ITCL - Prelim Exam Reviewer.pdf

ITCL111 - Prelim Exam Reviewer Orientation: Vision - A premier university of choice aspiring to improve man as man by developing individuals through a legacy of excellent education and compassionate value formation. Mission - The Our Lady of Fatima University, together...

ITCL111 - Prelim Exam Reviewer Orientation: Vision - A premier university of choice aspiring to improve man as man by developing individuals through a legacy of excellent education and compassionate value formation. Mission - The Our Lady of Fatima University, together with Fatima Medical Science Foundation Inc. is dedicated to the improvement of man as man through the holistic formation of individuals imbued with knowledge, skills, and virtues. CORE Values - R: Respect, I: Integrity, S: Service, E: Excellence Week 1: Computing Devices Computing Devices - A Computing device is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTING DEVICES 1. Personal Computers - A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers. 2. Desktop Computers - These are the most common type of personal computer. They are typically large and bulky, and they are designed to be placed on a desk or table. Desktop computers offer the most computing power and flexibility, and they are often used for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks. 3. All-In-One Computers - All-In-One computer is a type of personal computer that has all of its components integrated into a single unit, including the monitor, the computer case, the motherboard, the CPU, the RAM, the hard drive, and the optical drive. This makes all-in-one computers more compact and space-saving than traditional desktop computers. 4. Laptop Computers - Laptop computers are smaller and more portable than desktop computers. They are designed to be carried around with you, and they are often used for work, school or entertainment. Laptop computers offer less computing power than desktop computers, but they are still capable of handling most tasks. 5. Notebook Computers - Notebook Computers are a type of laptop computer that is even smaller and more portable. They are often called ultrabooks or ultraportables. Notebook computers offer the least computing power of the three types of personal computers, but they are also the lightest and most portable. 6. Workstation Computers - Workstations are high-powered computers that are designed for professional use. They are often used by engineers, architects, and other professionals who need a lot of computing power for their work. Workstations are typically more expensive than other types of personal computers. 7. Tablet Computer - Tablet computers are touchscreen devices that are smaller than laptops. They are often used for browsing the internet, checking email, and watching videos. Tablet computers do not offer as much computing power as laptops, but they are more portable and easier to use. 8. Hand-Held Computer - Handheld computers are small, portable computers that are designed to fit in your hand. They are often for tasks such as playing games, checking email and browsing the internet. Handheld computers do not offer as much computing power as other types of personal computers, but they are very portable and convenient. 9. Smartphones - Smartphone computers are mobile phones that also function as personal computers. They are typically equipped with a touchscreen display, a keyboard, and a variety of software applications. Smartphone computers are used for a variety of tasks, including making calls, sending text messages, browsing the internet, checking email and playing games. OTHER TYPES OF COMPUTING DEVICES 1. Super Computers - A supercomputer is a computer with a very high level of performance compared to a general-purpose computer, The performance of a supercomputer is commonly measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) instead of million instructions per second (MIPS). 2. Mainframe Computers - Mainframes are also very powerful computers, but they are not as powerful as supercomputers. Mainframes are used for large-scale data processing and transaction processing. They are also used to host critical applications, such as banking systems and air traffic control systems. Mainframes are typically more expensive than personal computers or servers, but they are more reliable and can handle more users and transactions. 3. E-Book Reader Devices - An E-Book reader is a device that is used to read electronic books (e-books). E-Book readers typically have a large, high-resolution screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight or low light. They also have long battery life, so you can read for hours without having to recharge.  4. Multimedia Computers - A multimedia computer is a computer that is designed to handle tasks involving multimedia content, such as playing videos, viewing images, and listening to music. Multimedia computers typically have a high-quality display, a powerful processor, and a large amount of memory. 5. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) - A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld device that was popular in the early 2000’s. PDAs typically had a touchscreen display and could be used for tasks such as scheduling appointments, taking notes and managing contacts. Week 2: The Computer Internal Components Computer Components - Inside every computing device, no matter the size and power, you will find many of the same components. The components vary by size, complexity and computing power; but these components are what make the item function as a computing device. Having a basic understanding of the components’ features and functions will help you select the right device for the job. PARTS OF THE INTERNAL COMPUTER 1. Motherboard - It is the personal computer component that acts as the backbone for the entire computer system. Sometimes called the system board or mainboard, it consists of a large, flat circuit board with chips and other electrical components on it using various connectors. Some components are soldered directly to the board, and some components connect to the board by using slots or sockets. 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - It is the brain of the computer and is responsible for carrying out the instructions of the computer programs, Also called “Processor”. The CPU is made up of millions of transistors that are arranged in a complex circuitry. 3. AMD & Intel Processor - AMD CPUs are a better value for money, while Intel CPUs offer better performance for gaming at high resolutions. However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a CPU, such as your budget, the type of work you will be doing, and the other components in your computer. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: This is a mid-range CPU that offers excellent value for money. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, and it is based on the AMD Zen 3 architecture. Ryzen 9 5900X: This is a high-end CPU that offers great performance for gaming and productivity. It has 12 cores and 24 threads, and it is also based on the AMD Zen 3 architecture.  Intel Core i5-12600K: This is a mid-range CPU that offers good performance for gaming and productivity. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, and it is based on the Intel Alder Lake architecture. Core i9-12900K: This is a high-end CPU that offers the best performance for gaming and productivity. It has 16 cores and 24 threads, and it is also based on the Intel Alder Lake architecture. 4. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer, It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components. 5. Random Access Memory (RAM) - RAM is your system’s short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed. This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you’re working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file; you’ll need to save it to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts as long-term storage. Types of RAM - TPM (Last page mode RAM) = Year 1990 - EDO RAM (Extended data out RAM) = Year 1994 - SDRAM (Single dynamic RAM) = Year 1996 - RDRAM (Rambus RAM) = Year 1998 - DDR (Double Data Rate) = Year 2000 - DDR2 = Year 2003 - DDR3 = Year 2007 - DDR4 = Year 2012 Types Of DDR RAM - DDR1: DDR1 was the first generation of DDR RAM. It was introduced in 2000 and was superseded by DDR2 in 2003. DDR1 has a data rate of 266 MHz to 400 MHz. - DDR2: DDR2 was the second generation of DDR RAM. It was introduced in 2003 and was superseded by DDR3 in 2007. DDR2 has a data rate of 400 MHz to 800 MHz. - DDR3: DDR3 was the third generation of DDR RAM. It was introduced in 2007 and was superseded by DDR4 in 2014. DDR3 has a data rate of 800 MHz to 2133 MHz. - DDR4: DDR4 is the fourth generation of DDR RAM. It was introduced in 2014 and is the current generation of DDR RAM. DDR4 has a data rate of 1600 MHz to 3200 MHz. 6. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files are stored. The hard is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it. When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from the hard drive into the RAM. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive. The faster the hard drive, the fasten your computer can start up and load programs. 7. Solid State Drive (SDD) - A solid-state drive (SSD) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and are becoming increasingly popular as the price of SSDs has decreased. SSDs work by storing data in flash memory cells. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile memory, which means that it does not lose its contents when the power is turned off. SSDs are also much more durable than HDDs and are less susceptible to physical damage 8. Expansion Cards - Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards. You may never need to add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other capabilities. However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types of expansion cards. 9. Video Card - The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead of having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance. 10. Sound Card - The sound card also called an “audio card” is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound. 11. Network Card - The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot. 12. Bluetooth Card - Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's commonly built into the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB adapter, often called a dongle.  13. Flash Drive (USB Drive) - A flash drive is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is typically connected to a computer or other device via a USB port. Flash drives are often referred to as pen drives, thumb drives, or jump drives. Flash drives are very popular because they are small, lightweight, and easy to use. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good option for storing and transferring data. 14. Multi Card Reader & Writers - A multi-card reader is a device that can read multiple types of memory cards, such as SD cards, microSD cards, CompactFlash cards, and XQD cards. This allows you to transfer photos, videos, and other files from your camera or other device to your computer quickly and easily. Multi-card readers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be connected to your computer via a USB port. Some multi-card readers also have built-in card readers for reading magnetic stripe cards, such as credit cards. 15. Cooling Fan - A cooling fan is a device that uses rotating blades to move air and cool an object. It is commonly used in computers, electronics, and other devices to prevent them from overheating. 16. Liquid Cooling System - A liquid cooling system is a type of cooling system that uses a liquid to transfer heat away from a component. The liquid is typically water or a mixture of water and antifreeze. The liquid is circulated through the system by a pump, and it absorbs heat from the component as it flows through. The heated liquid is then cooled in a radiator, and the cooled liquid is then circulated back to the component. 17. Heat Sink - A heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often air or a liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature. In computers, heat sinks are used to cool CPUs, GPUs, and some chipsets and RAM modules. Week 3: Common Computer Connector Types Ports - A port is a hardware interface that you can use to connect devices to a computer. The port transfers electronic signals between the device and the system unit. The port is either an electrically wired socket or plug, or it can be a wireless transmission device. A computer port is also called as a “Communication Port” as it is responsible for communication between the computer and its peripheral device. Computer Back Panel - Although the connectors on the computer's back panel may appear to be a jumbled mess, they follow a standard structure. The "ATX form factor" is the current industry standard. You may see that your computer's back is separated into three portions if you look at it. The expansion board slots are at the bottom, the I/O port connectors are in the middle, and the power supply is at the top. Connector Gender - In computer connectors, the term "gender" refers to the physical shape of the connector. A male connector has a protruding pin or pins, while a female connector has a hole or holes to receive the pins. The two genders are designed to mate together to create an electrical connection. Connector Shapes - Ports can have different physical shapes, such as round, rectangular, square, and oblong, although there is some standardization of physical properties and functions. Most connectors are keyed in some way to restrict connecting devices into the wrong port. Computer Connections - Computer connections are the physical links between a computer and other devices. They allow the computer to communicate with other devices and share data. The specific connection that is used for a particular connection will depend on the devices that are being connected and the type of signal that is being transmitted. PS/2 Ports And Connectors - PS/2 connector is developed by IBM for connecting mouse and keyboard. It was introduced with IBM’s Personal Systems/2 series of computers and hence the name PS/2 connector. PS/2 connectors are color coded as purple for keyboard and green for mouse. PS/2 is a 6-pin DIN connector. Serial Ports Connectors - A serial port is a physical interface that allows a computer to communicate with other devices one bit at a time. It is one of the oldest types of interfaces and was once commonly used to connect printers, external modems, and other peripherals to a PC. Serial ports are also known as RS-232 ports, and they are standardized by the EIA/TIA-232-F standard. This standard defines the electrical characteristics, timing, and pinout of the connectors. Parallel Port Connector - A parallel port is a type of interface found on early computers (personal and otherwise) for connecting peripherals. The name refers to the way the data is sent; parallel ports send multiple bits of data at once (parallel communication), as opposed to serial communication, in which bits are sent one at a time. To do this, parallel ports require multiple data lines in their cables and port connectors and tend to be larger than contemporary serial ports, which only require one data line. Power Supply Port Connectors - There are a lot of different Power Supply connectors out there. Luckily they are designed in such a way that you cannot go wrong when installing them. The cable simply won’t fit in the connector slot when you try to connect the wrong header. Berg Connector - Used to supply power to floppy disk drives and some tape drives P4 (EPS connector) - At some point in time the motherboard’s pins were no longer sufficient to provide the processor (cpu) with power. With overclocked cpu’s drawing as much as 200W a need to provide power directly to the CPU was created. Nowadays it is the P4, or EPS connector, to provide the cpu with power. PCI-E connector - The motherboard can provide a maximum of 75W through its PCI-E interface slot. Faster dedicated graphics cards require much more power. To solve that  issue the PCI-E connector was introduced. Molex 4-pin Peripheral Connector) - Molex connectors have been around for a very long time and can deliver 5V (red) or 12V (Yellow) to hardware peripherals. In the past these guys were often used to connect Hard drives, CD-ROM players, etc. Even some graphics cards like the Geforce 7800 GS were equipped with Molex. SATA Connector - The SATA connector is the guy that made the Molex obsolete. All modern DVD-players, hard disk drives and SSD’s are powered by SATA power. USB Port Connector - A USB port connector is a type of connector that is used to connect USB devices to a computer or other host device. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it is a standard interface that allows devices to be connected and disconnected easily. Common Types of USB Connector: USB-A Connector - This is the most common type of USB connector. It is rectangular in shape and has four pins. USB-A connectors are typically found on computers, hubs, and other devices that provide USB ports. USB-B Connector - This type of connector is often used for printers, scanners, and other devices that require more power than a USB-A connector can provide. USB-B connectors are rectangular in shape and have five pins. USB-C connector - This is a newer type of USB connector that is becoming increasingly common. It is reversible, so you don't have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way. USB-C connectors can be used for both data transfer and power delivery. Micro-USB connector - This type of connector is often used for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Micro USB connectors are smaller than USB-A and USB-B connectors. Mini-USB connector - This type of connector is similar to a micro USB connector, but it is slightly larger. Mini USB connectors are often used for cameras and other devices. Firewire Connector - FireWire is a high-speed serial bus interface standard developed by Apple Computer. It was originally known as IEEE 1394, but is now more commonly referred to as FireWire. Thunderbolt Connector - Thunderbolt is a high-speed interface that is designed to connect a wide variety of devices to a computer. It was developed by Intel and Apple, and it is based on the PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort standards. Thunderbolt connectors are reversible, so you don't have to worry about plugging them in the wrong way. They can be used for both data transfer and power delivery. Audio Ports Connector - Audio ports are used to connect speakers or other audio output devices with the computer. The audio signals can be either analogue or digital and depending on that the port and its corresponding connector differ. Three Main Types of Audio Connector: 3.5mm Audio Jack - RCA Connectors - Optical audio Connector - 3-Pin XLR Connector - VGA Connector - VGA stands for Video Graphics Array. It is a standard analog video interface that was introduced in 1987 by IBM. VGA is still widely used today, but it is gradually being replaced by digital interfaces such as HDMI and DisplayPort. DVI Connector - DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. It is a standard digital video interface that was introduced in 1999. DVI is still widely used today, but it is gradually being replaced by newer standards such as HDMI and DisplayPort. Mini-DVI Connector - Mini-DVI port is developed by Apple as an alternative to Mini- VGA port and is physically similar to one. It is smaller than a regular DVI port. Micro-DVI Connector - Micro-DVI is a proprietary video output port introduced by Apple in 2008 on the original MacBook Air. It is a smaller version of the standard DVI connector and has 17 pins. Micro-DVI can support resolutions up to 1920x1200 pixels. Display Port Connector - Display Port is a digital display interface with optional multiple channel audio and other forms of data. Display Port is developed with an aim of replacing VGA and DVI ports as the main interface between a computer and monitor. The latest version DisplayPort 1.3 can handle a resolution up to 7680 X 4320. Mini-Display Port Connector - Mini DisplayPort (mDP) is a miniaturized version of the DisplayPort standard. It was introduced in 2008 and is used on a variety of devices, including laptops, external monitors, and projectors. Mini DisplayPort connectors are rectangular in shape and have 12 pins. The pins are arranged in two rows of six pins. The first row of pins is used for the data, the second row of pins is used for the clock, and the third row of pins is used for the ground. RCA Connector - RCA Connector can carry composite video and stereo audio signals over three cables. Composite video transmits analogue video signals and the connector is as yellow colored RCA connector. The video signals are transmitted over a single channel along with the line and frame synchronization pulses at a maximum resolution of 576i (standard resolution). Component Video Connector - Component Video is an interface where the video signals are split into more than two channels and the quality of the video signal is better that Composite video. Like composite video, component video transmits only video signals and two separate connectors must be used for stereo audio. Component video port can transmit both analogue and digital video signals. The ports of the commonly found Component video uses 3 connectors and are color coded as Green, Blue and Red. S-Video Connector - S-Video or Separate Video connector is used for transmitting only video signals. The picture quality is better than that of Composite video but has a lesser resolution than Component video. HDMI Connector - HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a standard digital video and audio interface that was introduced in 2002. HDMI is the most popular video interface in use today and is supported by a wide variety of devices, including computers, televisions, Blu-ray players, and game consoles. Micro HDMI Connector - HDMI developers introduced a new HDMI Connector and Port called Micro HDMI with HDMI Version 1.4. Micro HDMI also has 19 pins (just like regular HDMI and Mini HDMI) but the pinout is different. Micro HDMI is often used in cameras, single board computers (like Raspberry Pi 4), etc. where physically it is difficult to include a regular HDMI port. Mini HDMI - With HDMI 1.3 Version, a new HDMI Port and Connector combination is released called the Mini HDMI. Physically, it is smaller than a regular HDMI Port but has same 19 Pin. Intended for portable devices like laptops, cameras, camcorders, the Mini HDMI Port isn’t that popular. RJ-45 Connector - Ethernet is a networking technology that is used to connect your computer to Internet and communicate with other computers or networking devices. The interface that is used for computer networking and telecommunications is known as Registered Jack (RJ) and RJ – 45 port in particular is used for Ethernet over cable. RJ-45 connector is an 8 pin – 8 contact (8P – 8C) type modular connector. RJ 11 Connector - RJ-11 is another type of Registered Jack that is used as an interface for telephone, modem or ADSL connections. Even though computers are almost never equipped with an RJ-11 port, they are the main interface in all telecommunication networks. Week 4: The Computer Internal Components Peripheral Devices - A peripheral device, also known as an auxiliary device (External Devices), is any hardware device that is connected to a computer or other digital device but does not contribute to the computer's primary function, such as computing. Peripheral devices are used to input, output, or store data. INPUT DEVICES  1. Keyboard - A keyboard is an input device that allows users to input text and symbols into the computer. It is the most common input device. Standard keyboards are rectangular in shape and have 84, 101, or 104 keys. 2. Mouse - A mouse is an input device that allows users to point and click on objects on the screen. It is the second most common input device. 3. Natural or ergonomic keyboards - usually split the keyboard in half so each hand can comfortably use its own set of keys. Built-in wrist rests are common, and some ergonomic keyboards also have an integrated pointing device such as a trackball or touch pad. 4. Trackball Mouse - is a type of pointing device that uses a ball to control the cursor on the screen. The ball is located on the top of the mouse and is moved with the fingers or thumb. The movement of the ball is then translated into cursor movement on the screen. 5. TrackPoint - is a small, red pointing stick located in the middle of the keyboard. 6. Stylus - is a pen-shaped instrument that is used to interact with a touchscreen device or graphics tablet. It is typically made of plastic or metal and has a tip that is made of rubber, plastic, or glass. 7. Touchpad - A touchpad is an input device that is found on laptops and other portable devices. It allows users to point and click on objects on the screen by moving their fingers on the touchpad. 8. Scanner - A scanner is an input device that scans documents and images into the computer. 9. Microphone - A microphone is an input device that records sound into the computer. 10. Webcam - A webcam is an input device that captures video and images from the computer. 11. Game controller - A game controller is an input device that is used to play games. It allows users to control the game by moving the controller or pressing buttons. 12. Barcode Reader - A barcode reader is an input device that scans barcodes into the computer. Input devices can be classified into different categories based on how they input data into the computer. Some of the most common categories are:  Mechanical input devices: Mechanical input devices use physical movements to input data into the computer. Examples of mechanical input devices include keyboards, mice, and touchpads. Optical input devices: Optical input devices use light to input data into the computer. Examples of optical input devices include scanners and webcams. Electrical input devices: Electrical input devices use electrical signals to input data into the computer. Examples of electrical input devices include microphones and barcode readers. OUTPUT DEVICES 1. Monitors - Monitors are used to display text, graphics, and video. They are the most common output device for computers. 2. Printers - Printers are used to create hard copies of documents and images. There are many different types of printers available, including inkjet printers, laser printers, and thermal printers. 3. Speakers - Speakers are used to play audio. They can be internal speakers, which are built into the computer, or external speakers, which are connected to the computer via cables or Bluetooth. 4. Headphones - Headphones are used to listen to audio privately. They can be wired or wireless. 5. Projectors - Projectors are used to display images on a large screen. They are often used for presentations or for watching movie. 6. Head-Mounted displays (HMDs) - HMDs are devices that are worn on the head and display images in front of the user's eyes. They are often used for virtual reality or augmented reality applications. 7. Braille Displays - Braille displays are used by people who are blind or visually impaired to read text. They convert text into a series of raised dots that can be felt by the user's fingers. 8. GPS Devices - GPS devices are used to determine the user's location. They can be used for navigation, tracking, or other applications. INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES 1. Flash Drive - also known as a USB drive, thumb drive, or pen drive, is a portable data storage device that uses flash memory. It is a small, lightweight device that can be easily plugged into a USB port on a computer or other device.  2. External Hard Disk - An external hard drive might connect to your computer via USB or FireWire. Some external hard drives come encased in an enclosure and others use an internal hard drive, placed in a docking unit. 3. Memory Card - is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is commonly used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other electronic devices. 4. Fax Machine - is a device that scans a document and converts it into a digital signal that can be transmitted over telephone lines to another fax machine. The receiving fax machine then prints out a copy of the document. Week 5: Computer Software Computer Software - Computer software is a set of instructions, data, or programs that run on a computer to perform specific tasks. It is the intangible part of a computer system, in contrast to the hardware, which is the physical components of the system. 2 Main Types Of Computer Software: 1. System Software is responsible for managing the computer's hardware and resources, and providing a platform for application software to run on. Examples of system software include operating systems, device drivers, and firmware. 2. Application Software is used to perform specific tasks for the user, such as word processing, web browsing, and playing games. Examples of application software include Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and Minecraft. Application software is divided into 4 categories: Productivity Software, Collaboration Software, Utility Software, Specialized Software. Other Types of Computer Software: Utility software is used to perform specific maintenance and support tasks on the computer system. Examples of utility software include antivirus software, disk defragmenters, and system backup software. Middleware is software that acts as an intermediary between system software and application software. It is often used to connect different applications or to provide services to multiple applications. Examples of middleware include web servers, application servers, and messaging servers. Programming software is used to develop new software applications. Examples of programming software include compilers, interpreters, and IDEs (integrated development environments).  Collaboration software is a type of software that helps teams and individuals to work together on projects, share information, and communicate with each other in real time, regardless of their physical location. Productivity software is a type of software that is designed to help users to be more productive in their work or personal lives. It can do this by providing tools to help users to manage their time, tasks, and files more effectively. It can also help users to communicate and collaborate with others more easily. Specialized software is software that is designed for a specific task or industry. It is often more complex and feature-rich than general-purpose software, and it can be more expensive. However, specialized software can offer significant benefits, such as increased efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Example Of Productivity Software: Office suites: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, LibreOffice, Zoho Office Suite, Apple iWork Project management: Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Wrike, Monday.com Communication and collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Chanty, Twist Note-taking: Evernote, Notion, OneNote, Bear, Obsidian Time tracking: Toggl, Clockify, Harvest, TimeCamp, TickTick Email clients: Outlook, Gmail, Spark, Airmail, Mailspring File sharing and storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Box Personal information managers (PIMs): Outlook, Google Calendar, Any.do, Todoist, Remember The Milk PDF software: Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF, Nuance Power PDF, PDFelement Examples Of Collaboration Software: Communication and collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Chanty, Twist Project management: Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Wrike, Monday.com Document and content management: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, SharePoint, Confluence File sharing and synchronization: Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Box Video conferencing: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype for Business Whiteboarding and brainstorming: Miro, Mural, Stormboard, Jamboard, Lucidchart Code collaboration: GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Mercurial Example Of Utility Software: Antivirus and security software: Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET File management software: Total Commander, WinRAR, 7-Zip, FileZilla, TeraCopy Disk management software: Acronis Disk Director, Paragon Partition Manager, EaseUS Partition Master, GParted, MiniTool Partition Wizard System optimization software: CCleaner, IObit Advanced SystemCare, Glary Utilities, AVG TuneUp, Ashampoo WinOptimizer Backup software: Acronis True Image, Veeam Backup & Replication, EaseUS Todo Backup, Paragon Backup & Recovery, AOMEI Backupper Other utility software: PDF readers, video converters, screen recorders, system information tools, file recovery software, etc. Example of Specialized Software: Computer-aided design (CAD) software: CAD software is used by engineers, architects, and designers to create 2D and 3D models of products, buildings, and other structures. Geographic information system (GIS) software: GIS software is used by geographers, cartographers, and urban planners to analyze and visualize geographic data. Medical software: Medical software is used by healthcare professionals to manage patient records, diagnose diseases, and track patient progress. Financial software: Financial software is used by accountants, financial analysts, and traders to manage finances, analyze stocks, and forecast market trends. Legal software: Legal software is used by lawyers and paralegals to manage case files, research law, and draft legal documents. Other specialized software: There are also many specialized software programs available for other industries and professions, such as real estate, construction, education, and manufacturing. Graphic design software: is used to create and edit visual content, such as images, logos, illustrations, and typography. It is used by graphic designers, web designers, and other creative professionals to create a wide range of visual materials, including branding materials, marketing materials, and website designs. Operating Software (OS) - Operating software, also known as an operating system (OS), is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is an essential component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function. Web Browser - A web browser is a software application that allows users to access the World Wide Web. It is used to view web pages, which are documents written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web browsers also allow users to interact with web pages by clicking on links, filling out forms, and playing videos. Search Engine - A search engine is a software program that helps users find information on the World Wide Web. It works by crawling the web, which means that it visits and indexes every web page that it finds. The search engine then uses this index to match user queries with the most relevant web pages. Search engines are an essential tool for accessing information on the internet. They allow users to quickly and easily find information on a wide range of topics. Search engines are also used by businesses to promote their products and services, and by individuals to connect with others who share their interests. Some of the most popular search engines include: Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu and Yandex.