4.2 Computer Software

• Meaning of computer software
• Categories of computer software: system software and application software
• System software: operating system and utilities
• Application software: meaning and examples
• Functions of word-processing software
• Simple tasks using word-processing software
• Functions of presentation software
• Simple tasks using presentation software
• Functions of spreadsheet software
• Simple tasks using spreadsheet software
• Selecting application software for a workplace task
• Importance of application software in the workplace

• identify the categories of computer software used in a workplace
• explain the functions of different application software in the workplace
• use computer software to perform tasks in day-to-day life
• acknowledge the importance of application software in the workplace

“How is computer software used in day-to-day life?”

“Why is computer software important?”

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1. What computer software is
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Define computer software as instructions that tell hardware what to do, building on Grade 7 hardware.
2. System software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Identify system software as the operating system and utilities that run and look after the machine.
3. Application software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Identify application software as programs that do the user’s job, with word, presentation and spreadsheet as the Grade 8 set.
4. System software and application software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Contrast the two categories so learners can classify workplace software correctly.
5. Functions of word-processing software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain what word processors are for: type, edit, format, save and print workplace text.
6. Simple tasks in a word processor
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Create, format, save and print (or share) a short workplace letter or notice using word-processing software.
7. Functions of presentation software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain presentation software as slides for a talk: title, bullets, images and a slideshow.
8. Simple tasks in presentation software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Build, save and run a short four-slide presentation on a school or club topic.
9. Functions of spreadsheet software
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain spreadsheets as grids of cells that store labels and numbers and calculate with formulas, using KSh.
10. Simple tasks in a spreadsheet
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Enter a small KSh table, use a multiply formula and SUM, check the arithmetic, and save the file.
11. Choosing application software for a task
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Select word, presentation or spreadsheet software from the job: prose, talk or numbers.
12. Importance of application software
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Acknowledge why word, presentation and spreadsheet software matter in Kenyan workplaces, schools and cybercafés.