Computer Software: A Detailed Overview (PDF)

Chapter 3 Computer Software INTRODUCTION Software means a set of programs, procedures and other associated documentation which describes what the program does and how it is to be used. The software acts as an interface between the user and the computer. Software is mainly classified into: Sys...

Chapter 3 Computer Software INTRODUCTION Software means a set of programs, procedures and other associated documentation which describes what the program does and how it is to be used. The software acts as an interface between the user and the computer. Software is mainly classified into: System Software Application Software Computer Software System Software Application Software System Software System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. Two types of system software are: operating systems utility program. System Software Operating Systems An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources. Different sizes of computers typically use different operating systems System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Starting and Shutting Down a Computer: Each time you boot a computer, the kernel and other frequently used operating system instructions are loaded, or copied, from storage into the computer’s memory (RAM). Providing A Graphical User Interface: With a graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with menus and visual images such as buttons and other graphical objects to issue commands System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions GUI System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Managing Memory: The purpose of memory management is to optimize the use of random-access memory (RAM). Managing Programs: A single user/multitasking operating system allows a single user to work on two or more programs that reside in memory at the same time. When a computer is running multiple programs concurrently, one program is in the foreground and the others are in the background.  System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Coordinating Tasks: Tasks include receiving data from an input device, processing instructions, sending information to an output device, and transferring items from storage to memory and from memory to storage. Configuring Devices: When you boot a computer, the operating system loads each device’s driver. If you attach a new device to a computer, such as a printer or scanner, its driver must be installed before you can use the device. System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Establishing an Internet Connection: Windows includes a Set Up a Connection or Network wizard that guides users through the process of setting up a connection between a computer and an Internet access provider System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Monitoring Performance: Operating systems typically contain a performance monitor. If a computer is running extremely slow, for example, the performance monitor may determine that the computer’s memory is being used to its maximum. Thus, you might consider installing additional memory in the computer. System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Providing File Management and Other Utilities: Operating systems often provide users with the capability of managing files, searching for files, viewing images, securing a computer from unauthorized access, uninstalling programs, cleaning up disks, diagnosing problems, backing up files and disks, and setting up screen savers.  System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Updating Software Automatically: Many popular programs, including most operating systems, include an automatic update feature that automatically provides updates to the program. Controlling a Network: A server operating system is an operating system that organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network. Resources include hardware, software, data, and information. For example, a server operating system allows multiple users to share a printer, Internet access, files, and programs.  System Software Operating Systems Operating System Functions Administering Security: Computer and network administrators typically have an administrator account that enables them to access all files and programs on the computer or network, install programs, and specify settings that affect all users on a computer or network. Settings include creating user accounts and establishing permissions. These permissions define who can access certain resources and when they can access those resources. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems A stand-alone operating system is a complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device. Examples of currently used stand-alone operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Windows: In the mid-1980s, Microsoft developed its first version of Windows, which provided a graphical user interface (GUI). Since then, Microsoft continually has updated its Windows operating system, incorporating innovative features and functions with each new version such as Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Windows System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Mac OS: Since it was released with Macintosh computers in 1984, Apple’s Macintosh operating system has set the standard for operating system ease of use and has been the model for most of the new GUIs developed for non- Macintosh systems such as Mac OS, OS X, and macOS. The latest version of MacOS is a macOS 15 System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Mac OS System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems UNIX: (pronounced YOU-nix) is a multitasking operating system. Several versions of this operating system exist, each slightly different. Today, a version of UNIX is available for most computers of all sizes. Power users often work with UNIX because of its flexibility and power System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems UNIX System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Linux: Linux is one of the faster growing operating systems. Linux introduced in 1991, is a popular, multitasking UNIX- type operating system. Linux is open source software, which means its code is available to the public for use, modification, and redistribution. In addition to the basic operating system, Linux also includes many free programming languages and utility programs. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Stand-Alone Operating Systems Linux System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Server Operating Systems A server operating system is an operating system that is designed specifically to support a network. A server operating system typically resides on a server. The client computers on the network rely on the server(s) for resources. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Server Operating Systems Example: Windows Server 2019 System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Embedded Operating Systems The operating system on most mobile devices and many consumer electronics, called an embedded operating system, resides on a ROM chip. Popular embedded operating systems include Windows Embedded CE, , iPhone OS, and Google Android. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Embedded Operating Systems Windows Embedded CE: is a scaled-down Windows operating system designed for use on communications, entertainment, and computing devices with limited functionality. Examples of devices that use Windows Embedded CE include digital cameras, point-of-sale terminals, automated teller machines, digital photo frames, fuel pumps, handheld navigation devices, portable media players, ticket machines, and computerized sewing machines. System Software Operating Systems Types of Operating Systems Embedded Operating Systems iPhone OS: is an operating system for the iPhone and iPod touch. Google Android: is an operating system designed by Google for mobile devices. Used on more than 20 different types of mobile devices, Google Android contains features such as access to e-mail accounts, an alarm clock, video capture, access to Google Apps, Wi-Fi access, and easy Web browsing. System Software Utility Programs A utility program, also called a utility, is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.  System Software Utility Programs File Manager: A file manager is a utility that performs functions related to file management. Some of the file management functions that a file manager performs are displaying a list of files on a storage medium, organizing files in folders; and copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files. System Software Utility Programs Search Utility: A search utility is a program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify.  System Software Utility Programs Image Viewer: An image viewer is a utility that allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file. Media Player: A media player is a program that allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer such as Windows Media Player. Screen Saver: A screen saver is a utility that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse, the screen saver disappears, and the screen returns to the previous state. System Software Utility Programs Uninstaller: An uninstaller is a utility that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files. Disk Cleanup: A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary files. Unnecessary files may include downloaded program files, temporary Internet files, deleted files, and unused program files. Backup Utilities: A backup utility allows users to copy, or back up, selected files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium such as another hard disk, optical disc, USB flash drive, or tape.  System Software Utility Programs Personal Firewall: A personal firewall is a utility that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions. Antivirus Programs: An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files. Internet Filters: Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed. Four widely used Internet filters are anti-spam programs, Web filters, phishing filters, and pop-up blockers. System Software Utility Programs Anti-Spam Programs: Spam is an unsolicited e-mail message or newsgroup posting sent to many recipients or newsgroups at once. Pop-Up Blockers A pop-up ad is an Internet advertisement that suddenly appears in a new window in the foreground of a Web page displayed in your browser. System Software Utility Programs Disc Burning: Disc burning software writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a recordable or rewritable CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc. Personal Computer Maintenance: A personal computer maintenance utility identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer’s performance. Computer Software System Software Application Software Application Software Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks. Application Software A variety forms of Application software Application Software A variety forms of Application software Application Software A variety forms of Application software  Application Software Business software Business software is application software that assists people in becoming more effective and efficient while performing their daily business activities. Business software includes programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, note taking, personal information manager, business soft- ware for phones, business software suites, project management, accounting, document management, and enterprise computing software.  Application Software Graphics and Multimedia Software Many people work with software designed specifically for their field of work. Power users such as engineers, architects, desktop publishers, and graphic artists often use sophisticated software that allows them to work with graphics and multimedia. This software includes the following: Computer-Aided Design Desktop Publishing Software Paint/Image Editing Software Professional photo editing software Video and Audio Editing Software Multimedia Authoring Software Web Page Authoring Software Application Software Computer-Aided Design: Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a sophisticated type of application software that assists a professional user in creating engineering, architectural, and scientific designs. For example, engineers create design plans for vehicles and security systems. Architects design building structures and floor plans. Desktop Publishing Software: Desktop publishing (DTP) software enables professional designers to create high- quality color documents such as textbooks, corporate newsletters, marketing literature, product catalogs, and annual reports. Application Software Paint/Image Editing Software: Paint software, also called illustration software, allows users to draw pictures, shapes, and other graphical images with various on-screen tools such as a pen, brush, eyedropper, and paint bucket. Image editing software provides the capabilities of paint software and also includes the capability to enhance and modify existing pictures and images. Professional photo editing software: Professional photo editing software is a type of image editing software that allows photographers, videographers, engineers, scientists, and other high-volume digital photo users to edit and customize digital photos. Application Software Video and Audio Editing Software: Video editing software allows professionals to modify a segment of a video, called a clip. For example, users can reduce the length of a video clip, reorder a series of clips, or add special effects such as words that move horizontally across the screen. Multimedia Authoring Software: Multimedia authoring software allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, video, and animation in an interactive application. Multimedia authoring software allows you to create dynamic presentations that include text, graphics, video, sound, and animation. Application Software Web Page Authoring Software: Web page authoring software helps users of all skill levels create Web pages that include graphical images, video, audio, animation, and special effects with interactive content. In addition, many Web page authoring programs allow users to organize, manage, and maintain Web sites.  Application Software A Web application, or Web app, is a Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet. Users often interact with Web applications directly at the Web site, referred to as the host, through their Web browser. Web application hosts often store users’ data and information on their servers. Some Web applications provide users with an option of storing data locally on their own personal computer or mobile device. Many Web application hosts provide free access to their software, such as Google Docs. Others, such as Google Earth, offer part of their Web application free and charge for access to a more comprehensive program. Experts often use the term Web 2.0 to describe Web applications. Recall that Web 2.0 refers to Web sites that provide users with a means to share personal information, allow users to modify Web site content, and/or have application software built into the site for visitors to use. Application Software Application Software for Communications Application Software Application Software for Communications  Application Software Other types of Application Software A large amount of application software is designed specifically for home and personal use. Travel and Mapping Software: Travel and mapping software enables users to view maps, determine route directions, and locate points of interest. Using travel and mapping software, which is available both as packaged software and as Web applications, you can display maps by searching for an address, postal code, telephone number, or point of interest (such as airports, lodging, and historical sites). Entertainment Software: Entertainment software for personal computers includes interactive games, videos, and other programs designed to support a hobby or provide amusement and enjoyment. For example, you might use entertainment software to play games individually or with others online, make a family tree, or fly an aircraft. Many games are available as Web applications, allowing you to play individually or with other online players.