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CHAPTER 4 Software Concepts

Software:
Software refers to programs means a set of instructions given to the computer that tells
the computer how to do its work.
They are of 2 types 1) System Software 2) Application Software
System software is made up of control the computer such as operating system.
Application Software is used to processes data such as inventory, payroll, spreadsheet,
word etc.
Application software classified into 2 types
Application specific: - is used to execute a limited task.
e.g.:- Tally
General purpose:-is not limited to only one function.
e.g.:-Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Define DATA.
Data is a collection of facts, figures or statistics which can be processed to produce
meaningful information. Data alone does not have any meaning.
Example: - Name, Regno of student.

Define INFORMATION.
Information is processed data with definite meaning.
Example:-Finding the total and average of students.

Define Computer Language.
A computer language is a set of rules to be followed by the user to instruct the computer
about the operations to be performed.
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All computer languages can be broadly classified as:
1. Low Level Language. (LLL)
a) Machine Level Language(MLL)
b) Assembly Language(AL)
2. High Level Language. (HLL)
a) Specific purpose language
b) General purpose language

1) Low Level Language:
Here, the user or programmer was required to write his program in sequence of 0's and
1's. This type of language can be understood only by a machine; hence it has name
machine language. It can be directly typed and executed, no translator program is
required. But it is difficult to understand, modify and debug errors. But machine
languages are machine dependent.
Another type of low level language is assembly language. It is also called as symbolic
language. But a program in assembly language has to be converted to its equivalent
machine language to be executed on a computer. The translator program is required here;
that translates or converts assembly code into machine code is called an assembler.

2) High Level Language:
To avoid the difficulties of using machine level and assembly languages high level
language was developed. These are English like. It is written using alphabets, digits,
punctuation and other special symbols. Hence each instruction is easy to read and
understood. They are machine independent, i.e. programs written on one machine can be
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run on another machines with little or no modification. It is necessary to translate
program in written in high level language into machine language for the computer to
understand. This can done by using translator called as Compiler or Interpreter.
e.g.:- C, C++

Advantages and disadvantages of Machine level language:
ADVANTAGES:
1. It can be directly typed and executed
2. No translator program is required.

DISADVANTAGES:
1. Difficult to remember the machine instructions
2. Difficult to understand and modify and debug errors.

Advantages and disadvantages of Assembly level language:
ADVANTAGES:
1. Easy to remember operation codes.
2. Easy to understand the program write them.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. This language is machine independent
2. Less different than machine language.

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Advantages of High level language:
1. Machine Independence: High level languages can run on different computers without
modification.
2. Easy to learn and use: These languages are very easy to learn and use because they
are very similar to English language which we use in daily life.
3. Fewer errors and easier modifications: Modifications to a program can be easily
done very easily.
4. Better documentation: A high level language is designed in such a way that its
instructions may be written more like English language.
5. Reprogramming expenses are greatly reduced, when new machines are required.
6. Writing a program in high level language does not require the knowledge of the
internal structure of the computer.

Disadvantages of high level languages:
1. Lack of flexibility: Because the automatic features of high level languages always
occur and are not under the control of the programmer, they are less flexible than
assembly languages.
2. Slower in execution: Runs slower due to the statements and they are portable between
different machines provide a suitable compiler is available. Such languages are machine
independent.
3. Requires a translator called compiler or interpreter: A source program written in a
high level language needs to be converted to machine language; the translator called a
compiler or interpreter will do this.
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4. Lower efficiency: As the programs written in high level languages take more time to
run and require more main storage, they are tried to be less efficient in the use of the CPU
and other facilities.

Define Translator
A translator is a program that converts program written in one programming language
into another programming language.
The input to the translator is a source program.
The output will be object program.



Explain different types of translators.
Assembler: It is a program which translates an assembly language program into machine
language.


Complier: It is a program which translates the entire high level language program into
machine language at a time.


I nterpreter: It is program which translates the high level language program into machine
language one statement at a time.
Source Object Translator
Assembly Machine Assembler
High Level Machine Compiler
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Loader: It is program which loads the object program into the main memory.
Links: It allows program to share data and variables by linking smaller programs to form
single program.

What is an Operating System or OS? Explain the types of operating system.
Operating System controls the overall operations of a computer. In other words Operating
system acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hard ware.
Examples of operating system are:-
DOS, UNIX, LINUX, Windows 7 etc.

The different types of OS are:
1. Single User Operating System:
Here only one user can use the computer for any given time. The user can
do only one thing at a time on the computer. The computer will execute the current
program only after the earlier program has completed its execution.
E.g.: DOS(Disk Operating System)
2. Batch Processing OS:
In this OS the jobs were collected or grouped into batches and the operator
would run one batch at a time for execution. Here the user has no interaction with
the job during its processing. Once the jobs are processed, results are available to
the user.

3. Multi-Programming or Multitasking OS:
In this OS the computer can hold more than one program in the memory
and can execute them concurrently in a multiuser OS.
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4. Multi User or Time Sharing System:
This allows more than one user to access and use one computer at a time.
The CPU processes the jobs a little time of the first user and then the second and
soon. Only one CPU is shared among all users. All the users interacts or
communicates with the computer at same time.
E.g.: UNIX
5. Multiprocessing OS or Parallel System:
This is also known as parallel system which allows multiple users to access
and use more than one CPU.There can be sharing of computer bus, the clock, the
memory etc.

6. On-Line Systems:
This provides services to multiple users online. The data is fed and the
user has full interaction with program during its execution. It is used in air-line
ticket bookings, railway ticket bookings, bus ticket bookings, banking system.

7. Real Time OS:
Real time systems are used to get the computations done immediately. It is
a system where it analysis the data as soon as it is input and generates the output.
It is used in medical imaging systems, Airlines for flight seat availability, machine
tool control, weather forecasting etc.

8. Distributed OS:
It represents a number of independent computers connected with each other
so that they can share data and resources.
E.g.: Amoeba, LOCUS

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9. Desktop OS or Personal OS:
It is designed to control the personal computers such as desktop, notebook,
laptop etc.Software designed to control and allow the users to make use of
application programs.
E.g.: Windows XP, Windows VISTA, Windows 7, Windows 8

10. Server OS or Network OS:
A software that runs on the server which manages data, users, groups, security,
applications and other networking functions.
E.g.: Windows server, LINUX

11. Embedded OS:
It is designed for embedded devices. These are larger systems. It includes
hardware and mechanical parts.
E.g.: Windows Embedded, LINUX
12. Mobile OS:
It is designed for mobile devices such as mobile phones, smart phones and tablets.
E.g.: Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone OS, Blackberry OS, Symbian OS.

What do you mean by User Interface (UI)? Mention the types of UI.
User Interface (UI) is the way O.S interacts or communicates with the user.
There are two types of user interface
1. GUI ( Graphical user Interface)
2. CUI ( Command line User Interface)

1. GUI ( Graphical user Interface)
Allows Users to communicate with O.S by using images and graphics.

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2. CUI ( Command line User Interface)
Allows Users to communicate with O.S by using commands.

Explain the different views of Operating system?

1. The O.S as an extended machine
The user need not know how the files are stored, the internal structure also the
unpleasant tasks, thus helping the user to get his work done in easier manner.

2. The O.S as a resource manager
The O.S consists of various components or devices The O.S allocates the available
sources equally to all the programs. It acts as a manager, which sees all the
processes get equal time and equal resources to execute.

3. The O.S as a guardian and account
The O.S is responsible to provide access controls so that users do not interfere
with each other also O.S is restricted from unauthorized access.

Explain the various functions of Operating system?
1. Booting the computer
Loading the O.S into the main memory from the secondary storage devices is
called as booting.

2. Interfacing with users
The O.S translates the user instructions into a form a computer can understand.
The way O.S interacts or communicates with the user is called as User Interface.

3. Providing an environment for running software
The way, your computers O.S, application software are organized are similar to
chain of command in an Army. When a command is issued using application
software it tells the O.S what to do.
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4. Managing and monitoring Resources & Jobs/Tasks/work
Resource means to any component that is required to perform work.
E.G:- the processor, the RAM
Scheduling means the way, in which jobs are carried out, as well as which job is
executed first if the user working on more than one program at a time.
The O.S will be busy with resource management tasks such as
Managing processor resources
Managing memory
Keep track of storage resources
Ensure that input and output proceed in orderly manner
Managing files.

5. Configuring devices
O.S configures all the devices connected to the computer. Small programs called
drivers are used to communicate with peripheral devices or external devices.

6. Security
O.S can use passwords, biometric characteristics for security to prevent
unauthorized access.

7. Processing techniques for increased efficiency
O.S makes use of various techniques in order to operate more efficiently.
Some of the techniques are as follows:-
Multitasking
Refers to the ability of the O.S to have more than one program open at a
time.
Multithreading
Refers to the ability of the O.S to rotate between multiple threads. (A sequence
of instructions within a program which is independent of other threads)
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e.g.:-printing, opening a document in M.S word

Multiprocessing
It includes the use of two or more CPU to perform work.
Parallel Processing
Here the processors usually work together to complete one job more
quickly.

8. Buffering and Spooling
Buffer
An area in RAM or a hard disk designated to hold input and output on their
way in and out of the system.

Spooling
The process of placing items in a buffer so that a device (printer) can
retrieve them when needed.

Functional features of different Operating systems
DOS
1) DOS stands for Disk Operating System.
2) It was developed by Microsoft Corporation.
3) It supports hierarchical file system.
4) It supports many languages.
5) It supports Command line User Interface(CUI)
6) It supports functionalities for managing file and disks.

Windows
1) It was developed by Microsoft Corporation.
2) It is designed for personal computers.
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3) The different versions are Windows 3.11,Windows 95,windows
ME,Windoows 2000,Windows XP,Windows VISTA, Windows 7,Windows
8.
4) It supports multitasking and multithreading.
5) It supports networking.
6) It supports better system protection.
7) It supports back-up and system restore facility.
8) It supports sleep and resume.
9) It supports better power management.
10) It supports multimedia.
11) It supports sidebar application.
12) It supports quick search facility.
13) It supports wireless devices,blutooth devices.
14) It has Control Panel.

MAC OS
1) It was developed by APPLE Corporation.
2) It is more secure.
3) It supports multitasking and multithreading.
4) It supports multimedia.
5) It supports back-up and system restore facility.
6) It is based on UNIX OS
7) It supports Graphical User Interface(GUI)

UNIX
1) It was developed by AT & T Bell Labs.
2) It is a multiuser OS.
3) It supports networking.
4) It is more expensive.
5) It is more secure.
6) It supports Character based User Interface(CUI)
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LINUX
1) It was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
2) It is a freeware(Software is available for free).
3) It is based on UNIX OS
4) It is a multiuser OS.
5) It supports networking.
6) It is more expensive.
7) It is more secure.
8) It supports Character based User Interface(CUI)

Windows Mobile
1) It was developed by Microsoft Corporation.
2) It is designed for mobile phones.
3) It looks similar to large desktop version, but it has features useful for
mobile users.
4) It supports multitasking.

Windows Embedded
It is designed for embedded devices such as cash registers, digital photo
frames, TM machines, robots, medical devices.

Android
1) It is a LINUX based OS.
2) It is developed by Google and more than 30 technology and mobile
companies.
3) It supports multitasking.
4) It supports networking.
5) It supports web browsing.

iPhone OS
1) It was developed by APPLE Corporation.
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2) It is designed for APPLE mobile devices.
3) It supports multi-touch input.
4) It supports multitasking.
5) It supports web browsing.

Blackberry OS
1) It is designed for blackberry devices.
2) It supports multitasking.
3) It supports voice note feature.
4) It supports web browsing.

Symbian OS
1) Most of the Nokia phones are using this OS.
2) It supports multitasking and multithreading.
3) It supports networking.
4) It supports web browsing.
5) It has flexible user interface.