Hardware and Software Chapter 2 – Part 2 1

Overview of Software Computer programs: Documentation: Sequences of instructions for the computer Documentation: Describes program functions to help the user operate the computer system

Types of software Systems software Application software is the set of programs designed to coordinate the activities and functions of the hardware and various programs throughout the computer system. Systems software consists of programs that help users solve particular computing problems. Application software

Systems Software Systems Software 1- Operating systems 2- Utility programs

1- Operating systems

Operating Systems Set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs. Can control one computer or multiple computers, or The role of the operating system: to act as an interface between application software and hardware.

Operating Systems Combinations of OSs, computers, and users: Allows one user at a time Ex. personal computer Single computer with a single user Accommodate hundreds or thousands of people, all using the computer at the same time Ex. mainframe computers. Single computer with multiple users network of computers Ex. home network with several computers attached Multiple computers with multiple users number of computers with specialized functions Ex. those that control sophisticated military aircraft, digital cameras, or home appliances. Special-purpose computers

Operating Systems (continued) Activities performed by the operating system: Perform common computer hardware functions Provide a user interface and input/output management Provide a degree of hardware independence Manage system memory Manage processing tasks Provide networking capability Control access to system resources Manage files

Operating Systems (continued) 1- Perform common computer hardware functions: Get input from keyboard or another input device Retrieve data from disks Store data on disks Display information on a monitor or printer

Operating Systems (continued) 2- Provide a user interface and input/output management One of the most important functions of any OS is providing a user interface: The element of the operating system that allows individuals to access and command the computer system Types: Command-based user interface: Requires that text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities Graphical user interface (GUI): Uses icons and menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer system

Operating Systems (continued) 3- Application program interface (API): The API links application software to the operating system, providing hardware independence for software developers. Programmers can use APIs to create application software without understanding the inner workings of the operating system.

Operating Systems (continued) 4- Memory management: Allows computer to execute program instructions effectively and to speed processing. virtual memory: allocates space on the hard disk to supplement the immediate, functional memory capacity of RAM. Virtual memory works by swapping programs or parts of programs between memory and one or more disk devices To reduces CPU idle time To increases the number of jobs that can run in a given time span.

Operating Systems (continued) 5- Processing tasks: Task management software allows: Multitasking More than one program can run at the same time Time-sharing Allows more than one person to use a computer system at the same time Scalability Ability of the computer to handle an increasing number of concurrent users smoothly

Operating Systems (continued) 6- Networking capability: Allows computers in a network to send and receive data and share computing resources 7- Access to system resources and security: Protection against unauthorized access OS establishes a logon procedure 8- File management: Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed and that they are protected from access by unauthorized users

Current Operating Systems

2- Utility Programs

Utility Programs Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system Some can help computer systems run better and longer without problems Can help to secure and protect data Although many PC utility programs come installed on computers, you can also purchase utility programs separately.

Utility Programs (continued)

Application Software Application programs: Interact with systems software Help you perform common tasks, such as: Creating and formatting text documents Performing calculations Managing information

Off-the-shelf software Application Software Application Software Proprietary software Off-the-shelf software Application service provider (ASP ) Software as a service (SaaS) Cloud Computing

Types and Functions of Application Software Proprietary software: One-of-a-kind software designed for a specific application and owned by the company, organization, or person that uses it. Off-the-shelf software: Software mass-produced by software vendors to address needs that are common across businesses, organizations, or individuals.

A Comparison of Proprietary and Off-the-Shelf Software

Types and Functions of Application Software Application service provider (ASP): Company that can provide software, support, and computer hardware on which to run the software from the user’s facilities over a network Advantages : contract customization of off-the-shelf software. speed deployment of new applications while helping IS managers avoid implementation headaches . reducing the need for many skilled IS staff members. decreasing project start-up expenses.

Types and Functions of Application Software Disadvantages : sensitive information could be compromised in a number of ways, including unauthorized access by employees or computer hackers. the ASP might not be able to keep its computers and network up and running as consistently as necessary. a disaster could disable the ASP’s data center, temporarily putting an organization out of business.

Types and Functions of Application Software Software as a service (SaaS): Allows businesses to subscribe to Web-delivered business application software by paying a monthly service charge or a per-use fee. Like ASP, SaaS providers maintain software on their own servers and provide access to it over the Internet. uses a Web browser-based user interface. Can reduce expenses by sharing its running applications among many businesses.

Types and Functions of Application Software Cloud computing: Use of computing resources on the Internet (the cloud) rather than on local computers. Rather than installing, storing, and running software on your own computer, with cloud computing, you use the Web browser to access software stored and delivered from a Web server. The data generated by the software is also stored on the Web server. Collaborate with others by sharing documents on the Internet.

Personal Application Software

Personal Application Software word processing : Used to write reports, letters, or term papers. can be used to create, edit, and print documents. checking spelling, creating tables, inserting formulas, creating graphics, and much more. Ex. Microsoft Word. Spreadsheet Analysis: Used to prepare budgets, forecast profits, analyze insurance programs, summarize income tax data, and analyze investments. Has Features include graphics, limited database capabilities, statistical analysis, built-in business functions. Ex. Microsoft Excel.

Personal Application Software Database Applications: are ideal for storing, manipulating, and retrieving data. useful when you need to manipulate a large amount of data and produce reports and documents. Ex. Microsoft Access. Graphic Programs : can be used to develop advertising brochures, announcements, and full-color presentations. Ex. Microsoft PowerPoint

Personal Application Software Personal Information Managers (PIMs) : help individuals, groups, and organizations store useful information, such as a list of tasks to complete or a list of names and addresses. Some PIMs allow you to schedule and coordinate group meetings Ex. Microsoft Outlook

Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages A software suite is a collection of single programs packaged together in a bundle. Software suites can include a word processor, spreadsheet, database management system, graphics program, communications tool, organizer, and more Advantages 1. Cost less than buying individual packages 2. All have similar GUI 3. Programs designed to work well together

Personal Application Software Major Components of Leading Software Suites:

Personal Application Software Integrated Software Packages: Integrated packages combine the functions of several programs into one package. Ex. Microsoft Works is one program that contains basic word processing, spreadsheet, database, address book, calendar, and other applications. Advantages 1. Many functions for lower price 2. Uses less disk space

Examples of Personal Application software

Mobile Application Software Operating systems designed for smartphones include: OS X iPhone, Android Many applications have been developed by third parties for the iPhone

Mobile Application Software

Workgroup Application Software Support teamwork, whether people are in the same location or dispersed around the world. Groupware: Software that helps groups of people work together more effectively. E.g., Lotus Notes, , Microsoft Groove , Novell GroupWise.

Enterprise Application Software Software that benefits an entire organization Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software: Set of integrated programs that manage a company’s vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization Ex. SAP

Programming Languages Sets of keywords, symbols, and rules for constructing statements that people can use to communicate instructions to a computer. Involves translating what a user wants to accomplish into instructions that the computer can understand and execute