Computer Software Notes for SSC Exams: System and Application Software

Computer software is a basic and regular topic in SSC Computer Knowledge. The questions ask you to identify system software, application software and utility programs. These computer software notes for SSC explain the types with examples, tables and practice questions. Read it with the Operating System Notes and Computer Languages and Translators Notes notes.

What Is Software?

• Software is a set of programs and instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
• Hardware is the physical part of the computer. Software cannot be touched.
• Software is divided into system software and application software.

System Software

Application Software

Application software can be general-purpose (MS Office, used by anyone) or special-purpose (Tally, railway reservation software). A customised (tailor-made) software is made for one organisation.

Types of Software by License

Other Important Terms

• Patch is a small update that fixes a bug or a security problem.
• Version shows the release of the software.
• Plug-in or add-on adds a new feature to an existing program.
• Bundled software is the software that comes with a new computer.
• Package is a set of programs for a task, such as MS Office.

System Software in Detail

• Operating system controls the hardware and gives the platform to run the application software.
• Device drivers are small programs that let the operating system talk to hardware such as printers, graphics cards and scanners.
• Utility programs perform support tasks: antivirus, backup, disk cleaner, disk defragmenter, file manager, compression tools (WinRAR, 7-Zip) and system monitors.
• Language translators are compilers, interpreters and assemblers.
• Firmware such as BIOS is permanent software stored in ROM or flash memory.
• Bootloader is the small program that loads the operating system.

Application Software in Detail

Software Licensing Terms

• The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a popular open-source licence, started by Richard Stallman (Free Software Foundation).
• Examples of open-source software: Linux, Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC, GIMP, Apache, MySQL, Python and Android (core).
• Examples of proprietary software: Windows, MS Office, Photoshop and macOS.

Software Development and Maintenance Terms

Mobile, Web and Cloud Software

• Mobile apps are made for phones: Android apps (.apk, Google Play Store) and iOS apps (App Store).
• Web applications run in a browser and need no installation, such as Gmail and Google Docs.
• SaaS delivers software over the internet on a subscription.
• Native apps are made for one platform, while cross-platform apps run on many.
• APIs allow two software programs to talk to each other.

Important Questions Explained

Question 1: Which is an example of system software?
Answer: An operating system such as Windows or Linux.

Question 2: Which type of software is MS Excel?
Answer: Application software (a spreadsheet).

Question 3: Which software is used to protect a computer from viruses?
Answer: Utility software (an antivirus).

Question 4: Permanent software stored in ROM is called?
Answer: Firmware.

Question 5: Which software gives the source code free to everyone?
Answer: Open-source software.

Question 6: Which software is free for a trial period only?
Answer: Shareware.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Remember "system software runs the computer, application software does the user's work".
• Learn utilities: antivirus, disk cleanup, defragmenter and backup.
• Link open-source with Linux and Firefox.
• Remember firmware as software stored in ROM.
• Compiler and interpreter are system software.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing an antivirus as application software.
• Confusing freeware with open-source software.
• Mixing shareware and freeware.
• Writing the BIOS as an application.
• Thinking that a browser is system software.

Quick Revision Points

• Software = system + application.
• System software: OS, drivers, translators, utilities, firmware.
• Application software: MS Office, browsers, Tally, media players.
• Open source = source code is open; freeware = free but closed.
• Firmware = software in ROM.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Which one is system software?
   Answer: Operating system (Windows, Linux).
2. Which one is application software?
   Answer: MS Word (Word processor).
3. An antivirus is what type of software?
   Answer: Utility software (System software).
4. Which software is stored permanently in ROM?
   Answer: Firmware (BIOS).
5. Software that is free but not open source is?
   Answer: Freeware (No source code).
6. Software free for a trial period is?
   Answer: Shareware (Then paid).
7. Linux is an example of?
   Answer: Open-source software (Source code is free).
8. Tally is used for?
   Answer: Accounting (Special-purpose software).
9. A small update that fixes a bug is called?
   Answer: Patch (Security update).
10. Which software helps the OS to run a printer?
    Answer: Device driver (System software).

More Practice Questions With Answers

1. Which software is used to type a letter?
   Answer: Word processor (Application software).
2. What is software that shows adverts called?
   Answer: Adware (Free software).
3. Who started the Free Software Foundation?
   Answer: Richard Stallman (GPL).
4. Which testing is done by real users before the final release?
   Answer: Beta testing (Before launch).
5. Which software is a utility?
   Answer: Disk defragmenter (System software).
6. What do we call a large collection of updates?
   Answer: Service pack (Windows).
7. Which software is used for accounting in India?
   Answer: Tally (Business).
8. Which of these is open-source?
   Answer: Linux (GPL).
9. Which software is used for 2D and 3D design drawings?
   Answer: AutoCAD (CAD).
10. What is the last stage of the SDLC?
    Answer: Maintenance (After deployment).
11. What does DTP stand for?
    Answer: Desktop Publishing (PageMaker).
12. Which type of app runs in a browser without installation?
    Answer: Web application (Gmail).

How to Practise This Chapter

1. Read the tables once and learn the key facts by heart.
2. Revise the quick revision points the next day.
3. Attempt the practice questions above without looking at the answers.
4. Solve a full SSC CGL Tier 1 mini mock to test your general awareness.
5. Check the previous year papers to see how SSC asks computer questions.

Related Notes and Practice Papers

• Operating System Notes
• Computer Languages and Translators Notes
• Computer Hardware Components Notes
• Computer Knowledge Notes for SSC
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Mini Mock

Explore More SSC Subjects

SSC exams test many subjects, so connect this topic with the related subjects below:

• General Science Notes
• General Awareness Notes
• Quantitative Aptitude Notes
• Reasoning Notes
• Electrical Engineering (SSC JE) Notes
• All SSC subjects and notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is software?

Software is a set of programs and instructions that tells the computer hardware what to do.

What is system software?

System software manages the computer and runs the hardware. Examples are the OS, drivers and utilities.

What is application software?

Application software helps the user to do a specific task, such as MS Word, Excel and a browser.

What is utility software?

Utility software helps to maintain the computer, such as antivirus, backup and disk cleanup tools.

What is firmware?

Firmware is permanent software stored in ROM, such as the BIOS.

What is open-source software?

Open-source software has its source code open so that anyone can use and change it, such as Linux.

What is the difference between freeware and shareware?

Freeware is free to use, while shareware is free only for a trial period.

What is a patch?

A patch is a small update that fixes a bug or a security problem in software.

How many questions come from software in SSC exams?

One or two questions usually come from the types of software.

What is the difference between alpha and beta testing?

Alpha testing is done by the developer's own team, while beta testing is done by a small group of real users before the final release.

What is SDLC?

SDLC is the Software Development Life Cycle, the steps from planning to maintenance followed to build software.

What is the GNU GPL?

The GNU General Public License is a licence for free and open-source software that allows users to run, study, change and share the software.