Software Chapter 2

Basic Types of Software System software - provides an environment in which the application software can run Applications software - is the software that performs a specific function such as writing a letter, calculating a spreadsheet, drawing a picture.

System Software Utilities Device Drivers Language Translators

System Software Components Operating System (sometimes called the Kernel) is loaded into RAM when the system is booted. System supervisor. Data Management - keeping track of data in secondary storage TP Monitor - keeping track of multiple terminal entry into large computer systems Network Operating System - controls flow of data within a network Communications Protocol - establishes rules for sending data across network Messaging Protocols - establishes rules for transmissions Drives - supplement the operating system and allow it to communicate with the device that the driver matches. (Upgrades can be found on the Internet

Utility Programs Support Operating System –Diagnostic Programs –Backup Utilities –Data Recovery Utlity –Antivirus software –Data Compression –Memory Management –Defraggers

Operating Systems

Platforms DOS Windows Windows NT Unix OS/2 Macintosh Mainframes

Terms to Know Multi-tasking –allows more than one program at a time Network Terms –Multiprogramming - multi-user version of multi-tasking –Multi-processing - refers to the ability for more than one processor to execute a program, thus sharing the workload Time Sharing –Allows each user a small slice of time, then moves on the the next user.

Interfaces Command Driven –User must initiate each action by correctly keying in a command –Example: DOS Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) –User can initiate most actions by pointing to a picture with a mouse. (Windows)

Software Families Browsers –Netscape –Microsoft Internet Word Processing –Microsoft Word –Word Perfect

Software Families Spreadsheets –Microsoft Excel –Lotus –Quatro Pro Presentation Software –Powerpoint –Corel Presentation –Lotus Freelance

Software Families Databases –Microsoft Access –Microsoft FoxPro –Paradox

Choose Application Software First -- Then buy a computer that can run the software