Information Technology Computer Software Prof. Adnan Khalid

Computer Software Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. The term includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software.

Application Software An application is another word for a program running on the computer. Whether or not it is a good application depends on how well it performs the tasks it is designed to do and how easy it is for the user to use. That involves the user interface- the way the user tells the software what to do and how the computer displays information and options to the user. An application is another word for a program running on the computer. Whether or not it is a good application depends on how well it performs the tasks it is designed to do and how easy it is for the user to use. That involves the user interface- the way the user tells the software what to do and how the computer displays information and options to the user.

The Text Interface A text interface was all that was available in the beginning. The example below is of PKZIP, which squashes files into smaller size to save you space. Notice in the center the command you would have to type to use this program. An actual command line would look something like: A text interface was all that was available in the beginning. The example below is of PKZIP, which squashes files into smaller size to save you space. Notice in the center the command you would have to type to use this program. An actual command line would look something like: A text-based interface means typing in all the commands. If you mis-type, you have to backspace to your error, which erases what you already typed. It's hard to have fun this way! A text-based interface means typing in all the commands. If you mis-type, you have to backspace to your error, which erases what you already typed. It's hard to have fun this way!

Graphical User Interface A graphical user interface (GUI - sometimes pronounced GOO-ee) uses pictures to make it easier for the user. It is more user friendly. The example below is from Windows 95/98. The use of drop-down menus, windows, buttons, and icons was first successfully marketed by Apple on the Macintosh computer. These ideas are now as standard for graphical interfaces as door knobs are for doors.

Types of Application Software Word Processing Spreadsheets Databases Presentations Graphics Communication

Word Processing Software Word processing is the most used computer application! It has replaced the typewriter as the main way words are put on paper. Documents can be revised and corrected before they are ever printed. An existing document can be used as a template, or pattern, for a new one. So the user doesn't have to recreate standard documents from scratch each time. This is a major time-saver and helps keep things consistent. Purpose: To produce documents Main advantage: Can easily change what has been done

Spreadsheet Software A spreadsheet is the application of choice for most documents that organize numbers, like budgets, financial statements, grade sheets, and sales records. A spreadsheet can perform simple or complex calculations on the numbers you enter in rows and columns. Examples of spreadsheet programs: MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro, and Open Office Calc. Purpose: Organizing numbers Major Advantages: Can calculate for you using formulas Auto-update of related numbers when data changes Can display data in graphs and charts

Features and Terms

Database Software A database is a collection of data that you want to manage, rearrange, and add to later. It is a good program to use to manage lists that are not entirely numbers, such as addresses and phone numbers, inventories, and membership rosters. With a database you could sort the data by name or city or postal code or by any individual item of information recorded. You can create forms to enter or update or just display the data. You can create reports that show just the data you are interested in, like members who owe dues. Both spreadsheets and databases can be used to handle much the same information, but each is optimized to handle a different type most efficiently. The larger the number of records, the more important the differences are. Examples of databases: MS Access. Purpose: Managing data Major Advantages: Can change way data is sorted and displayed

Presentation Software A presentation program, also known as presentation graphics, links together a sequence of slides containing text and graphics. A slide show might be used for a sales presentation or for training or to enhance any kind of speech. A presentation program includes a number of tools for creating graphics that are quite useful. High-end programs can add sound and video to the slides. Examples of presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint

Graphics Graphics programs deal with pictures, either static or moving, flat or 3D. There are an amazing number of different formats for images in the world and no one program can handle them all. Adobe Photoshop is the most widely used graphics program for professionals. Paint Shop Pro is popular because it offers most of Photoshop's features at a lower cost and with a friendlier interface. There are many other programs. Some specialize in handling photographs or animations or creating logos. Adobe PhotoshopPaint Shop Pro

Communication These programs temporarily connect computers to each other to exchange information. They may use telephone lines or dedicated cables for the connection. This allows you, for example, to work at home on the weekend and transfer all you've done to your computer at work before you leave home. These are not the same as networking programs where computers are actually linked together all the time. Most communications programs now include many different communication functions in one interface.

System Software System software is a catch-all term for the programs that handle the running of your computer's hardware. The two main categories are: System software is a catch-all term for the programs that handle the running of your computer's hardware. The two main categories are: Operating Systems Operating Systems Utility Programs Utility Programs

Operating System Between the hardware and the application software lies the operating system. The operating system is a program that conducts the communication between the various pieces of hardware like the video card, sound card, printer, the motherboard and the applications. Different Operating Systems are: Dos Windows Linux Unix

DOS The term "DOS" can refer to any operating system, but it is frequently used as a synonym for Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS). DOS has limited use with modern computer systems and applications because it does not support multiple users or multitasking. Some of the other operating systems, including Windows, can also execute DOS-based applications. Today, most DOS systems have been replaced by more user-friendly systems that use a GUI. DOS users must type commands or instructions at the command prompt, and then the command- line interpreter executes those commands.

MS Windows Windows is the name of a family of operating systems created by the Microsoft Corporation for use with personal computers. Windows employs a graphical user interface (GUI), which eliminates the need for the user to learn complex commands. With a GUI, the user instructs the operating system by using a mouse to point and click icons that are displayed on the screen. Microsoft Windows, first released in 1985, was originally designed as a GUI for DOS, which uses the command-line approach. Windows 3.1 was released in By then, Windows had gained in market share. Microsoft released Windows 95 in August It was so well marketed and in such high demand that people bought the operating system, even if they didn't own a home computer. With each new release, from Windows 98 to Window 2000 to Windows XP, Microsoft gained popularity. Today, almost every new personal computer comes preloaded with the Windows operating system. Windows can be run on practically any brand of personal computers. It is estimated that 90 percent of personal computers run the Windows operating system. The remaining 10 percent run the Macintosh operating system.

Linux Linux is a UNIX variant that runs on several different hardware platforms. Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, initially created it as a hobby. The kernel, at the heart of all Linux systems, is developed and released under the General Public License (GNU), and its source code is freely available to everyone. There are now hundreds of companies, organizations, and individuals that have released their own versions of operating systems based on the Linux kernel. Because of its functionality, adaptability, and robustness, Linux is able to compete against the Unix and Microsoft operating systems. IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and other computer giants have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development. More than a decade after its initial release, Linux is being adopted worldwide mainly as a server platform. More and more people are starting to use Linux as a home and office desktop operating system. The operating system can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called "embedding." Many appliances and devices are now starting to use operating systems in this way.

Unix UNIX is a multi-user, multitasking operating system, and was designed to be a small, flexible system used by computer programmers. Since UNIX was designed to be used by programmers, it is not considered to be very user-friendly for the average person. However, graphical user interfaces have been developed for UNIX to help alleviate the ease-of- use issue.

Utility Programs A utility program performs tasks related to the maintaining of your computer's health - hardware or data. Some are included with the operating system. But someone always thinks they have a better version for you to buy. And they are frequently right! A utility program performs tasks related to the maintaining of your computer's health - hardware or data. Some are included with the operating system. But someone always thinks they have a better version for you to buy. And they are frequently right!