What is Computer Software?

Hardware vs Software Got to have both to get the job done!

How does Software Work? Computer Algorithms Step by step directions telling computer what to do Software development First programmer – Grace Hooper – created FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL) Programming language that was close to English

Applications Software Programs designed to make users more productive Assist with personal tasks Word PowerPoint Media Player Variety of uses: Business Graphics and Multimedia Home/Personal/ Educational Communications

Systems Software Interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware Examples: Operating systems Utilities (diagnostics, servers) Language translators

Operating Systems Helps user communicate with computer Uses a desktop to provide on-screen work area (graphical user interface) Windows Linux Mac-OS DOS Networking Operating System Two or more computers to be connected

Utility Software Helps perform housekeeping chores Tasks include: Antivirus programs Copy file from hard drive to another location Convert graphics file to be used in another program Backup copy of hard drive (image, ghost) CD/DVD Burning

Language Translators Convert English code, to computer instructions Helps computer process data I don’t understand! I need a translator.

User Interfaces What you see, touch, click Part we interact with when using the computer “User friendly” Command-line interface such as DOS (not used frequently) Graphical interfaces such as Windows

Command Line Early computers used only this Have to memorize codes Not very user friendly Not colorful – usually written in black and white No pictures

DOS Command line operating system Memorize commands

Graphical User interfaces Came about with menus Graphical user interface (GUI) Apple’s development of Macintosh Finder Pictures (icons) represent software Colorful Reason for explosion of computer use (after DOS scared people)

Vista Operating System

Project Software Project