A computer program is a set of specific rules and instructions that are needed to perform actions on electronic computing devices. Typically, such applications can be divided into binary and source code.
Every day, PC users take advantage of the features of programs that help to execute documents, perform mathematical calculations, and process images. But not all applications help, some can be harmful. We are talking about such a thing as computer virus programs that are used by attackers to perform illegal actions.
Applications that people work daily to achieve common goals are called application software. And system software, in turn, is different in that it is one level higher and forms the environment in which application programs work.
Important differences between application and system programs
These applications differ in the nature of interaction with the computer user.
A person works directly with application programs. These are all kinds of text editors, games, sites and browsers.
System applications are driver packages and, in fact, the PC operating system. This is a code that helps organize the interaction between a person and a computing device, and also develops an environment for the correct installation and execution of application software.
Signs of software sharing
Programs are also divided into target platforms and operating systems.
Applications are able to carry out a different set of instructions, but programs are created for specific hardware. Therefore, they are usually called target platforms. Among the most popular platforms are x64, IA64, x86, Itanium, ARM, and others.
Among operating systems, it is also customary to single out target ones, because each OS forms its own environment for the correct operation of software. It is very important that applications can only work under a specific system. Among the most famous OSs, the following are worth highlighting: Ubuntu Linux, OpenBSD, MacOS, Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD and SuSe Linux.
Creation of computer programs
Writing computer programs involves the formation of source code in a specific programming language. But this stage is only the first in the chain of events. After writing the code, the application must go through compilation, debugging, testing and distribution.
Before the Assembler programming language appeared, at the dawn of the development of computers, the source code was machine code with the indication of instruction numbers. Programming greatly simplified the process of creating software. You no longer need to mention the numerical numbers of instructions, you can simply replace them with symbolic symbols, which make the process of reading and debugging source code much easier.
A computer program is a set of instructions, and the emergence of higher-level programming languages allowed us to transfer the process of creating software to the department of specialists, which are now called programmers or software developers.
Over the past century, personal computers have spread widely, and conventional programming has become a real industry of software development, which at the same time involves various specialists in its processes. And the training of real programming professionals is provided by modern higher educational institutions.
A new level of industry in the creation of software
With the advent of the Internet and its popularization, the industry, directly related to the creation of computer programs, has been able to significantly change, because the process of selling software has been greatly simplified and accelerated. The first electronic instant payment systems and websites appeared that could become full-fledged applications in the near future.
The legal use of computer programs is somewhat hindered by companies involved in the illegal distribution of software. Over time, different ways of dealing with the decentralized distribution of software copies have emerged. Modern technologies have made it possible to distribute responsibility for software distribution among all users who have used an illegal product. Therefore, the search and punishment of those responsible is an almost unrealistic process.
Computer tutorials
Training is a process that requires the full integration of computer technology. A computer program is a great way to speed up or simply organize the learning process. Therefore, many educational institutions are actively introducing modern PC-based software technologies that are designed to transfer scientific materials to students. Also, using software, you can control the degree of students learning.
Educational computer programs were able to take a key place in the world of information technology. This is a logical continuation of the process of computerization of the educational process.
Educational computer programs solve a number of educational problems. They can test the level of skills, knowledge and abilities of students, their inclinations, abilities and motivation.
Tasks that educational applications solve
Programs that record psychophysiological indicators (concentration level, reaction rate) help determine the level of students' performance.
There is also software that records and analyzes data related to the assimilation of the curriculum material. This group of applications includes programs that simplify the process of managing the schedule of educational activities. For example, such software helps to change the pace and direction of student activity in time. In general, such applications support and implement the main components of computer training.
As for the third group of training applications, the computer program in it is an add-on that adapts the material, dividing it according to difficulty levels, preparing dynamic illustrations, independent and laboratory work.
The effectiveness of computer-based training applications is determined by the following factors: accessibility, unambiguity, ease of presentation, consistency, accuracy, and validity of the source data.
Conclusion
Now you know the name of computer programs designed to maintain the operability of the operating system and direct contact with the user.
A computer application is an organized set of software instructions that ensure the correct functioning and execution of user-defined tasks. In the modern world, we work with them every day, without even noticing it.