Lessons 8 · 1 lessons · B. Boltayev, A. Azamatov, A. Asqarov, M. Sodiqov, G. Azamatova. Fundamentals of Informatics and Computer Technology, Grade 8. Second edition. “O‘zbekiston milliy ensiklopediyasi” State Scientific Publishing House, Tashkent, 2015
8
Computer software
Textbook: pp. 35–38
GoalKnows the kinds of software, how programs are distributed (licences) and the rules for installing them, and understands legal use.
New words
system software: programs that manage the computer, such as the operating system, drivers and utilities · sistema dasturlariapplication programs (apps): programs for the user’s tasks, e.g. text editors, spreadsheets, browsers · amaliy dasturlarlicence: the legal permission to use a program on stated terms · litsenziyaopen-source software: a program whose source code is published so that it can be studied and changed · ochiq kodli dastur
Explanation
A computer has two parts: hardware (the “hard product”) and software (the “soft product”). Programs are conventionally divided into three kinds: system software (the operating system, drivers, and utilities such as antivirus and archivers), application programs (text editors, spreadsheets, browsers, graphics editors, games) and tool software (editors, translators and debuggers that help create new programs). An office suite (for example Microsoft 365 or the free LibreOffice) joins several applications. By distribution, programs are commercial (paid in full), shareware (with a trial period), freeware (free but with closed code) and free open-source software (free with open code that may be changed). The right to use a program is given by a licence; “cracked” (pirated) copies are illegal and often hide viruses, so download programs only from the official site. Before installing, check the system requirements (memory, processor, space); an unneeded program is removed by uninstalling. A computer virus is also a program, but a harmful one, so use antivirus software and keep it updated.
Worked examples
Classifying: LibreOffice Writer – application; Windows – system software; antivirus – system software (utility); a Python interpreter – tool software (a programming tool).
Requirements: a program needs at least 4 GB of RAM but the computer has 2 GB. The program will run slowly or not at all – add memory or choose a lighter program.
Class activity
“Software market”: pupils sort cards with 10 program names into “system”, “application” and “tool” groups and discuss which are paid, free or open-source.
Practice
1
Give one example program of each kind (system, application, tool).
For example: Windows (system), a browser (application), a programming environment/translator (tool).
2
What is the difference between freeware and open-source software?
Both are free, but freeware’s code is closed and cannot be changed; open-source software can be studied and modified.
3
A friend offers a “cracked” copy of a paid program. What do you do and why?
I refuse: it is illegal and the copy may contain a virus. It is better to use a free open-source alternative or a trial version.
4
A program needs 8 GB of RAM, the computer has 4 GB. How many more GB are needed?