Computer Software Fundamentals Quiz

Software Overview

• Software is a set of instructions telling the computer what to do
• Computers run two types of software: system and application software

System Software

• System software runs the computer
• It starts automatically when the computer is turned on and runs in the background
• Typical tasks include: managing files, printing documents, connecting to networks, managing hardware and other software

Application Software

• Application software lets users perform work or personal tasks
• It runs at the user's request
• Typical tasks include creating, editing, and viewing files like documents, photos, and webpages

Operating Systems

• Operating systems are crucial software that manages hardware and creates the interface between the hardware and the user
• It mostly runs in the background
• Key functions include:
  • Managing computer's hardware resources
  • Providing user interface components
  • Providing a platform for software developers to write applications

Operating System Fundamentals

• System basics include the operating system (OS) and utility programs
• Operating system functions include managing the computer's hardware, allowing application software to interact with the CPU, and managing, scheduling, and coordinating tasks

User Interface

• The User Interface is how a user interacts with a computer
• Types of interfaces include command-driven, menu-driven, and graphical user interface(GUI)
• Components include desktop, icons, and menus

Operating System Software Examples

• Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS
• Each has a specific developer and availability on various devices like laptops, tablets, desktops, and phones

Operating Systems for Personal Use

• Top three for personal computers are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Mobile OSs include Android and iOS, as well as web-based OSs like Google Chrome OS.

Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, and Business

• Real-time OS (RTOS): Designed for tasks requiring precise timing.
• Multiuser operating system: Allows multiple users to access the computer at the same time.
• Examples include Unix, but also include network operating systems.

Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, & Business

• OS coordinates and directs the flow of data and information
• Manages computer hardware. Includes peripheral devices
• Provides a consistent interaction between applications and the CPU
• Manages memory and storage
• Manages the processor

What the Operating System Does: Hardware Coordination

• Event: Operating system's response to various inputs
• Interrupt handler: OS manages input from various devices
• Preemptive multitasking: Allows multiple tasks to run concurrently
• Spooler: Manages the printing process

Memory and Storage Management

• RAM has limited capacity.
• Virtual memory uses hard drive space to simulate more RAM.
• Swap file and paging are methods to increase memory.
• Thrashing describes excessive memory swapping.

Hardware and Peripheral Device Management

• Device driver: Software that allows the OS to interact with a hardware device.
• Plug and Play (PnP): Hardware setup that eliminates the need for manual configuration.
• Roll Back: Revert to a previous device driver in case of errors.

Software Application Coordination

• Application programming interface (API): A set of commands allowing application software to interface with other software components.
• Blocks of code recognized by the CPU
• Used for similar procedures. A common example is Microsoft Direct X

Starting Your Computer - The Boot Process

• Step 1: CPU activates BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
• Step 2: POST (Power-On Self-Test) checks components of the computer
• Step 3: OS is loaded into RAM
• Step 4: Configuration is checked and Start Screen displays

The Boot Process

• Step 1: Activating BIOS manages data exchanges between the OS and input/output devices, and loads OS to RAM
• Step 2: Performing POST ensures essential peripheral devices are operational.
• Step 3: Loading the OS loads system files into the RAM and the kernel
• Step 4: Checking configurations and customizations checks the registry for settings and configurations

The Windows 10 Interface

• Desktop: Primary area for computer work
• Taskbar: Displays open and favorite applications
• Start menu: Provides access to installed applications

Windows 10

• Pinning: choosing which apps are tiles on the Start Menu
• Virtual Desktops: organizing groups of windows into different displays

User Interfaces for Other OSs

• macOS and Windows are not compatible with each other but are similar in functionality.
• Linux interfaces generally follow paradigms established in macOS and Windows

File Management:Organizing Your Files

• Directory: Hierarchical approach to organizing computer contents by Drives, Subfolders, folders, files and Root directory
• File: Collection of program instructions or data stored on permanent devices.
• Folder: Collection of files.
• File path: Specifies a file's location using forward slashes or backslashes.
• File Explorer: Main tool for finding and managing computer contents
• View Options: Adjusting display settings, showing details of files, grouping, etc

File Management: Organizing Your Files

• Copying, moving and deleting files includes open, copy, cut, rename, delete, and recycle bin.
• File compression utility helps compress large files to make them more managable.

Utility Programs - Windows Administrative Utilities

• Utility programs are integrated into the operating system.
• Examples include Firewall, File Compression, Standalone Antivirus, and Security programs

Utility Programs

• System performance utilities include Disk Cleanup, Task Manager, and Disk Defragmenter
• File and system backup utilities include File History and System Restore
• Accessibility utilities, such as Magnifier, Narrator, Speech Recognition, On-Screen Keyboard, and High Contrast, are designed for users with special needs

Application Software

• Application software performs specific tasks for the user
• Applications are also called software applications.

Productivity Software

• Productivity software is application software that makes people more productive by automating repetitive tasks
• Examples include Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, LibreOffice, and web-based productivity apps

Word Processing Software

• Word processing software helps create, edit, format and manage documents easily.
• It's one of the most frequently used software types.
• Features include text and document formatting options

Word Processing Software

• Word processing is used to create and edit documents such research papers, class notes, resumes and program examples
• Examples include Word and Writer

Spreadsheet Software

• Spreadsheet software performs calculations and numerical analyses using text, values and dates, formulas and functions.
• Examples include Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc

Spreadsheet Software

• Spreadsheet software is used in different tasks such as tracking sales, calculating payroll, creating marketing projections, creating budgets, calculating loan payments, maintaining grade books and conducting research

Spreadsheet Software

• Spreadsheet software creates worksheets composed of rows and columns forming a grid.
• Spreadsheet files contain data entries in cells, numbers, charts, graphics and tables

Features of Spreadsheets

• Workbook, Cell Ranges, Values, Labels, Formulas, Cells, Cell address/cell references.

Presentation Software

• Presentation software used to create electronic slides for presentations that can be viewed on a single computer, projection device and over the internet
• Slides incorporate text, graphics, video and multimedia contents

Presentation Software: Insert Content on Slides

• Text, Graphics, Media clips, Links and embedded objects, Charts are types of content inserted into a presentation slide

Presentation Software: Tips for Design

• Use suitable images
• Be wary of colors
• Choose bullet points for key points
• Appropriate font size and style
• Avoid excess animations and background audio.

Presentation Software: Design Effective Presentations

• Design effective presentations by considering the target venue and audience, limiting words, using graphics wisely, avoiding excessive transitions and animations, and applying accessibility measures.

Database Software

• A database is a collection of data organized and stored electronically utilizing tables, records, and fields.

Database Software

• Database software is used to store and organize data based on fields, records, and tables. Data in tables can be sorted and filtered

Productivity and Business Software

• Note-taking software: examples include OneNote and Evernote
• Personal Information Manager (PIM): software to manage e-mails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Examples include Outlook and web-based PIMs.
• Small business software includes accounting software, inventory management and desktop publishing (DTP) software.
• Software for specialized businesses may include vertical market software targeted for specific industries, such as computer-aided design software (CAD).

Multimedia Software

• Multimedia software, such as image-editing software, video-editing software, drawing software, and audio-editing software, handles digital images, video editing and digital audio files, and is used to produce computer games, animations, and movies

Digital Audio Software

• Digital audio files include downloaded music, audiobooks and podcasts
• Digital audio formats include compressed formats (MP3, AAC, WMA) and uncompressed (WAV, AIFF) formats.
• Digital audio workstation (DAW) software is used for audio editing

App Creation Software

• App creation software, like App Inventor, Thunkable, Corona SDK, Unity, and RPG Maker, are used to develop apps for mobile devices.

Educational and Reference Software

• Software examples include test preparation software and home design tools.
• Other examples include trip planning, course management, and genealogy.