Spec & Goals 3 min
AQA Spec 3.4.3 · Software classification
By the end of this lesson you can:
- Classify software as system software or application software.
- State the main functions of an operating system.
- Name examples of utility software and their purpose.
Warm-Up 5 min
Last lesson you built logic circuits from gates — the hardware level. Software is what makes that hardware useful.
Quick starter
Which of these does a job for the user: a web browser, or the program that manages the computer's memory?
Reveal the answer
The web browser does a task for the user. The memory manager runs the computer itself — that is a different kind of software.
Key Concept — the two kinds of software 14 min
All software splits into two groups: system software and application software.
The operating system
The operating system (OS) sits between the hardware and your applications. It manages the whole machine.
Its main functions are:
- Managing the hardware and peripherals (via device drivers).
- Managing memory — deciding what is kept in RAM.
- Managing processes — sharing the CPU between running programs.
- Managing files — storing, naming and organising data.
- Managing users and security — accounts, passwords, access levels.
- Providing a user interface — how you interact with the computer.
Utility software
Worked Example — classifying software 12 min
Task: classify each program, and give a reason.
| Program | Classification | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Application | A word processor — a task for the user. |
| Chrome web browser | Application | Browses the web for the user. |
| Windows / Android | System (OS) | Manages and runs the whole computer. |
| Antivirus scanner | System (utility) | Maintains and protects the computer. |
| File-compression tool | System (utility) | Maintenance task — shrinks files to save space. |
| A maths quiz game | Application | Entertains the user — a task for them. |
The functions of the operating system
An exam answer about the OS draws on this list:
- Manages hardware and peripherals.
- Manages memory.
- Manages processes (the CPU).
- Manages files and folders.
- Manages users and security.
- Provides a user interface.
Try It Yourself 12 min
Goal: Classify a spreadsheet program as system or application software.
Hint: ask whether it does a task for the user or runs the computer.
Goal: List three functions of an operating system.
Hint: think about what it manages — memory, files, processes, hardware, users.
Goal: A school laptop runs slowly because its files are scattered. Name the utility program that would help, and state what it does.
Hint: it reorganises files so they are stored together.
📝 Exam Practice 10 min
Answer the way the examiner expects — the command word and the marks tell you how much to write.
State the difference between system software and application software.
Mark scheme
- System software runs / manages the computer itself (1).
- Application software does a task / job for the user (1).
Give two functions of an operating system.
Mark scheme
- Any one of: manages memory / processes / files / hardware & peripherals / users & security / provides a user interface (1).
- A second, different function from the list above (1).
Name a utility program and state its purpose.
Mark scheme
- A utility named, e.g. backup / file compression / defragmentation / antivirus / encryption (1).
- A correct purpose for that utility, e.g. defragmentation reorganises files so they are stored together (1).
Which of these is an example of system software?
A) Word processor B) Operating system C) Web browser D) Spreadsheet
Mark scheme
- B — operating system (1).
Recap & Key Terms 3 min
Software splits into system and application. Application software does tasks for the user. System software runs the computer — chiefly the operating system and utility software. The OS manages hardware, memory, processes, files, users and peripherals, and gives a user interface. Utility software does maintenance jobs.
- System software
- Software that runs and manages the computer — the OS and utility software.
- Application software
- Software that does useful tasks for the user, e.g. a word processor or browser.
- Operating system
- System software that manages hardware, memory, processes, files, users and peripherals, and provides a user interface.
- Utility software
- System software for maintenance, e.g. backup, compression, defragmentation, antivirus or encryption.
Homework 1 min
Task (≤ 15 min): Make a table that classifies five programs on a typical laptop as system or application software, with a one-line reason for each.
Model answer
For example: browser (application — task for user), game (application), Windows (system — OS), antivirus (system — utility), backup tool (system — utility).
Award marks for: each correct classification (up to 5), and a reason linked to what the software does for each.