Hardware and software
Hardware is physical parts, software is the instructions running them. Hardware is the physical parts you touch, like the screen and the processor. Software is the set of instructions telling the device what to do.
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Unit 7 · Lesson 2
Computer software
4 steps. Each one is a short story and a question to answer.
If a computer is a body, what makes it understand and work?
Hardware is the physical parts you touch, like the screen and the processor.
Software is the set of instructions telling the device what to do.
Without software the device is silent parts, and without hardware software has nowhere to run.
Hardware
You can touch it
Screen, processor, mouse
Software
Instructions and programs
Word, browser, games
VS
Hardware is physical parts, software is the instructions running them
Which of these is software?
Pick an answer
Hardware and software
Hardware is physical parts, software is the instructions running them. Hardware is the physical parts you touch, like the screen and the processor. Software is the set of instructions telling the device what to do.
The operating system
Operating system = the core program managing the device and running programs. That is the operating system, a core program managing the device and running other programs. Like Windows and macOS on computers, and Android and iOS on phones.
What the operating system does
Task, memory and file management. Task management: it decides which programs run and gives them processor time. Memory management: it shares memory space among programs so they do not clash.
Applications and drivers
Applications serve the user, a driver introduces a device to the OS. Also Excel for spreadsheets and the browser for the web. What if you plug in a new printer? The OS needs to know it, so a device driver steps in.
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Computer software
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The lesson on one page
Every idea in the lesson with its rule, ready to screenshot and revise from.
Hardware and software
Hardware is physical parts, software is the instructions running them
The operating system
Operating system = the core program managing the device and running programs
What the operating system does
Task, memory and file management
Applications and drivers
Applications serve the user, a driver introduces a device to the OS
Test yourself
One question from every step. Answer and see your score.
Question 1 of 4
Which of these is software?
Watch and listen
Unit 7
Learn the difference between hardware and software, what an operating system is and does, application software, and what a device driver means, in an animated explainer.
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The lesson in writing
The same explanation as the 3D scene, written out for quick review.
The operating system
Operating system = the core program managing the device and running programs. That is the operating system, a core program managing the device and running other programs. Like Windows and macOS on computers, and Android and iOS on phones.
Page 161
What the operating system does
Task, memory and file management. Task management: it decides which programs run and gives them processor time. Memory management: it shares memory space among programs so they do not clash.
Page 162
Applications and drivers
Applications serve the user, a driver introduces a device to the OS. Also Excel for spreadsheets and the browser for the web. What if you plug in a new printer? The OS needs to know it, so a device driver steps in.
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Questions about this lesson
- What is the difference between hardware and software?
- Hardware is the physical parts you can touch, software is the programs and instructions that run them.
- What is an operating system?
- A core program that manages the device and its parts and runs other programs, like Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
- What are the functions of an operating system?
- Task management, memory management and file management.
- What is a device driver?
- A small program that lets the operating system recognize and work with a specific device.