Software
Key Concepts & Formulas
Provide 5-7 essential concepts for Software:
| # | Concept | Quick Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | System Software | Programs that manage computer hardware and provide platform for applications (e.g., Windows, Linux, device drivers) |
| 2 | Application Software | Programs designed for specific user tasks (e.g., MS Office, Railway Reservation System, Tally) |
| 3 | Firmware | Permanent software programmed into hardware (e.g., BIOS in railway ticket vending machines) |
| 4 | Open Source vs Proprietary | Open source: free to use/modify (Linux); Proprietary: licensed (Windows, Oracle) |
| 5 | Compiler vs Interpreter | Compiler: converts entire program at once; Interpreter: converts line by line |
| 6 | Antivirus Software | Protects against malware (e.g., Quick Heal used in railway computer systems) |
| 7 | Database Software | Manages structured data (e.g., IRCTC uses Oracle/MySQL for passenger records) |
10 Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is an example of system software? A) Microsoft Word B) Windows 10 C) Adobe Photoshop D) Railway Reservation App
Answer: B) Windows 10
Solution: System software manages computer hardware and provides platform for applications. Windows 10 is an operating system which controls hardware and allows other programs to run.
Shortcut: If it manages your computer or comes pre-installed, it’s likely system software
Concept: Software - System vs Application Software
Q2. The software used to book train tickets on IRCTC website is an example of: A) System Software B) Utility Software C) Application Software D) Firmware
Answer: C) Application Software
Solution: IRCTC booking software is designed for a specific purpose (ticket booking) for end users, making it application software.
Shortcut: User-facing programs = Application Software
Concept: Software - Application Software types
Q3. Which software translates high-level programming language to machine code? A) Assembler B) Compiler C) Antivirus D) Database
Answer: B) Compiler
Solution: A compiler converts entire high-level programs (like C++, Java) into machine language (binary 0s and 1s) that computers can execute.
Shortcut: Compiler = Complete translation at once
Concept: Software - Programming Tools
Q4. A railway station's automatic announcement system uses pre-recorded messages stored in hardware memory. This is: A) Shareware B) Freeware C) Firmware D) Malware
Answer: C) Firmware
Solution: Firmware is software permanently programmed into hardware devices. Railway announcement systems have message software embedded in their hardware chips.
Shortcut: Permanently embedded software = Firmware
Concept: Software - Firmware characteristics
Q5. If a train simulator software costs ₹5,000 per license and railway training center needs it for 50 computers, but they use open-source alternative saving ₹2,50,000, the open-source software is: A) Shareware B) Proprietary C) Freeware D) Open Source
Answer: D) Open Source
Solution: Open source software is freely available for use, modification, and distribution. The saving of ₹2,50,000 (50 × ₹5,000) indicates zero cost.
Shortcut: Free + Modifiable = Open Source
Concept: Software - Licensing types
Q6. Railway's freight management system processes 2,000 transactions per hour. If each transaction requires 0.5MB memory, and system uses database software with 20% overhead, total memory needed is: A) 1.2 GB B) 1.5 GB C) 2.0 GB D) 2.4 GB
Answer: A) 1.2 GB
Solution: Base memory = 2,000 × 0.5MB = 1,000MB = 1GB With 20% overhead: 1GB × 1.2 = 1.2GB
Shortcut: Always add 20-25% overhead for database systems
Concept: Software - Database memory management
Q7. A train scheduling software has 500 lines of code. If compiler takes 0.01 seconds per line, interpreter takes 0.05 seconds per line, time difference for 10 program runs is: A) 200s B) 250s C) 400s D) 500s
Answer: C) 400s
Solution: Compiler: 500 × 0.01 = 5s (one-time) Interpreter: 500 × 0.05 × 10 = 250s Difference: 250 - 5 = 245s (closest to 250s)
Shortcut: Compiler faster for repeated runs
Concept: Software - Compiler vs Interpreter efficiency
Q8. Railway's GPS tracking software updates every 5 seconds for 1000 trains. If each update packet is 2KB, daily data usage is approximately: A) 33.8 GB B) 34.6 GB C) 35.2 GB D) 36.4 GB
Answer: B) 34.6 GB
Solution: Updates per train per day = 86400/5 = 17,280 Total updates = 1000 × 17,280 = 17,280,000 Data = 17,280,000 × 2KB = 34,560,000KB = 34.56GB ≈ 34.6GB
Shortcut: 17,280 updates/day per 5-second interval
Concept: Software - Real-time data processing
Q9. A railway signal control system has redundant software. If primary fails every 1000 hours with 99.9% reliability, and backup has 99.5% reliability, combined system reliability is: A) 99.9995% B) 99.9999% C) 99.9998% D) 99.9997%
Answer: A) 99.9995%
Solution: Primary fails: 0.1% of time Backup takes over: 99.5% success when needed Combined: 99.9% + (0.1% × 99.5%) = 99.9% + 0.0995% = 99.9995%
Shortcut: Add backup success probability to primary
Concept: Software - Reliability engineering
Q10. Train maintenance software follows agile development with 2-week sprints. If each sprint completes 8% of total work, and 40% was pre-completed, number of sprints to finish remaining work is: A) 6 B) 7 C) 8 D) 9
Answer: C) 8
Solution: Remaining work = 100% - 40% = 60% Sprints needed = 60% ÷ 8% = 7.5 ≈ 8 sprints
Shortcut: Round up fractions in project planning
Concept: Software - Development methodology
5 Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1. Which of the following is NOT a system software? A) Windows OS B) Linux C) MS Excel D) Device Driver [RRB NTPC 2021 CBT-1]
Answer: C) MS Excel
Solution: MS Excel is application software designed for spreadsheet tasks, while Windows, Linux, and device drivers manage hardware resources.
Exam Tip: Remember - if end-user uses it for specific tasks, it’s application software
PYQ 2. The software permanently stored in hardware chips of railway ticket printers is called: A) Firmware B) Shareware C) Freeware D) Adware [RRB Group D 2022]
Answer: A) Firmware
Solution: Railway printers have embedded software in their chips that controls printing operations - this is firmware.
Exam Tip: Hardware-embedded software = Firmware (think “firm” = fixed)
PYQ 3. Which converts entire program at once before execution? A) Interpreter B) Assembler C) Compiler D) Linker [RRB ALP 2018]
Answer: C) Compiler
Solution: Compiler translates complete high-level program to machine code before execution, while interpreter works line-by-line.
Exam Tip: Compiler = Complete; Interpreter = Incremental
PYQ 4. Open source software used by Indian Railways for database management is: A) Oracle B) MySQL C) MS SQL D) DB2 [RRB JE 2019]
Answer: B) MySQL
Solution: MySQL is open-source RDBMS used by railways for passenger reservation systems, while others are proprietary.
Exam Tip: MySQL is free and open-source (think “My” = free for me)
PYQ 5. The software that protects railway computer systems from viruses is: A) Compiler B) Antivirus C) Debugger D) Emulator [RPF SI 2019]
Answer: B) Antivirus
Solution: Antivirus software detects and removes malicious programs from computer systems.
Exam Tip: Anti-virus = Against viruses (literal meaning helps remember)
Speed Tricks & Shortcuts
| Situation | Shortcut | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying System vs Application | “SAD” rule: System-Always-Device related | Windows = System (manages device), Excel = Application (user task) |
| Memory calculation with overhead | Add 20% quickly: ×1.2 | 100MB with overhead = 120MB |
| Compiler vs Interpreter speed | Compiler: 1 pass; Interpreter: N passes | 500 lines × 10 runs: Compiler = 1×500, Interpreter = 10×500 |
| Open source identification | Free for commercial use? Yes = Open Source | MySQL = Yes (open), Oracle = No (proprietary) |
| Firmware location | “Inside-out” check | Software inside hardware = Firmware |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why Students Make It | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Confusing antivirus with vaccine | Similar sounding words | Antivirus = software, Vaccine = medical - no connection |
| Thinking all free software is open source | “Free” confusion | Freeware = free but closed source; Open source = free + modifiable |
| Mixing compiler and interpreter | Both convert code | Remember: Compiler = Complete conversion; Interpreter = Interactive |
| Calling device drivers application software | Both are programs | Drivers control hardware = System software |
| Assuming firmware is hardware | “Firm” sounds physical | Firmware = software permanently stored in hardware chips |
Quick Revision Flashcards
| Front (Question/Term) | Back (Answer) |
|---|---|
| System Software examples | Windows, Linux, Device drivers, BIOS |
| Application Software examples | MS Office, Railway reservation system, Games |
| Firmware example | Software in railway signal controller chips |
| Open Source vs Proprietary | Open: free to modify (Linux); Proprietary: licensed (Windows) |
| Compiler advantage | Faster execution after one-time translation |
| Interpreter advantage | Easier debugging, platform independent |
| Database software use | Store/manage railway passenger records |
| Antivirus software function | Detect and remove malicious programs |
| Shareware vs Freeware | Shareware: trial version; Freeware: completely free |
| Software development models | Agile (sprints), Waterfall (sequential phases) |
Topic Connections
How Software connects to other RRB exam topics:
- Direct Link: Computer Hardware - Software runs on hardware; no software works without compatible hardware
- Combined Questions: Software + Networking (e.g., browser software for internet), Software + Security (antivirus protection)
- Foundation For: Understanding railway computerization, digital ticketing systems, GPS tracking technology
BETA
