra is correct                                        

(B) Lara is correct

(C) Both are partially correct                      

(D) Both are correct

(E) None of them are correct.  

Answer: (D)

Explanation

Correct Option:

(D) Both of them are correct. Therefore, option (D) is correct.

Incorrect Options:

(A) Not only Mcgra is correct but Lara is also correct. Therefore, option (A) is incorrect.

(B) Not only Lara is correct but Mcgra is also correct. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.

(C) Both of them are fully correct. Therefore, option (C) is incorrect.

(E) None of them are incorrect. Therefore, option (E) is incorrect.    

 Match the following:

                A                                                   B

1. Application Software                            i.   Websites                

                                                                    ii. Word processors

2. System software                                    iii. Games

                                                                    iv. Operating systems

(A) 1-ii, iii;2-i, iv                                               

(B) 1- ii, iv; 2- i, iii

(C) 1- ii, i.ii, iv; 2-1                                            

(D) 1- iv; 2- i, ii, iii

(E) 1- iv; 2- ii, iii  

Answer: (A)

Explanation

Correct Option:

(A) Option (A) is matched correctly. Therefore, option (A) is correct.

Incorrect Options:

(B) Option (B) is matched incorrectly.

(C) Option (C) is matched incorrectly.

(D) Option (D) is matched incorrectly.

(E) Option (E) is matched incorrectly.    

     Relationship between Hardware and Software  

There is a close relationship between computer hardware and software. If hardware is the body, then software is just like the soul in a body. Just as the body cannot live without the soul, the computer cannot perform without software. Similarly, you can see the body (disks, keyboard, mouse and monitor) but not the soul (programs and instructions) Software is code and instructions that tell a computer and/or hardware how to operate. This code can be viewed and executed using a computer or other hardware device. However, without any hardware, software would not exist. An example of software is Microsoft Windows, an operating system that allows you to control your computer and other programs that run on it. All storage devices that keep data safe and store it in some electronic form are hardware while all data in it is software. The software gives life to the body of the computer system. We can load or install it on the computer's storage device. Software is what makes the hardware function properly and to an optimum level. When you're storing software on your hard disk, whether it is the operating system or programs, it uses storage space on your hard disk. The storage space is measured in terms of bits and bytes. Understanding what software and hardware do, will help get the most out of your personal computer.  

• The Human ware refers to people who give commands and instructions to hardware to work with the software.  

• Hardware is a general term for the physical components of a computer system.
• Software is a general term primarily used for digitally stored data such as computer programs and other kinds of information read and written by computers.
• Middleware is the software that connects two separate applications.  

• Each computer has some hardware (physical parts like keyboard, mouse) and software (programs and instructions) associated with it which helps a computer to work.
• Resources on Net: http://www.wikipedia.org
• Related Topics Input and Output Devices - Chapter 6  

    Abbreviations

IC                   -           Integrated Circuit

H/w              -             Hardware

S/w               -            Software

UBS               -           Operating System