Software Software is a computer program or set of instructions. Operating system software operates the computer hardware itself. Application software performs specific activities, such as word processing, games, web pages, or spreadsheets. Software

Take Note The minimum PC spec required to run software is usually written on the box – check first before you buy (and bear in mind that it's often the absolute minimum).

Operating system software All computers use an operating system. This is a complex program which controls the entire operation of the computer. Examples of well known operating systems are: UNIX Microsoft Windows Windows NT

Examples of Software Applications Word Processor The word processor is used to produce letters, reports, projects and so on. It has replaced the typewriter as the main way words are put on paper. Documents can be revised and corrected before they are ever printed. An existing document can be used as a template, or pattern, for a new one, so the user doesn't have to recreate standard documents from scratch each time.

Word Processing Software Examples of Word Processing Software Microsoft Word AppleWorks Corel WordPerfect Lotus WordPro

Examples of Software Applications accounts software computer-aided design (CAD) databases desktop publishing (DTP) audio CD output education software games We will look in more detail at some of these. graphics software multimedia software optical character recognition (OCR) spreadsheets video editing voice recognition word processing Software

Examples of Software Applications Spreadsheet A spreadsheet is an application that organises numbers, as for example, in budgets, financial statements and sales records. Purpose –organising numbers Major advantages –can calculate for you using formulas –auto-update of related numbers when data changes –can display data in graphs and charts. Software

Some Spreadsheet Software Examples of Spreadsheet Software Microsoft Excel Lotus Claris Spreadsheet Software

Some Software Applications Databases A database would be your choice to manage lists that are not entirely numeric, such as addresses and phone numbers, inventories or membership rosters. These could be sorted by name or city or postcode or by any individual item of information recorded. The data can be displayed in chart form, too. Purpose –managing data Major advantage –can change way data is sorted and displayed. Software

Some Database Software Examples of Database Software: FileMaker Pro Microsoft Access Software

Some Software Applications Graphics Graphics programs deal with pictures, either static or moving, flat or 3D. There are an amazing number of different formats for images in the world and no one program can handle them all. Purpose –to create and edit images. Software

Some Software Applications Graphics Paint programs work with pictures on a pixel-by-pixel basis, where a pixel is the smallest dot on the screen. Such programs handle photographs and most clipart. Advantages –control over each dot in the picture. Disadvantages –angled lines are jagged, especially if enlarged. Example – Microsoft Paint (Supplied with Windows) Software

Some Software Applications Graphics Drawing programs, on the other hand, define images in terms of vectors, that is, equations that describe geometric shapes. Advantages –does not get as fuzzy or jagged when the size is changed; the file size is smaller. Disadvantages –can't change the colour of a dot in the middle of a shape. Example – Paint Shop Pro Software

Some Software Applications Presentation Graphics This kind of program links together a sequence of slides containing text and graphics, for example for a sales presentation or training. It includes a number of tools for creating graphics that are quite useful. Purpose –turning information into visual form. Major Advantage –pictures convey info faster than tables of numbers. Software

Some Software Applications Presentation Graphics Examples of Presentation Graphics Software: –Microsoft PowerPoint –ClarisWorks Slide Show Software

Some Software Applications Desktop Publishing Used to design books, leaflets, advertisements, posters. Examples: –Microsoft Publisher –Adobe Pagemaker –Quark Express. Software

Some Software Applications Browser An Internet browser is a program that lets you navigate the World Wide Web. It displays web pages, keeps track of where you've been, and will remember places you want to return to. Purpose –navigating the Internet. Major advantage –can display graphics, which older internet applications don't –keeps a list of places you want to return to. Software

Some Software Applications Examples of browsers: –Internet Explorer –Netscape Navigator. Software

Some Software Applications Web creation software There are several software products available that you can use to make pages to put in your web space. Web page creation software varies widely in terms of its ease of use and depth of features; some require you to understand HTML coding, others completely mask it. Software

Some Software Applications Examples include: –Microsoft FrontPage –Corel Web Designer –Navigator Gold. Software

Some Software Applications Anti-Virus Software Computer viruses are small programs that ‘hijack’ a computer and use it to spread themselves. They are spread across networks and by exchanging floppy disks. Anti-virus software cleans the virus off the computer It is important to update the program regularly to deal with new viruses. Software

Some Software Applications Examples include: –Norton Anti-Virus –Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus. Software

Integrated Software and Suites Examples –Microsoft Office –AppleWorks. Software

Integrated Software and Suites Advantages low cost consistent interface from one module to another the ability to share information between modules. Disadvantages each module is limited to basic functions may not be compatible with other popular software. Software

Integrated Software and Suites A lot of lower-end software is often supplied as part of a bundled package (the PC itself and applications to run on it) but more specific applications will undoubtedly cost extra. Compare prices to find the best deal. Software

In this section you will consider your software needs you will then go on to choose the software that best matches the tasks you have. Software