Software refer to all the programs that can be run on the computer.

FFor example, your favorite computer game is a program. In order for your computer to know how to play that game, you (or your parents) must first install the program from the game software - usually a CD.

 There are many different types of programs for the computer. They are grouped according to the tasks that they perform. Here are some types and examples of their uses:  Word processing - letter writing, essays, writing stories  Database - address books, mailing lists  Spreadsheets - storing financial information  Research - encyclopedias, informational programs  Entertainment - games, music/video programs  Education - skill practice games, tutorials, how-to programs  Desktop Publishing - creating birthday cards and newsletters.

 Application Software- These are programs that are designed to perform specific tasks or solve a particular problem.

 Systems Software- is a term for the programs that handle the running of your computer's hardware. Without systems software your computer cannot function. The two main categories are: 1)operating systems 2) utility programs

 An operating system is a program designed to run other programs on a computer. A computer’s operating system is its most important program.  Types of Operating Systems: ◦ Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 ◦ Android, IOS  mobile devices ◦ Windows 95, 98, 2000 (Older…obsolete) ◦ Linux ◦ Unix

 'App' is short for 'application' - which is another name for a computer program. Normally, when people talk about apps they are almost always referring to programs that run on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablet computersmartphonestablet computer

 Apps are downloaded from an online shop run by the makers of the phone or tablet's operating system. In the case of the iPhone and iPad, it's simply named the 'App Store'. On Android phones it's the ‘Play Store', on Windows Phone the 'Windows Marketplace' and on Nokia phones it's the 'Ovi Store'.

Class Exercise 1)Application Software can be placed into 3 groups. What are the 5 groups? 2)Name the different types of operating system software? 3)What are utility programs? 4)List 3 types of utility software

 All operating systems must handle the same basic tasks. These functions can be divided into three groups:

Allocating System Resources The operating system directs the traffic inside the computer, deciding what resources will be used and for how long. Monitoring System Activities The operating system monitors: System Performance and System Security File and Disk Management Keeping track of what files are where is a major job. So an operating system comes with basic file management feature which allows a user needs to copy, move, delete, and rename files.

UUser Interface- The Operating System also provides a user interface. A user interface describes the way a user communicates with the computer system. Types of user interfaces include: 1. Command-line: the user provides the input by typing a command string with the computer keyboard and the system provides output by printing text on the computer monitor.

2. Menu-driven Interface : This type of interface allows you to use either a mouse or the cursor movement (arrow keys) to make a selection from a menu. Menus contain commands like Print, Save, Format and so on. Menus are easier to use than command driven interface because you do not have to remember commands.

3. Graphical User Interface (GUI)- This user interface is also called WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointing devices). It is the easiest interface to use. It allows you to use graphics (images) as well as menus to perform various functions.

 Jan 2010  May 2010 (Teacher will distribute this)