 Prof. Dr. M. H. Assal Introduction to Computer AS 26/10/2014

 Systems software o It is a computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software. o System software can be separated into two different categories: Operating Systems (i.e. Microsoft Windows, OSX, Linux) Utility software  Application software o For end users o Programs that help users solve specific computing problems o Examples: Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Skype, … Introduction to Computer 2

 Software licensing o Protection by software vendors to prevent unauthorized use o Types of Software Licensing (or Ownership) Freeware Shareware Public-Domain / Open Source  Software upgrades o A revised version of software that usually includes fixes of known problems, plus enhancements to existing capabilities. Introduction to Computer 3

 Freeware o Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. o The author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author. o Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it.  Shareware o Most shareware is delivered free of charge, but the author usually requests that you pay a small fee if you like the program and use it regularly.  Public-Domain / Open Source o Refers to any program that is not copyrighted. o Public-domain software is free and can be used without restrictions. Introduction to Computer 4

 Operating Systems o Controls the Computer Hardware devices o Allows the parts of a computer to work together by performing tasks such as transferring data between memory and disks or rendering output onto a display device. o It also provides a platform to application software. o Examples: Microsoft Windows, OSX, Linux, … etc.  Utility software o helps to maintain the computer, such as virus protection. o Examples: Antivirus. Introduction to Computer 5

6 System Software Application Software Users

 Provide a user interfce  Manage system memory  Manage processing tasks  Provide networking capability  Control access to system resources  Manage files Introduction to Computer 7

 User interface is the function of the operating system that allows computer users to access, command and use the computer.  Types of User Interface: o Command-based user interface A particular user interface that requires text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities i.e. Unix, DOS o Graphical user interface (GUI) A user interface that uses pictures (icons) and menus displayed on the screen to send commands to the computer system i.e. Windows, Mac OSX Introduction to Computer 8

 Application Software is a computer program designed to help users perform an activity.  Application software cannot run on itself but is dependent on system software to execute.  Types of application software may include: o Accounting software o Media players o Office suites (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation … etc.) o Database Management Introduction to Computer 9

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