FINE BREED ACADEMYTOPIC: Computer System Software
LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
• Define system software.
• List and explain types of system software.
•State the functions of an operating system.
•Give examples of system software
ENTRY BEHAVIOUR: The teacher begins by asking students:
What makes a computer work?
Can a computer work without programs?
Explain that just as human beings need instructions to perform tasks, computers also need special programs to control their operations. These special programs are called system software.
SUB-TOPIC 1: Definition of software.
Definition of software
Software is a set of instructions usually called a program, which control the operations of a computer. These instructions are written by Programmers and it is used to direct the hardware component on what , when and how to accomplish a given task. A program is a sequence of instructions (steps) that the computer follows to perform a task. The software is the intangible part of the computer system.
SUB-TOPIC 2: Types of software
Types of software
Computer software can be broadly categorised into two main categories. They are:
System software
Application software
SUB-TOPIC 3: System software
System software
These are programs that direct and control the running of computer hardware and other connected devices. System software helps the computer to manage it’s internal and external resources such as memory and processor. It is also referred to as a permanent component of the computer that controls it's fundamental functions; it provides and maintains a platform for running application software.
Basic types of System Software
1.Operating system
2. Language translators
3.Utility software
4.Device Drivers
Summary
System software is essential for the functioning of a computer. The operating system is the most important type of system software because it controls all other programs and hardware components.
Evaluation
Assignment
1.Explain five functions of an operating system.
2.Differentiate between utility software and device drivers.