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CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
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LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this class, students should be able to: Explain the significance of software Define and describe the types of system software
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SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE The analogy between computer programs and TV programs is a good illustration on the significance of software. Software is to a computer what programs are to a TV set. What is the use of having a TV if no programs are broadcast? The same is true for the computing world: the computer and its peripherals are useless without a wide array of programs to make them useful.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 1.A world of diversity Software aimed for different peoples and is used for a variety of purpose. For example a personal accounting package, a browser, or integrated management software which gives real- time information to decision makers in an organization. The fields of activity and issues solved by computer programs are as wide ranging as can be imagined.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 2.A structuring resource Supports users as they manipulate data, gathering and saving it in databases or files. Having easy access to large quantities of information, decision makers can act with greater confidence. Organization has the essential tools to perform in a constantly changing environment.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 3.Communications Software packages govern the way in which we communicate and interact on the vast medium we call the Internet. 4.In effect / Updated Software is a vital resource for the good functioning and evolution of modern societies.
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SYSTEM SOFTWARE Handles technical details Works with end users, application software and computer hardware Three types of programs Utilities Device drivers Operating system
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UTILITIES Specialized programs to make computing easier. A type of computer software. A program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources. Specifically designed to help manage and tune the computer hardware, operating system or application software, and perform a single task or a small range of tasks.
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TYPES OF UTILITIES Most essential utilities Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs Antivirus programs Uninstall programs Backup programs File compression programs
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TYPES OF UTILITIES Most essential utilities Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs Recognize and correct problems Antivirus programs Guard computer system against viruses or other damaging programs Uninstall programs Allow users to safely and completely remove unneeded programs and related files from hard disk. Backup programs Make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or damaged. File compression programs Reduce the size of files
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WINDOWS UTILITIES Backup Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter
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BACKUP Utility program included with many Windows versions Makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved on a disk Helps prevent against disk failure
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Identifies and eliminates nonessential files Frees up valuable space and improves system performance DISK CLEANUP
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DISK DEFRAGMENTER Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments. Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations. Speeds up file access.
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UTILITY SUITES A group of several utility programs bundled for sale. Buying the package is economical. Examples of popular suites: McAfee Office Norton System Works V Communications SystemSuite
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DEVICE DRIVERS Specialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computer. Loaded into memory each time a computer is started. When a new device is added, new device drivers must be installed. For a Plug and Play device, operating system automatically configures new devices as you install them. Example of Plug and Play device: flash drive
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OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS) Coordinates computer resources. Provide an interface between the users and computer. Runs applications. A collection of programs that handle technical tasks. Every computer has an operating system. OS often called software environment or platform.
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FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM Performs three types of functions 1.Manages computer resources Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers Monitor system performance Provide security Start-up the computer
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FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM 2.Provides user interface Command-line interface The user interacts with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific tasks. An example of a command line interface is DOS (disk operating system). Graphical user interface (GUI) The user interacts with the operating system by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example of a graphical user interface is Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.
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FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM 3.Runs applications Multitasking Foreground & background applications The foreground contains the applications the user is working on, and the background contains the applications that are behind the scenes, such as certain operating system functions, printing a document or accessing the network. Users may find all sorts of programs running in the background that they are not aware of.
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FEATURES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM Booting Warm boot Occurs when the computer is already on and users has to restart it without turning off the power. Cold boot Starting a computer that has been turned off.
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FEATURES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM Features in common with application software Icons Pointers Windows Menus Dialog boxes Help
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CATEGORIES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS Three basic categories 1.Embedded operating systems Used for handheld computers and smaller device. 2.Network operating systems Used to control and coordinate computers that are networked and linked together. 3.Stand-alone operating systems Also known as desktop operating system. Control a single desktop or notebook computer.
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TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS Operating systems commonly used by individuals Windows – most widely used Mac OS – powerful and easy to use UNIX – network; originally designed for Web LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web
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WINDOWS The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market Comes in a variety of different versions Windows 8 is the latest version
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MAC OS An operating system designed to run on Apple computers Not used as widely as Windows Other examples of newer MAC OS versions are: Mac OS X Leopard
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UNIX AND LINUX UNIX operating system Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network Used by powerful microcomputers LINUX is a version of UNIX Not proprietary computer software not licensed under exclusive legal right of its owner. Open source
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