Computer Software Created by Ann Ware

Computer Software Software Computers require software to function. Software is the instructions that allow users to communicate with the computer; also called programs. Three categories: Operating system software Application (productivity) software Communications software

Operating system software Computer Software Operating system software Operating system (OS)--system software that acts as a "go-between", allowing computer hardware and other software to communicate with each other Microsoft Windows Mac OS Linux One component of an OS is file management: the ability to create, edit, view, print, rename, copy or delete files and folders

Computer Software Platform The hardware and the operating system together are referred to as a platform. Windows platform Mac platform Dual-platform: the ability to run more than one operating system.

Basic functions of an OS Computer Software Basic functions of an OS Function Description User interface Provides icons and menus to interact with computer Utilities to configure the system Provides connection to networks, installation of software and management of resources Manage computer resources Control the connections between the software and the hardware Secure data by controlling access Specifies authentication and authorization rights to the computer and its resources.

Computer Software Definitions Authentication: the process of validating a user’s logon information Authorization: associating specific permissions to a username

Computer Software Utility software Utility software is a type of system software that runs system checks and makes sure everything is working properly; One type of utility software is anti-virus software, which checks for viruses (programs designed to disrupt or destroy the normal operation of a computer McAfee, Norton, Avast, AVG

Computer Software Application software Word Processing Spreadsheet Presentation Database Desktop Publishing Painting/Drawing Digital Imaging Web Design Video/Audio Production Gaming Podcasting Accounting Programs that allow the user to perform specific tasks; also known as productivity software

Computer Software Word Processing A software application that is designed to create, edit, format, print and save text- based documents, such as letters, reports, and memos Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, Google Documents

Computer Software Spreadsheet A software application that stores data in a grid of horizontal rows and vertical columns. The software is designed to analyze data using formulas and calculations. Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, Google Spreadsheet

Computer Software Presentation An application software designed to create a visual display of information; can include text, graphics, audio and video Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Prezi, Google Presentations

Computer Software Database An application software designed to collect and organize data for easy retrieval and analysis Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro, Oracle

Computer Software Desktop Publishing An application software that is designed to combine text and graphics to create professional print-ready publications Adobe InDesign, Corel Draw, Microsoft Publisher

Communication software Computer Software Communication software Programs that make it possible for a computer to transmit and receive information to and from other computers. Web Browsers Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome Email Yahoo, Gmail, Live, Hotmail, Outlook, etc.

Computer Software File formats Every file saved on a computer will have an extension at the end of a file name known as the file format—typically three characters. The extension defines how the data is stored in the file. It may indicate which application was used to create a document or what type of application is needed to open the document

File types - continued Examples: .docx Microsoft Word document Computer Software File types - continued Examples: .docx Microsoft Word document .pptx Microsoft PowerPoint presentation .xlsx Microsoft Excel spreadsheet .txt a plain text file (generic) .rtf rich text format (generic) .jpg graphic image .pdf requires Adobe Reader

File types - continued .mp3 compressed audio file Computer Software File types - continued .mp3 compressed audio file .wmv windows media video file format .wma windows media audio file format .htm hypertext markup file .mov Quicktime movie .zip compressed file format .exe executable file