What is software?
A set of instructions that tells computer hardware what to do.
What is the difference between system and application software?
System software manages hardware and resources; application software helps users perform tasks.
What is the order of layers in the software stack from bottom to top?
Hardware is at the bottom, then system software, application software, and the user at the top.
What does each layer of the software stack depend on?
Each layer depends on the layer beneath it.
Software categories
System software manages hardware, application software helps tasks.
Software stack order
Hardware, system software, application software, user.
System software role
Manages hardware, provides platform for applications.
Four system software types
Operating system, device drivers, firmware, utility software.
Application software
Programs that perform user-specific tasks.
Memory hook for system software
Runs in background, manages resources.
Dependency in software stack
Application depends on system software, which depends on hardware.
Test your knowledge with 10 questions on System and Application Software.
1. A word processor is running on a computer, but the operating system cannot access the machine's hardware. What does the software stack imply about the word processor?
2. What is the primary role of software in a computer system?
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