Computer Software Unit C

Objectives Introduce Computer Software Explain How Computers Interpret Software Explore Operating Systems Compare Operating Systems Define Document Production Software Define Spreadsheet Software

Objectives Define Data Management Software Define Graphics Software Define Business and Science Software Define Entertainment and Education Software Understand Licenses and Copyrights

Software Categories System Software Application Software

System Software OperatingSystemsDeviceDriversUtilitiesProgrammingLanguages DOS Windows Linux UNIX Mac OS

Application Software DocumentProduction SpreadsheetSoftware Accounting & Finance MathematicalModeling Statistical Entertainment DataManagement Graphics Music VideoEducational Reference

Software Topics Computer program –main executable program (.exe) Support module –called by the program (.dll) Data module –Example: a dictionary file or a file that is not supplied by the user

How Computers Interpret Software Computer languages –Source code –High-level languages: COBOL, C++, Java Machine language Compiler –Creates object code in single batch Interpreter –Converts one instruction at a time –Common with web-based scripts (part of web page)

Operating Systems Interacts with application software, device drivers & hardware to manage computers resources MultitaskingCTRL-ALT-DELGUI –graphical user interface Utilities

Operating System Categories Single user: PCs and handhelds Multi-user: mainframes or centralized computer processing Network/Server: serves as router to local computer processing Desktop: desktop or notebook PC; single-user, but could handle networking

Operating Systems Microsoft Windows –80% of PCs Mac OS UNIX –dependable in multi-user environment Linux –free; good for web servers DOS

Document Production Software Use to compose, edit, design, print or electronically publish documents Types –Word processing (Word) –Desktop publishing (PageMaker) –Web authoring (Front Page)

Document Production Elements Formatting Page Layout Headers/FootersClipartTables Frames Spell check Word wrap Margins Styles

Spreadsheet Software Use for numerical calculations and graphs Rows and columns Worksheet, cell, cell references Cells can contain –Values –Labels –Functions –Formulas

Spreadsheet Software Formulas vs. functions Relative vs. absolute cell referencing Automatic recalculation Templates What-if analysis

Data Management Software Use to store, find, organize, update and report information File management software –Structured or flat file –A record contains multiple fields

Data Management Software Database Management Software (DBMS) –Database (collection of related files) –Relational (tables with records & fields) –Object-oriented (records manipulated using methods) File structure –Fields and data types SQL (Structured Query Language) –Natural query language –Query by example (QBE)

Graphics Software Use to create, display, modify, manipulate and print graphics Paint software: realistic art and photos Photo Editing software: simplifies common editing tasks Drawing software: uses vector figures & shapes to create “cartoon-like” images.

Graphics Software 3-D Graphics software: create wireframes and then cover with a texture CAD (computer-aided design): 3-D software designed for architects and engineers Presentation software: creates electronic slides like these

Business Software Accounting & Finance –Personal finance –Tax preparation –Small business accounting Vertical Market –Hospitals, construction, schools Horizontal Market –Generic like payroll –Project management Groupware –Help collaboration on group projects

Science Software Statistical/graphing software Mathematical modeling software –Math CAD

Entertainment Software Audio editing (sound recorder) Games MP3 player Video editing (Adobe Premiere) Music Ear training Ear training Notation Notation Computer-aided music Computer-aided music MIDI sequencing MIDI sequencing

Educational Software Learn and practice new skills –Arithmetic –Reading –Languages –Typing –SAT Reference software (CD-ROMs)

License vs. Copyright Software License: a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program. Copyright: a form of legal protection that grants the author of an original work an exclusive right to copy, distribute, sell and modify that work. Software piracy For contract to take effect: –Open a shrink-wrap license product –Agree to an installation agreement

Types of Copyright Protections Shareware: try before you buy on the honor system Freeware: no fee - can use, but not alter or sell Open Source: uncompiled source code that can be changed - sold or free Public Domain: can be copied, altered and resold

Tech Talk: Installing Software System requirements –Operating system and minimum hardware capacities Steps (setup.exe) –Copy files to hard drive –Uncompress if necessary (Win Zip) –Verify system requirements met –Select appropriate device drivers –Necessary system files/players (Media Player) –Update registry and program menu Uninstall routine or Windows Add/Remove programs

Issue Is Privacy a Problem?

Computer Software End