Running an application program: Microsoft Word - SS1 ICT Lesson Note
Running an application program like Microsoft Word involves several basic computer operations. Here is an overview:
Input: To initiate running an application, you provide input through the keyboard, mouse, or other input devices. This input might include clicking on the application's icon, typing a command in the Run dialog box, or searching for the application in the Start menu.
Memory Management: Once initiated, the operating system loads the necessary parts of the application into memory. This includes the program's executable code, libraries, and data. Memory management ensures that there's enough RAM available to hold the program's instructions and data while it's running.
Processing: The central processing unit (CPU) carries out the instructions of the program. The CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes the necessary operations. For an application like Microsoft Word, this could involve rendering the user interface, managing text and formatting, and handling user interactions.
Output: The application generates output that is displayed on the screen or sent to other devices. In the case of Microsoft Word, the output includes the graphical user interface, the document content, and any additional elements such as menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes.
Source:(computerhope.com)
File Operations: When working with Microsoft Word, you might open, edit, and save documents. These operations involve interacting with the computer's storage devices. The operating system manages file operations, ensuring that data is read from and written to the storage devices accurately and efficiently.
User Interaction: User input is vital in most application programs. For Microsoft Word, this could involve actions like typing, formatting text, inserting images, and more. The operating system and application handle user interactions by processing input events and updating the user interface accordingly.
Multitasking: Modern operating systems allow for multitasking, meaning that you can run multiple applications simultaneously. Switching between applications involves suspending the current application's operations, saving its state, and loading the state of the new application. This process is managed by the operating system.
Resource Management: Running an application consumes system resources such as memory and CPU time. The operating system ensures that these resources are allocated efficiently among different applications to prevent conflicts and slowdowns.
Error Handling: If an error occurs during the execution of an application, the operating system might display an error message, terminate the application gracefully, or attempt to recover from the error, depending on the severity of the issue.
Termination: When you're done using an application like Microsoft Word, you might close it. The operating system ensures that all the resources used by the application are released properly, and any changes made to documents are saved if necessary.
In summary, running an application program involves a series of coordinated actions by the operating system and hardware components to execute the program's instructions, manage resources, and provide a seamless user experience.