Kidz Olympiad🎉

ICT Class 9 - Software Notes

Comprehensive study notes for Class 9 - Software olympiad preparation

Software

Welcome to the chapter on Software for Class 9. In this chapter, you will learn what software is, the different types of software, and how software is important for computers. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify various software and understand their uses in daily life and technology.

Introduction

Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. Without software, a computer cannot work. Software makes it possible for us to use computers for different tasks like writing, drawing, playing games, and browsing the internet.

Types of Software

  • System Software: Helps the computer to work. Example: Operating System (Windows, Linux, macOS).
  • Application Software: Helps users do specific tasks. Example: MS Word, Paint, web browsers, games.
  • Utility Software: Helps to manage, maintain, and protect the computer. Example: Antivirus, disk cleanup tools.

System Software

System software controls the basic functions of a computer. The most important system software is the Operating System (OS). It manages hardware and allows other software to run.

  • Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android.
  • The OS helps you open files, run programs, and connect to devices like printers.

Application Software

Application software is used to do specific tasks on a computer.

  • Word processors (MS Word) for writing documents
  • Spreadsheets (MS Excel) for calculations
  • Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox) for internet
  • Games and educational software

Utility Software

Utility software helps to keep your computer safe and running smoothly.

  • Antivirus software protects against viruses.
  • Disk cleanup tools free up space on your computer.
  • Backup software saves your important files.

Open Source and Proprietary Software

  • Open Source Software: Free to use and modify. Example: Linux, LibreOffice.
  • Proprietary Software: Owned by companies, usually paid. Example: Windows, MS Office.

Fun Activity: List the Software You Use

Make a list of all the software you use at home or in school. Which are system software? Which are application software?

Summary

  • Software is needed for computers to work.
  • System software runs the computer, application software helps us do tasks, and utility software keeps the computer safe.
  • There are open source and proprietary software.

Practice Questions

  1. What is software?
  2. Name two examples of system software.
  3. What is the difference between application software and utility software?
  4. Give two examples of open source software.
  5. Why is antivirus software important?

Challenge Yourself

  • Find out which operating system your computer or phone uses.
  • Try using an open source software and write about your experience.

Did You Know?

  • The first computer software was written in the 1940s!
  • Some software is made by people working together from all over the world.

Glossary

  • Software: A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
  • Operating System: The main software that runs the computer.
  • Application: A program that helps you do a specific task.
  • Utility: Software that helps maintain or protect the computer.
  • Open Source: Software that is free to use and modify.
  • Proprietary: Software that is owned by a company and usually paid.

Answers to Practice Questions

  1. Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do.
  2. Windows, Linux (any two: macOS, Android, etc.).
  3. Application software helps users do tasks; utility software helps maintain or protect the computer.
  4. Linux, LibreOffice (any two open source software).
  5. It protects the computer from viruses and malware.

Explore different software and see how they make computers useful for everyone!

Quick Navigation