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Software and operating systems
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Hardware is no use without software to tell it what to do. Software comes in two main kinds.
Hardware and software
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you can touch.
Software is the programs: the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
A games console is hardware; the game you play on it is software.
Software is the programs: the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
A games console is hardware; the game you play on it is software.
System software
System software runs the computer itself.
The most important is the operating system (OS), such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
The OS manages memory and files, controls hardware such as printers, runs programs and gives you a user interface to work with.
Utility software helps look after the computer, for example antivirus and backup programs.
The most important is the operating system (OS), such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
The OS manages memory and files, controls hardware such as printers, runs programs and gives you a user interface to work with.
Utility software helps look after the computer, for example antivirus and backup programs.
Application software
Application software (apps) lets you do a task.
Examples: a word processor, a web browser, a spreadsheet, a photo editor, a game.
Apps need the operating system to run.
Examples: a word processor, a web browser, a spreadsheet, a photo editor, a game.
Apps need the operating system to run.
Sort these into system software or application software: Android, a web browser, antivirus, a spreadsheet.
- Android is an operating system: system software.
- Antivirus looks after the computer: system (utility) software.
- A web browser and a spreadsheet help you do tasks: application software.
Answer: System: Android, antivirus. Application: web browser, spreadsheet.
Hardware is physical; software is programs. System software, such as the operating system, runs the computer. Application software helps you do tasks.
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