Question

Difficulty: MediumComponents of Computerized Accounting Systems

A commercial firm acquired a computer system to process its accounting transactions. The system installation included an operating system to manage computer hardware resources, user instruction manuals, and a dedicated financial statement generation program. Which component of the computerized accounting system does the dedicated financial statement generation program represent?

  1. Application softwareAnswer
  2. B
    System software
  3. C
    Procedures
  4. D
    Peopleware

Answer

Application software
Application software comprises specialized computer programs written to perform specific accounting tasks, such as generating financial reports, preparing payroll, or keeping ledger accounts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key components of a computerized accounting system.
The five core components are hardware, software, data/database, procedures, and peopleware.
Understanding the taxonomy of system components allows correct classification of elements.
2
Distinguish between system software and application software within the software component.
System software controls basic system operations (e.g., operating systems), while application software performs specific user-driven accounting functions (e.g., financial statement generation, general ledger software).
The question asks specifically about the dedicated program designed to perform financial accounting tasks.
3
Select the component matching the financial statement generation program.
Application software is the correct classification.
Programs designed for specific accounting functions fall under application software.

Key Concept

Components of Computerized Accounting Systems - Software Classification
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