CBSE Class 6 Computer Science Chapter 4

CBSE Class VI Computer Science Chapter 4 – Hardware and Software

A computer system consists of hardware and software. Hardware includes the physical components of the computer. Software includes the programs that are used to perform tasks. Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer that can be touched.  Software consists of series of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do or how to do it.

There are two types of software: System software and Application software. System software is a set of programs that controls or maintains the operations of the computer and its devices. System software is further classified into three types: Operating system, Language processor and Utility software. Operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware. Language processor is used to translate a high level language into a machine language.

Utility software is a system software designed to help, analyse, configure, optimise and maintain the computer. Application software is a set of program that performs specific task for the user. Application software is classified into two types: General-purpose application software and Specific-purpose application software. General-purpose software is not written for any specific business or organisation but can be used to suit their specific needs. Specific-purpose software is developed by keeping in mind the requirements of an organisation or an individual.