Computer Software

Objectives Describe the software components of a typical software package Describe the way an operating system manages each computer resource Describe key features of popular software List types of software available Explain how to install and uninstall software Describe rights associated with software: for users and programmers 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Software Software is the instructions and associated data, stored in electronic format, that direct the computer to accomplish a task. Software includes A computer program is a set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task Main executable file Support module Data module 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Programmers and Computer Languages Computer programmers write the instructions for the computer programs Software publishers distribute the software, they specialize in packaging, marketing, and selling commercial software A computer language provides the tools that a programmer uses to create software Source code High-level languages 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Programmers and Computer Languages A compiler translates all of the instructions in a program as a single batch The resulting machine language instructions are called the object code An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter, that converts one instruction at a time while program is running Scripts JavaScript VBScript 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

software Types Software is categorized as either application software or system software Application software is designed to be used for a purpose such as drawing designs, creating documents, etc. System software is designed to help the computer carry out the basic operating functions Operating systems, utilities, and drivers 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Operating System An operating system (OS) is the master controller for all of the activities that take place within a computer. Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX The operating system also interacts with the next functional layer called application software. An operating system manages resources (any component that is required to perform work) 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

OS manage processor resources It ensures the microprocessor doesn’t spin its wheels waiting for input while it could be working on other processing tasks Ideally, the OS is able to help the microprocessor switch tasks so that everything seems to be happening at the same time The OS also must ensure that the microprocessor does sit idle 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

OS keep track of storage resources The OS acts as a filing clerk It remembers the names and locations of all your files and keeps track of empty spaces where new files can be stored OS controls peripherals to ensure input and output proceeds in an orderly fashion 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

User Interface A user interface can be defined as the combination of hardware and software that helps people and computers communicate with each other Graphical user interface (GUI) Command-line user interface 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Where is the operating system? The OS’s small bootstrap program resides in ROM and provides the instructions to load the core parts into memory when system boots This component is called the kernel 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Operating System Types Single-user operating system Multi-user operating system Network operating system Multitasking operating system Desktop operating system Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, and DOS 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Word processing software is used for producing reports, letters, papers, and manuscripts. Desktop publishing software helps you use graphic design techniques to enhance the format and appearance of a document. Web authorizing software helps you design and develop customized Web pages 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Accounting and Finance, Mathematical Modeling, and Statistical Software Accounting and finance software Personal finance software Tax preparation software Small business accounting software Statistical software Mathematical modeling software 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Data management software helps you to store, find, organize, update, and report information File management software Database management software Graphics Software: a software you do need to work with drawings, photos, and other pictures? 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Graphics – refers to any picture, drawing, sketch, photograph, image or icon that appears on your computer screen Graphics Software Paint software Photo editing software Drawing software 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Music Software Audio editing software – lets you make your own digital voice and music recording MP3 MP3 Player CD ripper MP3 encoding software Ear training software Notation software Computer-aided software Midi sequencing software 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Video Editing Software Video editing software provides a set of tools for transferring video footage, editing video, adding special effects, and adding a sound track Educational and Reference Software Educational software – helps you to learn and practice new skills MindTwister Math 3-D Froggy Phonics SAT GMAT LSAT 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Reference software – provides you with a collection of information and a way to access that information Encyclopedias Microsoft Encarta Grolier’s encyclopedia Comptons encyclopedia World Book Britannica Dictionaries 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Entertainment Software Computer games Role-playing games Action games Adventure games Puzzle games Simulation games Sports games Strategy games 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Application Software Business Software Vertical market software Horizontal market software Payroll software Accounting software Project management software Groupware 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Why is it necessary to install software? When you install software, the new software files are placed in the appropriate folders on your computer’s hard disk Copy files from distribution disk Uncompress files Analyze computer’s resources Analyze hardware components and peripheral devices Look for any system files and players Update necessary system files 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Software Installation Issues A setup program guides you through the installation process Following the program will make installation easy Sometimes files are zipped, so they must be unzipped Other types Self-installing software Self-executing zip file Manual download and install 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat

Uninstall routine deletes the software’s files A copyright is a form of legal protection Purchaser has right to copy software to a computer’s hard disk in order to install it Purchaser can make a backup copy Purchaser is allowed to copy and distribute sections of a software program for use in critical reviews and teaching Most software displays a copyright notice A software license is a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program A shrink-wrap license goes into effect as soon as you open the packaging 9/16/2018 M. Eyadat