CBSE Class 9 Foundation of Information Technology Chapter 3: Computer Software NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter provides essential NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Foundation of Information Technology, focusing on Chapter 3: Computer Software. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of computer software, differentiating between system software, which manages computer operations and hardware, and application software, designed for specific user tasks. Key topics covered include the role of operating systems, device drivers, language processors like compilers, and utility software for system maintenance. The solutions also explain the purpose of spreadsheets for data organization and analysis, and databases for managing large data collections while controlling redundancy. These solutions are designed to clarify complex topics, aid in understanding the practical applications of software, and serve as a valuable resource for exam preparation and revision.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	Foundation of Information Technology
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3 of the Class 9 Foundation of Information Technology syllabus delves into the core concepts of computer software. The NCERT Solutions cover definitions and examples of system software, including operating systems and device drivers, and application software, highlighting their distinct functions. It also explains language processors like compilers and the role of utility software in system management. The chapter concludes by touching upon specific applications like spreadsheets for data analysis and databases for data organization, providing a foundational understanding of how software operates and serves user needs.

Learning outcomes

Understand the definition and purpose of computer software.
Differentiate between system software and application software.
Identify the functions of an operating system and device drivers.
Explain the role of language processors like compilers.
Recognize the importance and examples of utility software.
Describe the uses of spreadsheets and databases.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Computer Software Definition
System Software
Application Software
Operating System
Device Driver
Language Processor
Compiler
Utility Software
Antivirus Software
Spreadsheet Software
Database Management

Important topics

System Software vs. Application Software
Role of Operating System
Function of Device Drivers
Purpose of Utility Software
Applications of Spreadsheets and Databases

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What is computer software?

Solution: Computer software refers to a comprehensive set of instructions, procedures, and associated data that guide a computer system. It dictates what tasks the computer should perform and precisely how to execute them, essentially bringing the hardware to life.

Question 2

What do you mean by system software?

Solution: System software comprises programs that are essential for the internal functioning of a computer. Its primary role is to control and manage the computer's hardware resources, ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively.

Question 3

What do you mean by an operating system?

Solution: An operating system (OS) is a crucial type of system software. It functions as an intermediary, facilitating communication between the computer user and the underlying hardware, managing system resources, and providing a platform for application software to run.

Question 4

In order to use the printer, an operating system will need a special type of software. This software is known as what?

Solution: To enable the operating system to interact with and control a specific hardware device like a printer, a special type of software called a device driver is required. The device driver translates the general commands from the OS into specific instructions that the printer can understand.

Question 5

Which language processor converts an HLL program into machine language at once?

Solution: A compiler is a language processor that has the capability to convert an entire program written in a High-Level Language (HLL) into machine language in a single operation. This machine language is the binary code that the computer's processor can directly execute.

Question 6

Define a utility software.

Solution: Utility software is a type of system software specifically developed to assist in the management, maintenance, and optimization of computer systems. It helps in tuning the operating system, managing hardware components, and supporting various application software functionalities.

Question 7

Mention some examples of utility software.

Solution: Some common examples of utility software include data compression utilities (like WinZip or 7-Zip), virus protection utilities (antivirus software), and disk defragmentation utilities (which help organize data on hard drives for faster access).

Question 8

Which software do you use to keep your system intact from computer viruses?

Solution: To protect your computer system from the threats posed by computer viruses, you should use antivirus software. This specialized software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from your system.

Question 9

Why we cannot use a text editor as a picture editing tool?

Solution: A text editor is designed exclusively for working with textual data. It lacks the functionalities and tools required to interpret, manipulate, or modify graphical image files, which is why it cannot be used as a picture editing tool.

Question 10

Describe an application software.

Solution: Application software, often referred to as an 'app', is a program developed to perform specific tasks or functions for the end-user. Examples include word processors, web browsers, games, and graphic design tools, each designed for a particular purpose.

Question 11

Why do we use spreadsheets?

Solution: Spreadsheets are primarily used for organizing data in a structured format, typically in tables consisting of rows and columns. They are powerful tools for performing calculations, analyzing numerical data, and presenting information in a clear, often visual, manner.

Question 12

Name the software used to control redundancy from a collection of large amount of data.

Solution: Software designed to manage large collections of data, control redundancy, and ensure data integrity is known as a database management system (DBMS). A database itself is an organized collection of integrated data, and the DBMS provides the tools to interact with it effectively.

Common mistakes

Confusing system software with application software.
Not understanding the specific role of a device driver.
Difficulty in distinguishing between a compiler and an interpreter (though interpreter is not explicitly in this source).
Overlooking the importance of utility software for system health.

Revision tips

Create a table to compare system software and application software based on their functions and examples.
Focus on understanding the 'why' behind each type of software – why is an OS needed? Why is a utility program useful?
Practice identifying examples of each software category in real-world computer usage.
Review the definitions of key terms like 'compiler', 'device driver', and 'database'.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which type of software controls internal computer operations and optimizes hardware usage?

Q2. What is the primary function of a device driver?

Q3. Which language processor translates an entire High-Level Language (HLL) program into machine language at once?

Q4. Which of the following is an example of utility software?

Q5. What is the main purpose of using spreadsheet software?

Frequently asked questions

What is the fundamental difference between system software and application software?

System software manages the computer's hardware and internal operations, acting as a foundation for other software. Application software, on the other hand, is designed to perform specific tasks for the user, such as word processing or browsing the internet.

Why is an operating system considered system software?

An operating system is considered system software because it acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, controlling and coordinating all the computer's resources and operations.

What is the role of a compiler?

A compiler is a language processor that translates an entire program written in a high-level programming language (like C++ or Java) into machine language, which the computer's processor can understand and execute, all at once.

Can you give examples of utility software?

Yes, common examples of utility software include antivirus programs (to protect against viruses), disk defragmenters (to optimize disk performance), and data compression tools (to reduce file sizes).

How do spreadsheets help in managing data?

Spreadsheets are used to organize large amounts of data in a tabular format (rows and columns). They are particularly useful for performing calculations, analyzing data, and creating charts or graphs from the tabulated information.

What is the purpose of a database in managing data?

A database is used to store and manage large collections of integrated data efficiently. It helps in controlling redundancy (avoiding duplicate information) and ensuring data consistency across various applications.

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