Class 9 Computer — Software Important Questions with Answers (Long answers)

Software is a set of instructions. System software includes the OS, device drivers and utilities such as backup or antivirus. Application software includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, browsers and educational apps. Programming tools (editors, compilers) help create new software. Licences matter: use genuine Office, Linux, or approved freeware/open source — not pirated disks. Firmware on devices is software stored in chips. Students should classify a given name (Chrome vs Windows vs driver) in exams.

Freeware: no price, source may be closed (a free PDF reader). Shareware: trial then pay if you continue. Open source: source available under a licence (many Linux tools). Custom: written for one school or office. All four can be legal; piracy is a fifth illegal path. Choose by need, licence and teacher approval. Price zero does not mean you may claim you wrote it.

A virus needs a host file and user action to spread. A worm can spread over a network more on its own. A Trojan pretends to be useful (a cracked game). Ransomware locks files. Defence: legal software, updates, antivirus, caution with USB and mail. The words are enough at Class 9; do not write attack steps. Backup is the last safety net.