8_2_8

Activity 1

Software can be divided into four categories:

• Firmware
• Operating Systems
• Utility Software
• Applications

Find a definition for each one.

HINT: Utility software has nothing to do with Water and Gas companies.

Activity 2

Check your definitions with several different sources.

Now find examples of each type of software. For example, Microsoft Windows is an Operating System.

Activity 3

Now explain the purpose of each software type and why it is needed in a computer system.

A good place to find some of this information is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6r86sg/revision/1

Investigate Open Source Software.

What is it and how does it benefit us?

After learning about the different types of software it would be a nice time to pause here and give the students a group activity.

The students can design their own apps in small groups and follow a dragon's den style hard sell to the class. The students and teacher could then vote for the most innovative idea.