Computer System
Senior 1 · ICT
Computer System
Lesson 5 of 5
22 min
Let's begin
Byiringiro wanted a word processor but did not want to pay, so he downloaded a "cracked" copy from an unknown website. The next day his computer was slow and full of pop-up adverts. He could have used a free, legal word processor and installed it safely. This lesson explains the types of software, how to install programs safely, and what to do when hardware or software goes wrong.
Software is the set of programs that tell the hardware what to do. There are two main types.
| Type | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| System software | Runs the computer itself and gives other programs a base to run on. | Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS) manage the hardware, files and user interface. Utility programs look after the computer: antivirus, disk clean-up, backup. Device drivers let the operating system control a device such as a printer. |
| Application software | Helps the user do a particular task. | Word processors (LibreOffice Writer, Microsoft Word), spreadsheets, presentation programs, web browsers, media players, games, a mobile money app, Scratch. |
Software can also be grouped by its licence, the rules for using it:
A "cracked" or pirated copy of paid software is illegal, and it often hides harmful programs.
To remove a program on Windows, use Settings > Apps, choose the program and click Uninstall. Do not just delete its folder.
| Problem | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Computer will not switch on | Is the socket on? Is the power cable firmly plugged in? Is the laptop battery charged? |
| No picture on the screen | Is the monitor switched on? Is its cable firmly connected? Is the brightness turned down? |
| Keyboard or mouse does nothing | Reconnect it or try another USB port; change the batteries of a wireless mouse. |
| Computer is hot and the fan is loud | Are the air vents blocked or dusty? Use a laptop on a hard, flat surface, not a bed. |
| Printer will not print | Paper, ink or toner, a paper jam, the cable, and whether the right printer was chosen. |
| Hard disk makes clicking noises | The disk may be failing: back up your files at once and tell the technician. |
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| A program freezes ("Not responding") | Wait a minute. If it stays frozen, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the program and click End task. |
| The computer is very slow | Close programs you are not using, restart, free up storage space, and run an antivirus scan. |
| An error message appears | Read it carefully and write it down; it often says what is wrong. Restart the program. |
| A program will not install | Check the system requirements, free storage space and administrator rights. |
Tip
System runs the computer; applications serve the user
Simple first: power, cables, restart. Most problems are solved before you ever open the case.
Classify as system or application software: Windows 11, LibreOffice Calc, a printer driver, a web browser, an antivirus program.
Solution: System: Windows 11 (operating system), the printer driver, the antivirus program (a utility). Application: LibreOffice Calc and the web browser.
Give two reasons why Byiringiro should not have installed a cracked program.
Solution: It is illegal, and cracked programs from unknown websites often contain malware. A free open-source program such as LibreOffice Writer would have done the same job legally and safely.
The computer's power light and fans are on, but the screen is black. What should you check first?
Solution: The monitor: that it is switched on, that its video cable is firmly connected at both ends, and that the brightness is not turned right down.
A game shows "Not responding" for five minutes. What should you do?
Solution: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the game and click End task. Then start it again.
Remember
Sources and credits
This lesson adapts CC BY-SA material and is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
