Types of Computer Software Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Lesson Plan for Computer Studies

Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Topic: Software
Sub-topic: Types of Computer Software – System and Application Software
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define software.
2. Differentiate between system software and application software.
3. Identify examples of system software and application software.
4. Explain the functions of both system and application software.

Keywords:

• Software
• System Software
• Application Software
• Operating System
• Word Processor

Set Induction:

Show students a blank computer system (without software) and explain that it is unable to perform any tasks. Then introduce the concept of software and its necessity in making computers function.

Entry Behavior:

Students have knowledge of hardware components and their functions in the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• A computer with operating system and application software
• Charts showing different software types and examples
• Printed materials listing software examples

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Remind students of the previous lesson on hardware components. Explain that while hardware is the physical part of the computer, software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Digital literacy

Learning Materials:

• “Fundamentals of Computer Science” by O. Adeniyi
• Lagos State Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials:

• Computer system with operating system installed
• Software examples such as Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, Windows OS

Content:

1. Definition of Software: Software refers to a collection of data or instructions that enable the computer hardware to work. It is intangible, meaning it cannot be touched like hardware.
2. Types of Software:
   • System Software: This software is responsible for managing the hardware components and providing a platform for running application software.
     • Examples of System Software:
       • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
       • Utility Programs (Antivirus, Disk Cleanup)
     • Functions:
       • Manages hardware resources.
       • Coordinates between hardware and application software.
   • Application Software: This software is designed to help users perform specific tasks.
     • Examples of Application Software:
       • Word Processors (Microsoft Word)
       • Web Browsers (Google Chrome)
       • Media Players (VLC Player)
     • Functions:
       • Allows users to perform tasks such as writing documents, browsing the internet, or watching videos.
3. Comparison between System Software and Application Software:
   • System Software: Provides a platform for running application software, directly interacts with the hardware.
   • Application Software: Runs on top of the system software and is used by the user to perform specific tasks.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15):

1. Software refers to a collection of __________ that enable the computer to work. (a) hardware (b) instructions (c) tools (d) wires
2. The two main types of software are __________ and application software. (a) system (b) manual (c) physical (d) network
3. The __________ system is a type of system software. (a) browser (b) operating (c) hardware (d) document
4. Microsoft Word is an example of __________ software. (a) system (b) output (c) application (d) utility
5. __________ software is designed to perform specific tasks for the user. (a) Application (b) System (c) Operating (d) Resource
6. An example of system software is __________. (a) Windows (b) Google Chrome (c) VLC Media Player (d) Paint
7. System software interacts directly with __________. (a) users (b) applications (c) hardware (d) documents
8. __________ is an example of application software. (a) macOS (b) Disk Cleanup (c) Microsoft Excel (d) Antivirus
9. The main purpose of system software is to __________ the computer’s hardware. (a) delete (b) manage (c) store (d) transfer
10. __________ allows users to browse the internet. (a) Disk Cleanup (b) Media Player (c) Google Chrome (d) Operating System
11. __________ is not an example of system software. (a) Linux (b) Antivirus (c) Microsoft Word (d) macOS
12. An example of a utility program is __________. (a) Disk Cleanup (b) Windows (c) Firefox (d) Excel
13. __________ is responsible for creating and managing files on the computer. (a) Application software (b) System software (c) Output device (d) Keyboard
14. Microsoft PowerPoint is an example of __________ software. (a) hardware (b) system (c) application (d) input
15. The __________ unit ensures communication between system software and hardware. (a) Control (b) ALU (c) Application (d) Network

FAQs (15):

1. What is software?
   Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
2. How is software different from hardware?
   Software refers to programs and data, while hardware refers to the physical components of a computer.
3. What are the two main types of software?
   The two main types are system software and application software.
4. What is system software?
   System software manages hardware components and provides a platform for running application software.
5. Give two examples of system software.
   Examples include Windows and macOS.
6. What is application software?
   Application software helps users perform specific tasks like writing documents or playing media.
7. Give two examples of application software.
   Examples include Microsoft Word and VLC Media Player.
8. What is the function of an operating system?
   The operating system manages the computer’s hardware and provides a platform for running applications.
9. What is the difference between system and application software?
   System software manages hardware and runs applications, while application software performs specific tasks for users.
10. Is a web browser an example of system software or application software?
    A web browser is application software.
11. What does utility software do?
    Utility software helps maintain and manage computer resources, like disk cleanup and antivirus programs.
12. What kind of software is Microsoft Excel?
    Microsoft Excel is application software used for spreadsheet tasks.
13. Does system software interact directly with users?
    No, system software interacts with the hardware and other software.
14. Why do we need application software?
    Application software allows users to perform tasks like typing, browsing the internet, or playing music.
15. Can a computer function without system software?
    No, system software is necessary for the computer to function.

Presentation Steps:

1. Revising the Previous Topic: Briefly review the topic on hardware components and their roles.
2. Introducing the New Topic: Explain the difference between hardware and software and introduce the types of software.
3. Allowing Pupils to Contribute: Ask students to list examples of software they have used, like Microsoft Word or Google Chrome.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Define software and explain its role in a computer system.
• Use the computer to demonstrate system software (e.g., Windows) and application software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
• Explain the difference between system and application software and provide real-life examples.
• Computer software is a general term used to describe a variety of programs that run on computers. Software includes everything from basic system programs that keep your computer running, to applications that allow you to do specific tasks, like write a document or check your email.

  Computer software is a general term for the programs that run on computers. These programs can be used to do anything from calculating equations, to helping you write a report, to playing games.

  Software, also called a program, is a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. In other words, it is a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform different tasks on a computer system. The software is a program written by a programmer or software developer. Software is the intangible part of the computer system though they come in CDs according to today’s standards. Without the software installed in the computer, the computer is just a junk of hardware components. Therefore, software is as important to the computer system as the human soul is important to the human body.

  Installation: This is the process of transferring the set of instructions that make up software into the computer so as to make the computer perform certain tasks.

   

  Types of Computer Software

  1. System Software
  2. Application Software

   

  1. System Software: System software is a type of computer software that coordinates and controls the activities of the various components of a computer system. System software includes the operating system, device drivers, and utility programs. System software is a type of computer software that provides the basic functions of a computer operating system, such as memory management, task scheduling, file system management, and device control. It also includes low-level firmware that initializes the hardware and starts the operating system.
     Examples Of System Software
     • Windows. The Windows Operating System is perhaps one of the most well-known system software. …
     • Mac OS. The Mac Operating System, along with Windows, is one of the most popular operating systems. …
     • Chrome OS. …
     • Ubuntu. …
     • Android. …
     • iOS. …
     • Blackberry. …
     • PlayStation System Software.
  2. Application Software: Application software is a type of computer program that is designed to perform a specific task or tasks. Examples of application software include word processors, spreadsheet programs, and database management systems. While application software is often thought of as being used by individual users, some application programs are designed for use by organizations or groups of users. For instance, a customer relationship management (CRM) system may be used by a sales team to track and manage customer interactions. Application software is typically installed on a computer or server, and users can access it via a desktop or mobile device. Some application programs are available as web-based applications, which can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.
     Examples of Application Software
     • Microsoft products such as Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
     • Music Application Software like Pandora and Spotify.
     • Real-time online communication like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom.
     • Team collaboration software like Slack.
     • Internet browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.

     Evaluation

     1. Define the term Software.
     2. Who develops software?
     3. Mention two types of software.
     4. What is installation?
     5. Write out four examples of system software
     6. Write out four examples of program software

      

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen attentively and take notes on the types of software.
• Identify software examples they have used before.
• Participate in the discussion by classifying software shown by the teacher.

Assessment:

• Monitor students’ understanding by asking them to differentiate between system and application software during class discussions.
• Use fill-in-the-blank questions to assess comprehension of key terms.

Evaluation Questions (10):

1. What is software?
2. Define system software.
3. What is the function of application software?
4. Give two examples of system software.
5. What is an example of application software used for creating documents?
6. How does system software differ from application software?
7. What is the purpose of utility software?
8. Name a popular operating system.
9. Why is system software important for a computer?
10. Can a computer function without application software?

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points by reviewing the definition of software, the types of software (system and application), and examples of each type. Emphasize the importance of software in making computers functional and useful for users.