Computer Software Categories Quiz

Computer Software Categories

• Information systems rely on software to help users transform data into information.
• Software handles input, processing, output, storage, and control activities.
• Software is categorized into two main types: application software and system software.

Categories of Computer Software (Diagram Example)

• Computer Software
  • Application Software
    • General-Purpose Programs
    • Application-Specific Programs
  • System Software
    • System Management Programs
      • Operating Systems
      • GUI Interfaces
      • Database Management Systems
      • Telecommunications Monitors
    • System Development Programs
      • Programming Language Translators
      • Programming Environments
      • CASE Packages

Application Software

• Application software directs computer use for specific tasks.
• General-purpose application programs create various types of information: word processing, spreadsheets, database managers, graphics, and integrated packages.
• Application-specific software focuses on specific functions: accounting, marketing plans, financing.

Common General-Purpose Applications

• Electronic Mail: Communicating via the internet (e.g., Eudora, Webmail).
• Word Processing: Creating, editing, and printing documents (e.g., Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect).
• Electronic Spreadsheets: Designing financial spreadsheets for analysis (e.g., Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel).
• Presentation Graphics: Producing multimedia presentations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance).
• Multimedia Software: Creating presentations and other information products using various media (e.g., Corel Draw 9, Adobe PhotoShop, Macromedia, Shockwave).
• Personal Information Managers: Organizing and retrieving personal information (e.g., Lotus Organizer, Microsoft Outlook).
• Groupware: Collaboration software for workgroups (e.g., Lotus Notes, Microsoft Exchange).
• Web Browsers: Primary interface for the World Wide Web (e.g., Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Explorer).

Web Browsers

• Web browsers, crucial for many users, provide an interface to navigate the hyperlinked resources of the internet and corporate networks.
• Modern browsers offer more than just surfing, integrating communication and collaborative tools, such as discussion forums, databases (audio/video conferencing), chat, telephone, group scheduling tools, and web page editing.

Database Management Packages

• Database and graphics programs are becoming increasingly common for business tasks, combined in integrated "Office Suite" packages.
• Database Management Systems (DBMS) let users set up databases on personal computers.
• Key tasks include development, maintenance, interrogation, and application development.

Multimedia Technologies

• Multimedia integration involves high-quality data and information for better user interaction.
• Multimedia usage is increasing in learning and business training applications.
• Key technologies like Authoring Language (high-level programming language), Compact Disk Interactive (data reading on CD-ROM), Compressed Audio (increased disk storage capacity), Computer Edit Systems (enhanced accuracy and quality in video editing) Digital Video Interactive (video compression), and Interactive Video (user control over video sequences) contribute to multimedia.
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is the protocol for transporting musical information, and the Sound Board and Storyboard capture, manage, and visualize multimedia programs.
• Video Capture Cards digitize analog video from multiple external devices.

Business Enterprise Application Software

• Application packages support managerial and operational decision-making.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Integrated cross-functional software for business process optimization, integrating, and automating core processes for increased efficiency, agility, and profitability.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Systems of modules for customer interactions like sales, marketing, and service, enabling businesses to identify, target, and retain their best customers.
• Human Resource Management: Support for tasks such as recruitment, selection, hiring, job placement, performance appraisals, and training/development.
• Accounting and Financial Management: Systems to record/report transactions, flow of funds, financial statements, and support planning and control of business operations.
• Supply Chain Management: Encompasses the network of business processes and interrelationships for building, selling, and delivering products.

Functions of an Operating System

• Operating systems manage CPU operations, input/output, and data storage.
• Operating systems provide various support services for application programs.
• The user interface allows user communication with the computer, encompassing command-driven (text commands), menu-driven (mouse/keyboard selections), and graphical interfaces (icons, buttons).
• Operating systems integrate functions across hardware, software, networks, and data resources.
• Resource management handles computer hardware, including the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.
• File management programs control how data and programs are created, deleted, and accessed using file storage devices.
• Task management programs handle computing tasks by scheduling and determining priorities, allocating CPU time.
• Utilities support maintaining and optimizing the system. Functions include file defragmentation, compressing data, and performing other system tasks.

Categories of Programming Languages

• Programming languages help programmers create programs by providing a specific method for writing instructions that the computer follows.
• Machine languages are the most basic, using binary codes specific to the processor.
• Assembler languages use symbolic codes, converted to machine language using assemblers.
• High-level languages use statements resembling natural language, translated into machine language by compilers or interpreters.
• Fourth-generation languages are more nonprocedural in nature, emphasizing the desired result over detailing the precise steps.
• Object-oriented languages group data and instructions into objects that interact.
• Markup languages embed codes to structure documents, like HTML and XML.

Programming Language Translation

• Language translator programs translate programmer-written instructions into machine language.
• Assemblers convert symbolic code to machine code.
• Compilers translate high-level language statements into machine language.
• Interpreters translate and execute each statement individually.
• Programming tools, such as graphics-oriented editors and debuggers, aid in the programming process by identifying and rectifying errors.

Chapter Summary

• Computer software consists of application and system programs. Application software performs specific user tasks; system software controls computer operations.
• Application software categories include general-purpose and application-specific utilities.
• System software includes system management and system development programs. System management programs control hardware, software, networks, and data resources.