Introduction to Software

Importance of Software

• Software is essential for computer systems and users
• It helps achieve career goals and is used in various applications such as sales orders, customer support, stock trading, and scientific analysis

Overview of Software

• Computer programs are sequences of instructions for the computer
• Documentation is text that describes program functions to help users operate the computer system
• There are two main types of software: systems software and application software

Systems Software

• Coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and other programs
• Each type is designed for a specific CPU and class of hardware
• The combination of a hardware configuration and systems software is called a computer system platform

Application Software

• Helps users solve particular problems
• Typically resides on the computer's hard disk, but can be stored on CDs, DVDs, or USB flash drives, or accessed on the Web as a rich Internet application (RIA)

Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals

• Software can serve the needs of an individual user, a workgroup, or an organization
• Personal productivity software enables users to improve their personal effectiveness
• Workgroup software helps members attain their common goals
• Enterprise software serves the needs of the firm in its interaction with its environment

Systems Software Functions and Types

• Functions: controls hardware operations, supports application programs' problem-solving capabilities
• Types: operating systems, utility programs, middleware

Operating Systems

• A set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs
• Combinations: single computer with single user, single computer with multiple users, multiple computers with multiple users, special-purpose computers

Operating System Kernel

• The heart of the operating system, controlling critical processes and tying all components together

Operating System Activities

• Controlling common computer hardware functions
• Providing a user interface and input/output management
• Providing hardware independence
• Managing system memory
• Managing processing tasks
• Providing networking capability
• Controlling access to system resources
• Managing files

Operating System Hardware Functions

• Getting input from keyboard or another input device
• Retrieving data from disks
• Storing data on disks
• Displaying information on a monitor or printer

Operating System User Interface and Input/Output Management

• User interface allows individuals to access and interact with the computer system
• Types: command-based, graphical user interface (GUI), natural user interface (NUI) or multi-touch interface, speech recognition, sight interfaces, brain interfaces

Operating System Hardware Independence

• Application program interface (API) enables software programs to access and use services of another software program
• Hardware independence makes a software application able to function on a wide variety of devices regardless of local hardware