Chapter 1: Introduction to Software Engineering and Process Models : S.Y.Bsc (Computer Science)

 Q. Define Software.

Answer: Software is a set of instructions to acquire the inputs, process them and produce the desired output in terms of functions and performance as determined by user of the software.

Q. Give difference between software and hardware.

Answer: 

Sr. No.	Software	Hardware
1	It is developed of engineered.	It is manufactured.
2	It is not prone to environmental conditions.	It is prone to environmental conditions.
3	It dosen't have spare parts for replacement.	It has spare parts for replacement.
4	It is not touchable.	It is touchable.
5	It is invaluable, and can be installed on any hardware.	It has no value without software.
6	Example- Internet browsers, video games, etc.	Examples: Disk drive, keyboard, printers.

Q. Differentiate between Generic and Customized software.

Answer: 

Sr. No.	Generic Software	Customized Software
1	Designed fo broad customer market.	Designed for specific business purposes.
2	It is open to market.	It is not open for all, but limited to a firm or organization.
3	It is developed for general purpose audience.	It is developed for particular need of a client.
4	Example: Operating system, CAD/CAM Packages.	Example: Traffic management system, hospital management system.

Q. What are different categories of softwares?

Answer: There are 7 categories of softwares:-

1) System Software: It directly interacts with computer hardware.

example: a. Operating system like windows-xp, LINUX, etc.

b. System development software like editor, compiler, etc.

2) Application Software: It is designed to solve user problems as per user's requirements.

example- a. General purpose software like word processor, excel, etc.

b. Special purpose software like pay roll system, tax calculation software, etc.

3) Engineering/ Scientific software : It is used to solve complex scientific problems or modeling and analysis of engineering data to make decisions.

example: CAD- Computer-Aided design, CAM- Computer-Aided manufacturing, is used for creating mechanical or electrical designs.

4) Embedded Software: It is a type of software which is embedded into the hardware to control it's functions.

example- keypad control software in microwave oven or washing machine.

5)  Product-Line software: It refers to software engineering methods for creating collection of similar softwares from shared set of software assets using common means of productions.

example- Business financial applications, word processors, etc.

6) Web applications: It is an application program which is stored on remote server and delivered over the internet through a browser interface.

7) Artificial Intelligence software: This software makes use of non numerical algorithms and studies data patterns to solve various problems. 

examples: robotics, or computer games.

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