Understanding Programs, Software, and Systems
A program is a set of instructions written in a programming language for a computer to perform a particular task. A program is called into action to create or design programs. Programmers are the people who carry out this action.
Programming Languages
Low-Level Language
Used to write programs or system software because they provide a more direct shape.
High-Level Language
Used to write application programs and special-purpose programs, written in a way more like the language we speak, but in English.
Software Types
System Software
The software package that controls directly, which helps maintain and supports other programs that interact with it.
Utilities
Used to translate programs into machine language before being executed.
Assembler
The software that converts programs written in a language. The result is an object program ready to run.
Interpreter
An instruction is translated as the instruction progresses.
Application Software
Programs for a specific purpose according to user needs. They allow the computer to perform many different tasks, such as spreadsheets to create polls, etc.
Integrated Package
The advantage is that different applications share a set of commands and image libraries. The transfer of data between one program and another is simple.
Graphic Design Programs
Perform various tasks, but primarily in creating advertisements and publications. They perform work of varying quality.
Software Licensing
The difference is that if you decide to use a program, you should instead pay for it; the other is free.
Operating Systems
Operating System Duties
Their main duties are: Managing and controlling communication with peripherals, managing and controlling processing tasks, file management, memory management, and managing access to resources.
User Interface
This is the way the operating system presents the user to interact with it.
Command Interface
A text interface; it is not simple to use, forcing the user to know the instructions and syntax that handles the operating system.
Graphical Interface
This interface is based on images, pull-down menus, and windows. It is simple to operate and does not require the user to know any commands or syntax. The command can be selected from a menu using the mouse or keyboard. The operating system, through sound, alerts the user about virtuous actions.
User Types
A single user can use only one user at a time; however, multipurpose input allows multiple users at once, e.g., social networks.