Updated: 07/06/2021 by Computer Hope Show
Program may refer to any of the following: 1. As a verb, to program a computer is the writing of instructions, statements, or commands that instruct the computer how to process data. There are several programming languages used to program a computer.
 2. As a noun, a program, also called an application or software, is a set of instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result. For example, Microsoft Word is a word processing program that allows users to create and write documents. A browser, such as the one you are using to view this page, is a program. When Apple introduced the iPhone, they popularized the term "app," but an app (application) and program are the same thing. Today, most people think of an "app" as an application on an Apple computer, smartphone, or tablet. A program is thought of as something that runs on a computer (e.g., a Windows computer). Tip With all the different ways companies and people use these terms, it's best to think of an application, app, and program as the same thing. See our app page for further information on mobile apps. Programs vs. scriptsWhen a program is created, it's compiled into a language that the computer can understand. Once compiled, the program does not need any other programs to run as long as the computer has the required operating system and platform. A script is not compiled and needs an interpreter to translate the script into something the computer understands. Without an interpreter, the script cannot run on the computer. However, once installed, a script can run on any platform without needing to be re-written. See our script term for further information and the pros and cons of scripts. Commands vs. programsA command is an instruction that is given to a program or operating system to perform an action. See our command page for further information. What type of files are program files?A program file must be an executable file and for software programs running Microsoft Windows end with a file extension of .EXE, .COM, or .PIF. Executing these files runs the program and allows it to be used on the computer. On an Apple Macintosh computer, a program ends with .APP. Examples of computer programsThere are millions of different programs available for computers, phones, and other devices today. Below are a few examples and the related program category. Tip If you visit the program category page, you can see other examples of programs of that category.
What is the purpose of a program?Without application software (programs), your computer would be able to operate with the operating system (system software), but would not be capable of doing anything else. A program gives the computer and user the ability to perform specific tasks. For example, to browse the Internet, you would install a browser on the computer. A browser is a program that instructs the computer how to visit, display, and navigate a web page. Without a browser program, the computer would not be able to browse the Internet. What are the basic functions of a program?The functions of a program vary depending on the type of program. For example, the function of a browser program is to browse the Internet. The function of a word processor is to create, view, and edit documents. A program is usually designed to perform a specific task (function), and only that task. In other words, a word processor program can create a document, but it cannot be used to browse the Internet. Tip See our program examples for a list of different types of programs and program categories. Note Today, with cloud computing and online services, it may be confusing to know how to define a service, such as Google Docs. Google Docs is a word processor, but it primarily runs through the browser and therefore is considered a web-based application, not a program. Are game programs?Yes, games are programs, but may be labeled as "games" and not "programs," to distinguish them as designed for leisure rather than productivity. As a category of programs, games have subcategories of their own, such as FPS, MMO, and RPG. For example, Quake is an "FPS game." Is Microsoft Windows a program?No. All versions of Microsoft Windows are considered an operating system and not a program. What was the first program?The first software program that was held in electronic memory was credited to and written by Tom Kilburn. The program calculated the highest factor of the integer 218 = 262,144, and was successfully executed on June 21, 1948, at the University of Manchester, England. The computer was called the SSEM (Small Scale Experimental Machine), otherwise known as the "Manchester Baby.". This event is widely celebrated as the birth of software. 3. Program is the Swedish translation for the Windows Program Files folder. Application, File, Program logic, Programmable, Programming language, Programming terms, Software terms, Utility This article discusses the differences between system, utility, and application software that can run on a computer.
Software is used to control a computer. There are different types of software that can run on a computer: system software, utility software, and application software. Let’s take a closer look at them. 1. System softwareIf you think of software as being in layers, the system software is the bottom layer: it sits between the hardware and the application software. Operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android and iOS are examples of system software. Operating systems are loaded into RAM when the device starts up, and have access to the hard drive. 2. Utility softwareUtility software is part of the system software and performs specific tasks to keep the computer running. Utility software is always running in the background. Examples of utility software are security and optimisation programs. Security programs include anti-virus software that scans and removes viruses. Most computers will include some sort of anti-virus software, but you can add your own. Optimisation programs can include tools for system clean-up, disk defragmentation, and file compression. These tools are typically installed as part of the operating system. They have access to the hard drive to keep it tidy. 3. Application softwareThis is everything else! Anything that is not an operating system or a utility is an application or app. So a word processor, spreadsheet, web browser, and graphics software are all examples of application software, and they can do many specific tasks. You can remove and add applications on your computer using the operating system. Application software like a word processor regularly directs the operating system to load and save files from and to the hard drive. When you are working on a file, it is saved temporarily in the RAM. It is only when you choose to save it that it is written to the hard drive. This is why, if the computer crashes while you’re working on a file, you may lose any changes you didn’t save. Data stored in the RAM is volatile. The data is lost when the RAM loses power. The operating systemApplication software also uses the operating system to talk to the hardware on the computer and to other software. When a web browser wants to load a web page, it is the operating system that controls access to the internet and fetches the information from the web. Similarly, the operating system also provides the application software information about what key is being pressed, and about the mouse: where it is, what it clicked, and where it’s moving on screen. Application software relies heavily on the operating system to do these tasks and send it all this information. |
What are the programs that run on a computer are called?
Postagens relacionadas
direito autoral © 2024 mesadeestudo Inc.
