BAS: Lesson - Interrelated Software

Interrelated Software

Definition - What is interrelated software?

We’ve explored and discovered the bare bones of our computer system. At this point, we are going to turn our attention to understanding how software applications, one system of our key functional components, are interrelated.

What exactly does interrelated mean? Great question! Interrelated means how two or more things are connected to each other. So, when we talk about interrelated software, we mean how different software programs interact and connect with each other.

Software Vocabulary

In order to explore how various software applications are interrelated, let's define a few important terms which will help us clarify what types of software can interrelate.

  • Operating System software
    • An operating system, or OS, is the software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It is the foundational software on a computer - nearly every other piece of software must interact with the OS to function.
  • Application software
    • An application (app), or application program, is a software program that runs on your computer. Web browsers, email programs, word processors, games, and utilities are all applications. The word application is used because each program has a specific application for the user.
  • Utility software
    • Utility programs, commonly referred to as just utilities, are software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better. These include antivirus, backup tools, disk repair tools, file management, security, and networking programs. Utilities can also be applications such as screensavers, font and icon tools, and desktop enhancements.

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