Software

Application Software performs useful work on general-purpose tasks such as word processing and data analysis. The user interacts with the application software. System Software Enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware. The operating system is the most important system software.

System software System software deals with the complexities of the computer hardware. System software consists of four kinds of programs: –Operating systems –Utilities –Device drivers –Language translators.

Operating systems operate the computer by coordinating computer resources, provides interface, runs applications Utilities (service programs) manage computer resources to help identify problems, locate lost files, and back up data Device drivers are designed to allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the computer Language translators convert programming instructions into computer actions

Operating System Software

Operating systems manage... Resources: coordinate all computer resources, including mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, storage devices, and memory. User interface: most operating systems provide a windows-like graphical user interface (GUI) in which graphical objects (icons) are used to represent commonly used features. Applications: load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most support multi-tasking, or the ability to run more than one application at a time.

Microsoft Windows Designed to run with Intel-compatible microprocessors Variety of versions: 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP Named from rectangular window-like boxes used to display information and run programs Multiple windows can be open at the same time for easy multi-tasking

Windows interface is called the desktop.

Desktop has two basic views: classic desktop view

Web page desktop view

Utilities Troubleshooting programs recognize and correct problems, ideally before they become serious. Antivirus programs guard against damaging virus programs that can invade the computer. Uninstall programs allow user to safely remove unneeded programs. Backup programs make copies of files in case originals are lost or damaged. File compression programs reduce the size of files so they require less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet

Windows Utilities (System Tools) Backup allows user to create backup for hard disk Disk Cleanup helps identify and eliminate nonessential files to free up disk space and improve performance. Disk Defragmenter locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments, rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize performance

Utility Suites Anti-virus programs Clean-up suites Crash-protection programs Web-service monitors Best known are McAfee and Norton.Norton

Application Software “End-user” software Tasks are controlled by the user to affect useful operations that generate production of some kind. Basic applications Specialized applications

Basic Applications Word Processor – prepare written documents Spreadsheet – analyze and summarize numerical data Database management system – organize and manage data and information Presentation graphics – communicate a message or persuade other people Browser – navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet Information manager – maintain electronic calendars, address books, and to-do lists Voice recognition – hands-free operations and writing

Specialized Applications Multimedia – integrate video, music, voice, and graphics to create interactive presentations Web publishers – create interactive multimedia Web pages Voice Recognition – dictate wording for document preparation Graphics programs – create professional publications: draw, edit, and modify images Virtual reality – create realistic three- dimensional virtual or simulated environments Artificial intelligence – simulate human thought processes and actions Project managers – plan projects, schedule people, and control resources

MS Word MS Excel MS Access MS PowerPoint

Browser Information Manager

Spreadsheet, word processing, presentation graphics are examples of __________ software. Software that enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware is called ________ software. Programs that protect and manage computer resources are called __________. The basic interface (work area) that Microsoft Windows utilizes is called the ___________. Review