Software is the instructions a computer follows. System software runs the machine. Application software does a job for the user.
The idea
System software includes the operating system and utility programs. The operating system manages files, memory and devices, and it lets you start other programs. It sits between you and the hardware. Utility programs do housekeeping, such as checking a disk or protecting against harmful programs. Application software does a task you choose: a word processor writes a document, a spreadsheet calculates, a browser opens pages on the internet. A phone and a laptop both follow this split.
Do not call the operating system an application. It is system software. An application needs the operating system in order to run. If you are asked for examples, give the category and one example, not a list of brand names with no category. Custom software is written for one organisation. General purpose software, such as a word processor, is sold for many users. Say which kind the question asks for.
The ICT tips guide sets out the papers, the practical, and the mistakes that cost marks. WASSCE ICT tips
What earns the marks
A program is software. A device is hardware. The operating system is system software, not an application. Two examples of the same category count as one point when the question asks for two kinds. If the question says "state two functions", each function needs its own sentence. "It manages the computer" is one point, not two.
Practice questions
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
1Question 1
4 marks
(a) What is an operating system? (2 marks)
(b) State two jobs it does. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) An operating system is system software that manages the computer and lets the user run applications.
(b) It manages files, and it controls devices such as the printer and the disk.
Mark scheme
System software, or the main program that runs the computer1 mark
It allows applications to run, or it sits between the user and the hardware1 mark
One job, such as managing files, memory or devices1 mark
A second job, different from the first1 mark
2Question 2
4 marks
Distinguish between system software and application software. Give one example of each. (4 marks)
Model answer
System software runs the computer. The operating system is an example. Application software does a task for the user. A word processor is an example.
Mark scheme
System software runs or manages the computer1 mark
An example such as an operating system or a utility1 mark
Application software does a task for the user1 mark
An example such as a word processor, a spreadsheet or a browser1 mark
3Question 3
2 marks
Why can a word processor not run if the operating system is missing? (2 marks)
Model answer
The word processor is an application. It needs the operating system to use the memory, the disk and the screen. Without that, the application has no way to run.
Mark scheme
A word processor is an application1 mark
The operating system provides the services the application needs1 mark
Practise ICT with Anna
More questions on this topic are inside glearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
No. A browser is application software. It does a task for the user: opening pages on the internet. The operating system is the system software that lets the browser run.
What should an answer about the operating system include?+
Say that it is system software, then give the job the question asks for. Managing files, managing memory and controlling devices are three different jobs. One sentence that only says "it runs the computer" is a single point. All WASSCE ICT past questions