 Explain the role of an operating system and list the main operating systems used on today’s computers  Define and describe a user interface and a graphical user interface  Identify the important features of widely used software applications

 System software-consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and it’s devices.  Operating System- Contains instructions that coordinate all of the activities of the hardware devices in a computer.  Ex: Microsoft Windows, Windows Xp, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac Systems, Mac 0S, and Mac os X latest.  User interface-Controls how you ender data or instructions(input) and how information is presented on the screen(output).  A common user interface is the graphical user interface. A GUI combines text, graphics, and other visual cues to make software easier to use.

 Application Software- Programs designed for specific tasks.  5 categories: Business, Graphic design, School, Home, and Communications.  Icon- small image that represents a program  Button- an element on the computer you can click to have a certain action take place.  Menu- list of commands from which you can select from.  Commands- instructions that cause a computer program to perform an action.  Window- a rectangular area of the screen that is used to display a program data or other information.

 Title bar- contains the windows name.  Filename- allows the user to identify between different files.  Document- piece of work created with an application and saved on a storage medium with a filename.  Font- name of specific characters  Font Size- size individual characters  Font Style- adds emphasis to the font  Saving- process of copying a document from memory to a storage medium.  Printing- Sending a file to a printer to generate output on a medium.

 Describe the advantages of software suites  Explain how to create documents

 Productivity Software- designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities. includes: *Word processing- creates, edits, and formats documents. *Spreadsheet- organizes numeric data in rows and columns. *Database- allows you to create a computerized database; add, change, and delete data; sort and retrieve data; and create forms and reports using data in the database. *Personal information management- installed in smart phones that includes an appointment calendar, address book, notepad, and other features to help you organize personal information.

*Software suites- a collection of individual application software packages sold as a single package.

 Discuss why the use of video authoring and editing software is important for K-12 schools  List and describe learning aids and support tools that help you use and learn software applications.  Explain how to work with different versions of software applications.

 Web Applications- programs that combine the power of the internet with touch technology on your Smartphone, PDA, or portable media device.  Desktop Publishing Software- Allows you to design, produce, and deliver sophisticated documents that contain text, graphics, and brilliant colors.  Paint software- allows you to draw pictures, shapes, and other graphics using various tools on the screen, such as a pen, brush, eyedropper, and a paint bucket.  Image editing software- provides the capabilities of paint software as well as the capability of modifying existing graphics.  Photo editing software- allows you to edit digital photographs by removing red-eye, adding special effects, or creating electronic photo albums.

 Multimedia authoring software- used to create electronic presentations, simulations, and software demonstrations that can include text, graphics, videos, audio, animation, and screen captures.  Web page authoring software- designed specifically to help you create web pages, in addition to organizing, managing, and maintaining Web sites.  Curriculum page- a teacher-created document containing hyperlinks to teacher-selected Web sites that assist in teaching content-specific standards and objectives.  School management software- a centralized program that allows district and school personnel to manage the school district operations, such as budgeting, inventory, technology, and expenses.  Student management software- a centralized program that allows administrators, teachers, and other staff to manage and track information about student, which includes attendance and academic records.

 Grade book software- allows teachers to track and organize student tests, homework, lab work, and other scores.  Reference software- provides valuable and thorough information for everyone in an educational setting and in the family.  Special needs software(assistive technologies software)- designed specifically for students with physical impairments or learning disabilities.  Personal finance software- a simplified accounting program that helps you pay bills, balance your checkbook, track your personal income and expenses.  Online banking- offers access to account balances, provides bill payment services, and allows you to download transactions and statements from the web directly to your computer.

 Tax preparation software- guides individuals, families, or small businesses through the process of filing federal taxes.  Legal Software- Assists in the preparation of legal documents and provides legal advice to individuals, families, and small businesses.  Entertainment software- includes interactive games, videos, and other programs designed to support a hobby or just provide amusement and enjoyment.  Help-(web based help)- provides updates and more comprehensive resources in response to both technical and non-technical issues about software.  Trade books- help you learn to use the features of software application packages.  FAQ(frequently asked questions)- a section about application software abound on the internet.

 Tutorials- step-by-step instructions using real examples that show you how to use an application.  Upgrade- A new version of a software product designed to replace an older version of the same product.