Unit-1

Software
TOPIC
 What is Software?
Software refers to a collection of programms, data, and instructions that tell a
computer or electronic device how to perform specific tasks. It is essentially the
opposite of hardware, which refers to the physical components of a computer
system. While hardware can be touched, software is intangible and exists in
digital form. Software is what enables hardware to work and be useful for users.

1. Application Software

Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks or

activities for the user. Unlike system software, which manages and controls
hardware and basic operations, application software focuses on user needs.

Examples of application software:

 Word Processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs): Used for

creating, editing, and formatting text documents.
 Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets): Used for data
organization, calculations, and analysis.
 Media Players (e.g., VLC Media Player, iTunes): Used for playing
music, videos, and other media files.
 Web Browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox): Used to access
the internet and view websites.
 Graphics Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW): Used for
editing images and creating graphic designs.
 Games: Software designed for entertainment, like console games, mobile
games, or computer games.

Purpose: Application software aims to provide a platform for users to carry out
specific tasks, whether it's creating content, managing data, or communicating.

2. Systems Software

System software is designed to run the hardware of a computer and provide a

platform for running application software. It's essential for the overall
functioning of the computer system. This software typically operates in the
background, providing a stable environment for application software.

Examples of system software:

 Operating Systems (OS) (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux): The operating

system is the primary system software that manages hardware resources,
 provides an interface for the user, and allows the execution of
applications.
 Device Drivers: These are specialized programs that allow the operating
system to interact with hardware components like printers, graphics
cards, and storage devices.
 Utility Programs: These are system software that help maintain,
diagnose, and optimize the system, such as disk cleanup tools, antivirus
software, and backup utilities.
 Firmware: Low-level software embedded in hardware devices like
routers, cameras, and printers. Firmware allows the hardware to work and
often has the ability to update with new features.

Purpose: The role of system software is to ensure that hardware components

operate correctly and that software can run smoothly without interfering with
each other.

3. Utility Software

Utility software is a category of system software designed to help manage and

optimize computer performance, maintain data security, and perform system
repairs or enhancements. These programs typically do not perform general
functions like application software but help users with more specialized tasks to
improve the system’s efficiency.

Examples of utility software:

 Disk Cleaners: Programs like CCleaner help remove unwanted files, free
up space, and optimize the performance of the system.
 Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Programs like Norton, McAfee,
or Malwarebytes protect against malicious software.
 Backup Software: Programs like Acronis True Image or Time Machine
on macOS help backup system data.
 Compression Tools: Programs like WinRAR or 7-Zip that compress files
to reduce their size.
 Defragmentation Tools: These optimize the storage drive (especially
HDDs) by reorganizing fragmented data for better access speed.

Purpose: Utility software ensures smooth system operations by improving

performance, protecting against security threats, and assisting with system
maintenance.
4. Open Source and Proprietary Software

Open Source Software

Open source software is software whose source code is made freely available
for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. Open source software is often
developed collaboratively by a community of developers and can be used and
shared by anyone without having to pay for it.

Key Features:

 Free to use: Users can download, use, and modify the software at no
cost.
 Transparency: Anyone can access the source code and see how the
software works, making it possible to identify bugs, enhance features, or
even adapt it for specific uses.
 Community-driven: Open source software typically benefits from
contributions from a broad community of developers, ensuring
continuous improvement and bug fixes.

Examples of Open Source Software:

 Linux: An open-source operating system.

 Apache Web Server: Software for hosting websites.
 LibreOffice: An open-source alternative to Microsoft Office.
 VLC Media Player: A popular open-source media player.

Purpose: Open source software emphasizes freedom of use, development, and

distribution while often providing the flexibility to meet specific needs through
modifications.

Proprietary Software

Proprietary software, also known as closed-source software, is software whose

source code is owned and controlled by the creator or company that developed
it. Users must purchase a license to use the software and are prohibited from
modifying or distributing it.

Key Features:

 Paid: Users usually need to buy a license or subscription to use the

software.
 Source code protection: The software's source code is kept private, and
users cannot modify it.
  Updates and Support: Proprietary software usually comes with official
updates, support, and documentation from the vendor.


Examples of Proprietary Software:

 Microsoft Windows: A proprietary operating system.

 Adobe Photoshop: A proprietary graphics and photo editing tool.
 Microsoft Office: A suite of proprietary office productivity software.
 Apple iOS: Proprietary mobile operating system.

Purpose: Proprietary software often provides polished, feature-rich applications

backed by dedicated support, aimed at meeting business or consumer needs
under a licensed model.

5. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps (short for mobile applications) are software applications

specifically designed to run on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
These apps are typically smaller in scope compared to traditional desktop
software, but they are highly optimized for touch interfaces and mobile
hardware capabilities.

Key Features:

 Platform-specific: Many mobile apps are built for specific platforms like
iOS (for Apple devices) or Android (for devices like Samsung, Google,
etc.).
 Access via app stores: Users download and install apps from app stores
(e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store).
 Portable and accessible: Mobile apps are designed to be portable and
functional on the go, providing quick access to information or services.
 Functionality: Mobile apps can range from games and entertainment
apps to productivity tools, social media platforms, and business apps.

Examples of Mobile Apps:

 WhatsApp: A messaging and voice calling app.

 Instagram: A photo-sharing social media app.
 Google Maps: A navigation and mapping app.
 TikTok: A short-form video-sharing app.
Purpose: Mobile apps serve a wide range of functions from communication and
social networking to navigation and gaming, providing users with convenience
and access to services while on the move.

Summary

 Application Software is designed for end-user tasks, like word

processing or gaming.
 System Software includes the operating systems and device drivers that
manage hardware resources.
 Utility Software is aimed at helping maintain and optimize the system,
such as antivirus or backup tools.
 Open Source Software is free to use and can be modified by anyone,
whereas Proprietary Software is commercially licensed and restricts
access to the source code.
 Mobile Apps are software applications built for mobile devices, offering
a variety of functionalities
Application Software

1. Which of the following is an example of application software?

o a) Windows OS
o b) Linux OS
o c) Microsoft Word
o d) Device drivers
2. Which type of software is used for tasks like word processing, accounting, and
media playback?
o a) System software
o b) Application software
o c) Utility software
o d) Firmware
3. Which of the following is a primary use of spreadsheet software?
o a) Manage databases
o b) Create presentations
o c) Perform calculations and data analysis
o d) Edit photos
4. Which application software is used for creating and editing images?
o a) Adobe Photoshop
o b) Microsoft Excel
o c) Google Chrome
o d) Microsoft PowerPoint
5. Which software is primarily used for browsing the internet?
o a) Media player
o b) Web browser
o c) Spreadsheet
o d) Database management system

System Software

6. Which of the following is an example of system software?

o a) Microsoft Word
o b) Google Chrome
o c) Windows Operating System
o d) VLC Media Player
7. What is the main function of an operating system?
o a) Perform calculations
o b) Manage hardware and software resources
o c) Edit images
o d) Process emails
o
8. Which of the following software manages the communication between hardware
and operating system?
o a) Device driver
o b) Antivirus software
o c) Word processor
o d) Spreadsheet software
 9. Which of the following is considered system software?
o a) Google Drive
o b) Adobe Acrobat Reader
o c) macOS
o d) Spotify
10. Which software is used to execute instructions for hardware control in a device
like a printer?
o a) Application software
o b) Device driver
o c) Firmware
o d) System software

Utility Software

11. What is the primary function of utility software?

o a) Help users create documents
o b) Enhance system performance and manage tasks
o c) Create web pages
o d) Play games
12. Which of the following is an example of utility software?
o a) Microsoft Excel
o b) Malwarebytes
o c) Adobe Acrobat
o d) VLC Media Player
13. Which software is used for backup purposes?
o a) Disk Defragmenter
o b) Disk Cleanup
o c) Backup software
o d) Word Processor
14. Which of the following is a disk management utility software?
o a) Norton AntiVirus
o b) WinRAR
o c) Disk Defragmenter
o d) Microsoft Office
o
15. What does antivirus software do?
o a) Enhance graphics
o b) Remove system clutter
o c) Protect against malware and viruses
o d) Compress files

Open Source and Proprietary Software

16. Which of the following is a feature of open-source software?

o a) It is free to use and modify.
o b) It is only available for purchase.
 o c) It is a type of utility software.
o d) It cannot be shared.
o .
17. Which of the following is an example of proprietary software?
o a) Mozilla Firefox
o b) Linux OS
o c) Adobe Photoshop
o d) GIMP
18. Which type of software gives users the freedom to modify its source code?
o a) Proprietary software
o b) Open-source software
o c) Utility software
o d) Application software
19. What is the primary restriction of proprietary software?
o a) The user can access and modify the source code.
o b) The software is available for free.
o c) The software is only available for specific platforms.
o d) The user must purchase a license and cannot modify the software.
20. Which of the following is an example of open-source software?
o a) Microsoft Word
o b) Linux
o c) Adobe Photoshop
o d) Apple iOS

Mobile Apps

21. Which of the following is an example of a mobile app?

o a) Microsoft Excel
o b) WhatsApp
o c) Linux OS
o d) Adobe Photoshop
22. Which of the following is the primary purpose of mobile apps?
o a) To control hardware components
o b) To interact with the operating system
o c) To perform specific tasks for mobile device users
o d) To maintain system performance
23. Where do users typically download mobile apps from?
o a) Microsoft Store
o b) App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android)
o c) Device drivers
o d) File management systems
24. Which type of app would most likely be used for navigating and finding
locations?
o a) Social media app
o b) Weather app
o c) Navigation app (e.g., Google Maps)
o d) News app
25. Which of the following is an example of a mobile game app?
 o a) Instagram
o b) Candy Crush
o c) Microsoft Excel
o d) Twitter

Mixed Questions (All Topics)

26. Which of the following is an operating system used for managing system
resources?
o a) Microsoft Word
o b) Windows OS
o c) Photoshop
o d) VLC Media Player
27. Which software allows you to organize and edit photos?
o a) VLC Media Player
o b) Adobe Photoshop
o c) Google Chrome
o d) Windows Media Player
28. Which of the following is a mobile app used for messaging?
o a) WhatsApp
o b) Microsoft Excel
o c) File Explorer
o d) Google Chrome
29. Which software category includes web browsers like Chrome and Firefox?
o a) System software
o b) Application software
o c) Utility software
o d) Firmware
30. Which of the following types of software is most commonly used for video
playback?
o a) Spreadsheet
o b) Web browser
o c) Media player
o d) System software
o
1Answer: c) Microsoft Word

2Answer: b) Application software

3Answer: c) Perform calculations and data analysis

4Answer: a) Adobe Photoshop

5Answer: b) Web browser

6Answer: c) Windows Operating System

7Answer: b) Manage hardware and software resources

8Answer: a) Device driver

9Answer: c) macOS

10Answer: b) Device driver

11Answer: b) Enhance system performance and manage tasks

12Answer: b) Malwarebytes

13Answer: c) Backup software

14Answer: c) Disk Defragmenter

15Answer: c) Protect against malware and viruses

16Answer: a) It is free to use and modify

17Answer: c) Adobe Photoshop

18Answer: b) Open-source software

19Answer: d) The user must purchase a license and cannot modify the software.

20Answer: b) Linux

21Answer: b) WhatsApp

22Answer: c) To perform specific tasks for mobile device users

23Answer: b) App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android)

24Answer: c) Navigation app (e.g., Google Maps)

25Answer: b) Candy Crush

26Answer: b) Windows OS

27Answer: b) Adobe Photoshop

28Answer: a) WhatsApp

29Answer: b) Application software

30Answer: c) Media player