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Study guide · 1.3

Explain fundamental software concepts

Software is the set of instructions that makes hardware useful. This guide explains what applications are and how they relate to the operating system, how proprietary and open source software differ, and how to install software safely from online sources.

A study feature written by ExamDragon, not part of the real exam. Each heading is one of Certiport's skills for this objective.

1.3.1Explain basic software application concepts

  • An application (app) is software that helps you do a task, such as writing (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), calculating (Excel, Google Sheets) or browsing (Chrome).
  • System software, mainly the operating system, runs the device; application software runs on top of it.
  • Desktop apps are installed on the device; web apps run in a browser; mobile apps are installed from an app store.
  • Apps receive updates that fix bugs, close security holes and add features.
  • A file type is linked to a default app, for example a .docx file opens in a word processor and a .pdf in a PDF reader.
  • Software is often licensed, not sold: the licence sets how you may use it (one-time purchase, subscription or free).

Example: You write a report in Google Docs in your browser at school, then open the same file on your phone in the Google Docs mobile app.

1.3.2Compare and contrast proprietary and open source software

  • Proprietary (closed source) software is owned by a company that keeps its source code private. Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, macOS.
  • Open source software publishes its source code so anyone can read, change and share it under its licence. Examples: Linux, LibreOffice, Mozilla Firefox, VLC.
  • Open source is often free of charge, but free of charge does not automatically mean open source (freeware can be closed source).
  • Proprietary software usually comes with vendor support; open source relies on its community and sometimes on paid support companies.
  • Both kinds can be secure or insecure; quality depends on how well the software is maintained and updated.

Example: A small office chooses LibreOffice, an open source suite, to avoid licence fees, while another office pays a subscription for Microsoft 365 to get vendor support and cloud services.

1.3.3Describe processes for installing software from online sources

  • Install apps from trusted sources: the official app store (Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, Google Play, Apple App Store) or the developer's official website.
  • Check system requirements first: operating system version, processor, memory and free storage.
  • On a computer you usually download an installer file and run it; on a phone the store installs the app for you.
  • Read the permissions an app asks for, such as camera, contacts or location, and refuse what it does not need.
  • Installing software may need administrator rights; uninstall apps you no longer use through Settings or the app store.
  • Avoid unofficial download sites and cracked software, which often carry malware.

Example: Before installing a video editor you check that your laptop has enough memory, download the installer from the developer's official site, and allow it to run only after confirming the publisher's name.

Key terms

Application
Software that helps you complete a task, such as a word processor.
System software
Software that runs the device itself, mainly the operating system.
Open source
Software whose source code is public and may be changed and shared under its licence.
Proprietary software
Software owned by a company that keeps its source code private.
Installer
A file that copies and sets up an app on a device.

Easy to confuse

  • Assuming free software is always open source; freeware can still be closed source.
  • Assuming open source has no licence; it does, and the licence sets the rules for sharing and changing it.
  • Confusing the operating system with an application; the OS runs the device, apps run on the OS.
  • Ignoring system requirements, then finding the app will not install or run well.

After this guide: You should be able to tell system software from applications, compare proprietary and open source software, and describe safe steps for installing an app.