Software terms
application software
programs that specify the information processing activities required for the completion of specific tasks of computer users. Examples are electronic spreadsheet and word processing programs or inventory or payroll programs
application-specific programs
application software packages that support specific applications of end users in business, science and engineering, and other areas
assembler language
a programming language that utilizes symbols to represent operation codes and storage locations
database management system (DBMS)
a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and utilization of databases of an organization
electronic spreadsheet package
an application program used as a computerized tool for analysis, planning, and modeling that allows users to enter and manipulate data into an electronic worksheet of rows and columns
file management
controlling the creation, deletion, access, and use of files of data and program
fourth-generation language
programming languages that are easier to use than high level languages like BASIC, COBOL, or FORTRAN. They are also known as nonprocedural, natural or very high level languages
general-purpose application programs
programs that can perform information processing jobs for users formal application areas. For example, word processing programs, electronic spreadsheet programs, and graphics programs can be used by individuals for home, education, business, scientific, and many other purposes
graphical user interface
a software interface that relies on icons, bars, buttons, boxes, and other images to initiate computer based tasks for users
graphic package high-level language
a programming language that utilizes macro instructions and statements that closely resemble human language or mathematical notation to describe the problem to be solved or the procedure to be used. Also called a compiler language
integrated package
software that combines the ability to do several general-purpose applications (such as word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and graphics) into one program
language translator program
a program that converts the programming language instructions into a computer program into machine language code. Major types include assemblers, compilers, and interpreters
machine language
a programming language where instructions are expressed in the binary code of the computer
multitasking
the concurrent use of the same computer to accomplish several different information processing tasks. Each task may require the use of a different program, or the concurrent use of the same copy of a program by several users
natural language
a programming language that is very close to human language. Also called very-high-level language.
Procedure oriented language
a programming language designed for the convenient expression of procedures used in the solution of a wide class of problems
nonprocedural language
programming languages the at allow users and professional programmers to specify the results they want without specifying how to solve the problem object-oriented language
operating system
the main control program of a computer system. It is a system of programs that controls the execution of computer programs and may provide scheduling, debugging, input/output control, system accounting, compilation, storage assignment, data management, and related services
programming tools
software packages or modules that provide editing and diagnostic capabilities and other support facilities to assist the programming process
resource management
an operating system function that controls the use of computer system resources such as primary storage, secondary storage, CPU processing time, and input/output devices by other system software and application packages
software suites
a combination of individual software packages that share a common graphical user interface and are designed for easy transfer of data between applications
system software
programs that control and support operations of a computer system. System software includes a variety of programs, such as operating systems, database management systems, communications control systems, service and utility programs, and programming language translators
system support programs
programs that support the operations, management, and users of a computer system by providing a variety of support services. Examples are system utilities and performance monitors
task management
a basic operating system function that manages the accomplishment of the computing tasks of users by a computer system
user interface
that part of an operating system or other program that allows users to communicate with it to load programs, access files, and accomplish other computing tasks
utility programs
a standard set of routines that assists in the operation of a computer system by performing some frequently required process such as copying, sorting, or merging
virtual memory
the use of secondary storage devices as an extension of the primary storage of the computer, thus giving the appearance of a larger main memory than actually exists
This page was created by David Lewis on 6/18/97