Chapter 1: Computer Software
Class 7th CBSE | By Pratap Sanjay Sir
📘 Computer Components
A computer is made of Hardware and Software.
Hardware
Hardware means physical parts of a computer like keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU etc.
Software
Software means a set of programs or instructions given to the computer to perform tasks.
📘 Types of Software
System Software
➩The software that controls and manages the computer hardware is called System Software.
➩It helps the computer run properly.
➩It acts as a link between user and computer hardware.
Example: MS Windows (7/10/11 .. etc.), MacOS, Linux, iMac, UNIX, DOS.
Application Software
➩ Made for specific user tasks (User work).
- General Purpose (Word, Excel, Instagram, Facebook)
- Special Purpose (Billing, Hospital)
📘 Types of System Software:
📘 1. Operating System (OS)
The most important system software that runs a computer. It controls all parts of the computer.
Components of OS:
1. Shell: The outer layer. It accepts commands from the user and acts as the interface. (Example: Desktop screen).
Shell → User Interface
2. Kernel: The core part. It manages the CPU, memory, and hardware devices. It is often called the heart of the OS.
Kernel → Brain of OS
Functions of Operating System:
1. Starts the Computer: The Operating System is responsible for booting the system and loading all necessary files into the memory to make it ready for use.
2. Controls Hardware Devices: It manages and coordinates all physical components like the mouse, keyboard, and printer to ensure they work together perfectly.
3. Runs Application Software: The OS provides the platform to open and use apps like MS Word, Google Chrome, and Photoshop.
4. Manages Files and Folders: It keeps track of where your data is stored, allowing you to create, copy, move, and delete files easily.
5. Controls Memory: It manages the computer's RAM by allocating space to different programs and ensuring one program doesn't interfere with another.
6. Provides Security: The OS protects your data from unauthorized access using passwords, user accounts, and firewalls.
7. Handles Input and Output Devices: It manages the flow of data between the computer and external devices, ensuring smooth communication.
Types of OS:
- Single User OS: One person at a time (MS-DOS).
- Multi User OS:Many users can work at the same time. (UNIX).
- Multitasking OS:Runs many programs together (Windows 10 or Windows 11).
- Real Time OS: Gives quick response immediately. (used in Robots and Medical machines).
🍎 Apple Macintosh
Apple Inc. makes Macintosh computers. These computers use macOS. It is world-famous for high-quality graphics, professional design work, and very smooth performance.
☀️ Solaris
Solaris is a powerful Unix-based Operating System. Originally created by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle), it is primarily used for large industrial servers and complex networking.
💻 MS-DOS
MS-DOS (Disk Operating System) is a classic text-based OS by Microsoft. Unlike modern systems, it has no icons; users must type commands on a black screen to perform tasks.
▇ MS WINDOWS
- MS Windows is a popular operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation.
- It is based on GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- It uses icons, menus, windows, and buttons, so it is easy to use.
- It is user-friendly and helpful for beginners.
- It supports multitasking, which means many programs can run at the same time.
- It follows WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
- It is used in homes, schools, offices, and businesses.
- Popular versions are Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
- MS Windows is one of the most widely used desktop operating systems in the world.
📘 Mobile Application
➥ A Mobile Application (App) is a software program designed to run on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Types:
- Native: Built for a specific operating system. Example: Android apps for Android phones.
- Web: Run through a web browser. No installation required.
- Hybrid: Combination of native + web apps. Example- WhatsApp, Instagram, youtube.
📱 Mobile Operating Systems
➯ A Mobile Operating System (Mobile OS) is system software that manages hardware and software of a smartphone.
Types of Smartphone OS Platforms
➥Main smartphone operating systems:
- Android OS
- iPhone OS / iOS
- Windows Mobile / Windows Phone
- BlackBerry OS
- Bada OS
- MeeGo OS
- Palm OS
1. Android OS➥ Google Inc. ➜ Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. It is open-source and supports many smartphone brands.Features:
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2. iPhone OS / iOS➥ Apple Inc. ➜ iOS is used only in Apple devices. It is known for security, smooth performance and premium quality apps.Features:
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3. Windows Mobile / Windows Phone➥ Microsoft ➜ Known for its Live Tiles interface, integration with MS Office, and smooth synchronization with Windows PCs.Features:
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4. BlackBerry OS➥ Research In Motion (RIM) ➜ BlackBerry OS was developed mainly for business users. It became famous for email services and secure communication.Features:
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5. Bada OS➥ Samsung Electronics ➜ Bada OS was used in older Samsung smartphones before Android became common.Features:
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6. MeeGo OS➥ Nokia and Intel ➜ MeeGo was a Linux-based mobile operating system jointly developed by Nokia and Intel.Features:
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7. Palm OS➥ Palm Inc. ➜ Palm OS was one of the earliest mobile operating systems used in PDAs and early smartphones.Features:
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📂 File System
⟶ A File System is the method used by an operating system to store, organize, manage, and retrieve files from a storage device like hard disk, SSD, or pen drive.
Examples: FAT32, NTFS, exFAT
- Stores files in folders/directories
- Helps in quick searching of files
- Provides security permissions
- Manages free disk space
📁 Categorize Your Files
1️⃣ Using Hierarchical System
⟶ Arrange files in folders and subfolders.
Example: Documents → Study → Computer Notes
2️⃣ Using Metadata
⟶ Metadata means extra information about a file such as author name, date created, size, tags, type etc.
3️⃣ Regular Clean Up
⟶ Delete unwanted, duplicate, or old files regularly to save space.
4️⃣ Follow a Naming Convention
⟶ Give clear and proper file names.
Example: Class10_Computer_Chapter1.pdf
💻 Programming Software
⟶ Programming software helps programmers write, test, and run computer programs.
1️⃣ Assembler
⟶ Converts Assembly Language into Machine Language.
Example: MASM, TASM
2️⃣ Compiler
⟶ Converts the whole high-level program into machine code at once.
Example: C Compiler, GCC
3️⃣ Interpreter
⟶ Converts and executes code line by line.
Example: Python Interpreter
🛠 Utility Software
⟶ Utility software helps maintain, protect, and optimize the computer system.
1️⃣ Backup Utility
⟶ Used to create copies of files and data for safety.
2️⃣ Disk Defragmenter
⟶ Rearranges fragmented files to improve speed.
3️⃣ Data Compression Program
⟶ Reduces file size for storage and sharing.
Example: WinZip, WinRAR
4️⃣ Disk Cleaner
⟶ Removes temporary and junk files.
5️⃣ Antivirus Software
⟶ Protects computer from viruses and malware.
Example: Windows Defender, Quick Heal
💻 Application Software
➥ Application Software are programs designed to help users perform specific tasks such as typing, calculation, designing, database management, presentations, and entertainment.
➞ These software make daily work easy, fast, and accurate.
📂 Types of Application Software
1️⃣ General Purpose Software
⇾ These software are made for common tasks used by many users.
📝 Word Processor
⇾ Used to create, edit, format, and print text documents.
Examples: MS Word, Google Docs
📊 Presentation Software (PPT)
⇾ Used to create slideshows for teaching, meetings, and seminars.
Examples: MS PowerPoint, Google Slides
📰 DTP (Desktop Publishing)
⇾ Used for designing books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters etc.
Examples: Adobe PageMaker, CorelDraw
📈 Spreadsheet (Excel)
⇾ Used for calculations, charts, tables, and data analysis.
Examples: MS Excel, Google Sheets
🗄 DBMS
⇾ DBMS stands for Database Management System. It is used to store, organize, update, and manage data.
Examples: MS Access, MySQL, Oracle
🛠 Tailor-Made Software
⇾ Tailor-Made Software are specially developed according to the needs of a person, company, school, hospital, or organization.
⇾ These software are also called Customized Software.
🎬 Multimedia Software
⇾ Used to create, edit, or play audio, video, animation, and graphics.
Examples: VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere Pro
🖼 Image Processing Software
⇾ Used to edit, improve, resize, and design images.
Examples: Adobe Photoshop, Paint.NET, GIMP
📌 Difference Between General & Tailor-Made Software
| General Software | Tailor-Made Software |
|---|---|
| Used by many users | Made for specific users |
| Ready-made software | Custom developed software |
| Low cost | Higher cost |
| Examples: Word, Excel | Examples: School ERP, Hospital Management |
Ch -1 : Solutions
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. Which of the following is a common operating system?
(d) All of these ✔
2. Which of the following is an example of multi-tasking operating system?
(c) Windows 11 ✔
3. Full form of DOS is:
(a) Disk Operating System ✔
4. Operating Software available for Mobile Application:
(c) Both (a) and (b) ✔
5. Quick Heal, Norton are:
(a) Virus scanner ✔
6. This is an utility program:
(a) Virus scanning ✔
7. ______ is a language processor translate entire program in one go:
(b) Compiler ✔
8. A ______ converts the high-level language source code into machine language.
(c) Interpreter ✔
B. Fill in the Blanks
1. System software can be classified into three categories: Operating System, Language Processor and Utility Software
2. Windows is the most popular operating system.
3. Windows 11 released in 2021.
4. Most recent versions are based on GUI.
5. The operating system is Google's open and free software Android.
6. Compiler translates the entire source program into machine language.
7. Word Processors are used to create, edit and format text documents.
8. PowerPoint designs interactive, multimedia-rich presentations.
C. Tick (✔) for True and (✘) for False
1. Operating system is the first program loaded into memory. ✔
2. The area of screen is called a icon. ✘
3. The Android mobile operating system is paid software. ✘
4. An Apple app can run on an Android phone. ✘
5. An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language. ✔
6. Tailor-made softwares are designed according to the needs of an organisation. ✔
D. Answer the Following Questions
1. What do you know about software? How many types of software are there?
Software is a set of programs that tells a computer what to do. There are mainly two types of software: System Software and Application Software.
2. Write the basic tasks of operating systems.
Operating system performs the following basic tasks:
- Manages computer memory.
- Controls hardware devices.
- Runs application programs.
- Manages files and folders.
- Provides user interface.
- Handles system security.
- Controls input and output operations.
3. Write a short note on MS Windows.
MS Windows is a popular operating system developed by Microsoft. It provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI), which makes it easy to use. It supports multitasking, file management, networking, and many software applications. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are its latest versions.
4. What is the difference between general-purpose software and multi-purpose software?
General-purpose software: It is designed to perform a specific common task such as typing documents, calculations, or presentations. Example: MS Word.
Multi-purpose software: It is a collection of different programs used for many tasks in one package. Example: MS Office includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
5. Differentiate between compiler and interpreter.
| Compiler | Interpreter |
|---|---|
| Translates the whole program at one time. | Translates the program line by line. |
| Execution is faster after compilation. | Execution is slower. |
| Shows errors after complete compilation. | Shows errors one by one during execution. |
| Example: C, C++ | Example: Python, BASIC |
6. Explain the following:
(a) Mobile Application
A mobile application is software designed to run on smartphones or tablets. Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Calculator.
(b) File Systems
A file system is a method used by an operating system to store, organize, and manage files and folders on a storage device.
(c) Word Processors
Word processors are software used to create, edit, save, and format text documents. Example: MS Word.
(d) DBMS Software
DBMS stands for Database Management System. It is used to create, store, organize, and manage data efficiently. Example: MS Access, MySQL.
(e) Assembler
Assembler is a language translator that converts assembly language into machine language.
(f) Utility Software
Utility software helps to maintain and protect the computer system. Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup tools.
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