Software

Software, as it comes to be known, refers to the programs, that is the intagible components. The terms “software” is opposed to hardware as its counterpart, which refers to the physical components of the computer.
In designing a conputer system, there are a few procedures that should be followed. For instance, in a large system, such as one in a bank, the system is further divided into smaller program modules. Each modules performs a specific tasks. There is a module for individual customer accounts, another for corporate accounts, still another for employee payroll and so on. Each of these modules is then assigned to aprogrammer.

The programmer determines an algorithm, a series of steps to accomplish a given task. The next procedure is to design a program flowchart, that is a diagram of steps involved, using a template. Finally, from the program flowchart, the program is encoded into program instructions. These instructions will be used by computer to execute the program.

One important thing to consider is that each modules has to be debugged. During the design process, there are countless ways that bugs may creep in. For instance, the programmer may make a syntax error in a statement. In this case, the computer-a program which translates all the statements into machine language – will print a diagnostic message upon recognizing the incorrect syntax. The translation of all statements into machine language as previously stated is done in the compiulation run. The O’s and 1’s of the machine language are used by the CPU to execute the program.

A prepared test data is used to debug a program. When all smaller modules are properly running, they are grouped together, tested as a single module, and debugged. Once the overall program is working properly, then it is ready to go on line.
However, not all program are written this way. Programs are not always broken down into modules. There is one more important step, program should be debugged. Without documentation describing the system, further modification is very difficult.

Answer the following questions based on the text above!
1. What is the difference between “software” and “hardware”?
2. What is the Indonesian word for “still”? (paragraph two)
3. What is meant by an alogaritm?
4. What can a program flowchart be designed?
5. On what basis are the program instructions made?
6. Why should a program be debugged?
7. What will print a disgnostic message?
8. When will a diagnostic message be printed?
9. How is a program debugged?
10. What is the last important thing about programming? why is it important?