Computer Software

Unit: - 2

 Define Computer Software.

 Computer Software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs,
procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. Software can
be categorized into various types, such as system software (like operating systems) that
manages a hardware resource and provide essential functionalities, and application software
that serves special user purposes, like word processors, web browsers, or games.

 Explain Different types of system software.

 The system software can be sub-divided as following: -
1. Operating System
2. Translator (language processor)
3. Utility Software

1. Operating System: - An operating system is an integrated set of programs that is used to

manage the various resources and overall operation of computer system. It also provides
the basic for application programs and act intermediary (mediator) between users of
computer and computer hardware.
2. Translator (Language Processor): - computer only understand the program written in
machine language. Hence the program written in other language must be translated into
machine language program before executing them. Translator is a computer programs
that convert the program written in other language into an equivalent machine language
program before executing them.
3. Utility Software: - Utility programs refer to small programs, which provide additional
capabilities to the computer system in addition to the ones provided by the operating
system. They enable an operating system to perform some additional tasks, such as
searching and printing the files and scanning the viruses, etc. Utility programs is also called
system support software or service program, which provide useful services to the user
of the computer.

 Define Operating System.

 An operating system is an integrated set of programs that is used to manage the various
resources and overall operation of computer system. It also provides the basic for application
 programs and act intermediary (mediator) between users of computer and computer hardware.
Example: Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.

 Explain different types of language of Translator (language processor).

 There are three types of translators (language processor) are: -
1. Assembler
2. Complier
3. Interpreter

1. Assembler: - A program which translate an assembly language program into a

machine language is called an assembler.
2. Compiler: - A compiler is a program which translates a program at a time written in
high level language into machine language program that can be understood by a
computer.
3. Interpreter: - Interpreter is a program which translates the statement of a high-
level language into machine codes. It translates one statement at a time.

 What is utility software. Explain them in detail.

 Utility programs refer to small programs, which provide additional capabilities to the computer
system in addition to the ones provided by the operating system. These applications are not
directly involved in the performance of specific tasks but instead support the overall functioning
of the system, enhancing its efficiency and security. Some of the functions Performed by Utility
Software are: -
i. A file compression (or data compression) utility can be used to reduce the size of the file
so that they can consume less disk space.
ii. A backup utility can help you to copy group of files from your hard disk to another
storage medium such as tape, CD_ROM.
iii. Disk management utility allows you to divide a hard disk into multiple partitions; so, one
large disk can work like several smaller ones.
iv. Antivirus utilities can examine a disk for hidden Virus.
v. Disk defragmenter is utility program that rearranges fragmented pieces of data so that
your files are stored in contiguous (adjacent) sector.
vi. Editors are used for entering the source programs into the computers.
vii. Sort is utility program used for sorting record into a particular sequence.
viii. Copy is utility for transferring data from one I/O devices to another.
ix. Dumb is a program that copies the content of the main memory to output devices.

 What is application software. Explain different types of application.

 The software that is written by the user to solve a specific user-oriented problem using the
computer is known as application software. The two types of application software are: -
1. Customized or Tailored Software
2. Packaged Software
 1. Customized or Tailored Software: - Customized or Tailored software is the software
designed to meet the specific requirements of an organization or individuals.
Tailored software is developed on the demand of customer by a software
contractor. It is written using a high-level programming language such as C, C++,
java, VB etc.
2. Packaged Software: - Packaged software is that software which is generalized set of
programs designed and developed for general purpose. These are the software
which are produced by development organization and sold on the open market to
any customer who is able to buy them. It is also called universal software as it can
be used by users and organizations all over the world.

 What is computer virus. Explain different types of computer virus.

 Computer virus is a program, script or macro designed to cause damage, steal personal
information, modify data, send e-mail, display messages, or some combination of these actions.
The different types of computer virus are: -
1. Boot Sector Virus: This type of virus infects the master boot record and it is challenging and a
complex task to remove this virus and often requires the system to be formatted. Mostly it
spreads through removable media.
2. Direct Action Virus: This is also called non-resident virus; it gets installed or stays hidden in
the computer memory. It stays attached to the specific type of files that it infects. It does not
affect the user experience and system's performance.
3. Resident Virus: Unlike direct action viruses, resident viruses get installed on the computer. It
is difficult to identify the virus and it is even difficult to remove a resident virus.
4. Multipartite Virus: This type of virus spreads through multiple ways. It infects both the boot
sector and executable files at the same time.
5. Polymorphic Virus: These types of viruses are difficult to identify with a traditional anti-virus
program. This is because the polymorphic viruses alter its signature pattern whenever it
replicates.
6. Overwrite Virus: This type of virus deletes all the files that it infects. The only possible
mechanism to remove is to delete the infected files and the end-user has to lose all the contents
in it. Identifying the overwrite virus is difficult as it spreads through emails.
7. Space filler Virus: This is also called "Cavity Viruses". This is called so as they fill up the empty
spaces between the code and hence does not cause any damage to the file.
8. Macro Viruses: As the name suggests, the macro viruses particularly target macro language
commands in applications like Microsoft Word. The same is implied on other programs too. In
MS Word, the macros are keystrokes that are embedded in the documents or saved sequences
for commands. The macro viruses are designed to add their malicious code to the genuine
macro sequences in a Word file.
9. Overwrite Viruses: The virus design purpose tends to vary and Overwrite Viruses are
predominantly designed to destroy a file or application's data. As the name says it all, the virus
after attacking the computer starts overwriting files with its own code. On the flipside, the
overwrite virus is capable of installing a new code in the files or applications which programs
them to spread the virus to additional files, applications, and systems.
 10. Polymorphic Viruses: More and more cybercriminals are depending on the polymorphic
virus. It is a malware type which has the ability to change or mutate its underlying code Without
changing its basic functions or features. This helps the virus on a computer or network to evade
detection from many antimalware and threat detection products.
11. Resident Viruses: The Resident virus implants itself in the memory of a computer. Basically,
the original virus program is not required to infect new files or applications. Even when the
original virus is deleted, the version stored in memory can be activated. This happens when the
computer OS loads certain applications or functions. The resident viruses are troublesome due
to the reason they can run unnoticed by antivirus and antimalware software by hiding in the
system's RAM.
12. Rootkit Viruses: The rootkit virus is a malware type which secretly installs an illegal rootkit
on an infected system. This opens the door for attackers and gives them full control of the
system.
13. System or Boot-record Infectors: The Boot-record Infectors infect executable code found in
specific system areas on a disk. As the name implies, they attach to the USB thumb drives and
DOS boot sector on diskettes or the Master Boot Record on hard disks. Boot viruses are no more
common these days as the latest devices rely less on physical storage media.

 What are the symptoms of Virus affected computer? Mention different

ways to be get prevented from virus attack.
 The symptoms of virus affected computer are: -
1. Frequent pop-up windows.
2. Changes to your homepage.
3. Mass emails being send from your email account.
4. Frequent crashes.
5. Unusually slow computer performance.
6. Unknown programs that startup when you turn on your computer.
7. Unusual activities like passwords changes.

The way to be prevented from virus attack are: -

1. Use reputed antivirus software and keep it updated.

2. Regularly update your operating system.
3. Activate firewalls on your system or network.
4. Avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown or suspicious source.
5. Secure your accounts and devices with strong, unique password.
6. Stay informed about common virus threats and educate yourself.
7. Keep an eye on your system for any unusual or suspicious behavior, such as unexpected
pop-ups, slowdowns, or unknown processes running in the background.