Learning Objectives
By the end of this
worksheet, you will
be able to:
✔ Define software and explain its purpose in a computer system
✔ Identify and describe the two main categories of software
✔ Give examples of each type of software and explain what they are used for
Section 1: Key Concepts — What is Software?
📖 Read the information below carefully before answering the questions.
Software
Software is a set of instructions (programs) that tell a computer what to do. Without software,
hardware cannot perform any useful task. Software is divided into two main categories:
1. System Software — controls and manages the hardware and provides a platform for other
software to run.
2. Application Software — programs designed to help users carry out specific tasks.
System Software — Types & Examples
Operating System Manages all hardware and software resources. Controls input/output,
(OS) memory, files, and user interface. Examples: Windows 11, macOS, Linux,
Android, iOS
Utility Software Programs that help maintain, protect, and optimise the computer. Examples:
Anti-virus software; a program that protects a computer by detecting and
removing viruses and other harmful software.,
disk defragmenter; repairs the fragmentation that occurs when files are
saved in scattered pieces across a drive - making the mechanical reading
process more efficient, file compression tools (e.g. WinZip), backup software
Device Drivers Small programs that allow the OS to communicate with hardware devices.
Examples: Printer driver, graphics card driver, keyboard driver
Compilers programs that translate source code written in a high-level programming
language (like C, Java, or Python) into a lower-level form that a computer can
execute, usually machine code or bytecode.
Linkers A linker or link editor is a computer program that combines intermediate
software build files such as object and library files into a single executable file
Application Software — Types & Examples
General Purpose Can be used for many different tasks. Examples:
Word processors (MS Word); A word processor is a type of application
software used to create, edit, format, and print text documents.
, spreadsheets (MS Excel); A spreadsheet is a type of application software
used to organise, calculate, and analyse data in a table format.
, presentation software (PowerPoint); A presentation software is a type of
application software used to create and display information in slideshows.
, web browsers (Chrome); used find web pages on the internet
Specific Purpose Designed for one particular task or industry. Examples:
Payroll software; a program used to calculate and manage employees’
salaries and payments,
Hospital management systems; software used to manage patient information,
appointments, and hospital operations efficiently.,
Point-of-sale (POS) systems; software used to record sales and process
payments in a business.,
CAD software; a type of application software used to create, modify, and
design drawings or models on a computer.
Online / Web-based Software accessed via the internet, no installation needed. Examples: Google
Docs, Gmail, YouTube, online banking portals
Differences between System Software and Application software
Feature System Software Application Software
Definition Software that manages and controls the Software designed to help
computer hardware and provides a platform users perform specific
for other software tasks
Purpose To run and operate the computer system To solve user problems or
efficiently complete specific tasks
User Works mostly in the background; limited Directly interacts with the
Interaction direct interaction with users user
Dependency Essential for the computer to function; Depends on system
applications depend on it software to run
Examples Operating systems, utility programs, device Word processors, web
drivers browsers, games
Installation Usually installed when the computer is set Installed by the user as
up needed
Function Controls hardware, memory, and processes Performs specific tasks like
typing, browsing, or editing
Importance Cannot run a computer without it Computer can run without
it, but less useful