Computer software

3 Computer software

Types of Software

Software	Software The programs run by the computer
Software	Firmware Software stored on a chip
Operating System	Disk Operating System (DOS) The software which controls the disk drive
	Access time The time taken for the computer to get information from a storage device, e.g. disk or tape
	Analogue Represents a quantity changing in steps which are continuous, i.e. a sine wave, as opposed to digital which is in discrete steps
	Analogue to digital convertor A device which converts analogue signals into digital signals which can be understood by the computer
	Arithmetic logic unit Area responsible for logic and mathematical calculations
	Baud The unit for measuring the rate at which data is transmitted or received
	Bits per second (bps) The rate information is transferred between computers
	Booting The action of starting up the computer by loading it with its starting instructions
	Buffer An area which stores information at one rate and releases it at a slower rate to another device, e.g. a buffer can be sited between a computer (fast) and a printer (which is significantly slower). Data can then be passed at a fast rate and stored in the buffer until the printer can print the data, therefore the computer is freed for further work much more rapidly
	Characters per second (CPS) A measure of the speed of data output
	Chip A piece of silicon or gallium arsenide which contains the microcircuitry which operates the computer
	Dot matrix A square or rectangle of dots which, given instructions by the computer, forms a character on the screen
	Download To transfer information from one computer to another
	FAQ Frequently Asked Question
	Gate The basis of all computer operations and performs a single logical operation when subjected to a number of inputs
	Graphical User Interface (GUI) Enables the operator to use the computer intuitively via graphics (pictures) showing programs to run, directories they are kept in etc., e.g. ‘Windows’ from Microsoft
	Graphics

• Computerised ‘drawing’, known as CAD (Computer Aided Drawing or Design)

• The ability of the computer to produce preprogrammed graphic characters

• The mode the computer has to be placed in prior to drawing graphics

Graphics tablet
Equipment that can digitise drawing or graphs ready for input into the computerHandshake
An electronic signal which indicates the end of the passage of data from the computerWord ProcessingA combination of computer, software and printer enabling the user to produce high quality text which can be manipulated electronically before being committed to paperSpreadsheetA program which allows forecasting and financial planning if any variable is altered. The effects throughout the program can be demonstrated and the figures changed throughout the program without further input from the userDatabase

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue