1. Computer Maintenance
Software Configuration: Evaluating Software Packages, Software Licensing, and Computer Protection through the Installation and Maintenance of Security Software
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Trade & Industrial Education

2. Course Objectives
Evaluate software packages to determine the compatibility of the software to the hardware on the computer
Determine that the software is properly licensed prior to installation
Define, install, and maintain security software
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3. Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility
Computer software: A program made up of bits and bytes of information that is loaded and used on the computer
Also known as an application
Many different types of of software programs
Each piece of software serves a a particular purpose in making the computer function
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4. Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility
Computer hardware: A collection of components put together to form a functioning computer
Components include the CPU (Central
Processing Unit), motherboard, graphics
card, power supply, memory, hard drive,
optical drive, fan, monitor, keyboard,
mouse, and other optional components
like speakers
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5. Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility
Software compatibility: The ability for a software application to function with a computer’s hardware
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6. Software Compatibility
Things to look for and consider when selecting a software application package
Compatible operating systems
The software’s minimum system requirements
The software’s recommended system requirements
The hardware specifications of the computer
The level of functionality that can be expected based on the hardware it is installed on
End users licensing agreement
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7. Software Compatibility
Minimum system requirements
Tends to increase over time as hardware becomes more powerful
Tells you if the software will run on the computer
Helps gauge the level of performance that can be expected once installed
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8. Software Compatibility
Recommended hardware specifications
Has a higher requirement than the minimum system requirements
Ensures the optimal performance intended by the manufacturer
Targets the mid point of computer hardware capabilities at the time the software was released
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9. Software Compatibility
Assessing the level of functionality for application software
Know the computer’s hardware
When gathering data, compile a list of information including the following:
Operating system, CPU and speed, amount of installed memory, hard drive capacity, video card, sound card, network cards, optical drives, and other hardware
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10. Software Compatibility
Assessing the level of functionality for application software includes the following:
Ensures the computer’s specifications meet or exceed the listed system requirements on the software for baseline performance
The software package will run, but it will likely be slow to respond or run very slowly
Compares the recommended specifications to the computer hardware if it exceeds the software’s system requirements
The higher the hardware capability is, the more responsive you can expect the application to be
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11. Software Licensing
Software license: A legal contract that regulates the usage and distribution of software. The user is presented with the specified terms at installation.
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12. Software Licensing
Software licenses indicate the number of computers that can legally have the software installed.
Licenses will also indicate the number
of authorized users
(Ex. A photographer looking for a photo editing package would not be eligible for the student pricing unless he or she was a student.)
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13. Software Licensing
End User License Agreement (EULA) States the rights of the end user and how the software may be used
EULA is the agreement that must be accepted prior to the installation of the software.
It is designed to limit the unlawful use or
distribution of the software.
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14. Security Software
Security software: General terminology used to define different computer applications that are designed to protect a computer or computer system in a specific way
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15. Security Software Different types of security software
Anti-virus software
Prevents infection, detects and removes malware that may allow unwanted changes to the computer
Firewall software
Controls data traffic flow while securing a network
Internet security software
Anti-malware software that monitors the Internet browser, and other applications that open connectivity to the Internet
Anti-spyware software
Removes programs that monitor and report the user’s actions on a computer
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16. Security Software Important things to note about security software
It is never 100% effective
You must exercise caution when visiting websites, opening s, and handling files that are downloaded.
Security software can scan these files, but they only detect what has already been identified.
Some types of malware are not able to be removed and can require a reinstallation of the operating system.
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17. Security Software Installing security software
Two ways to install security software:
Download and install the software from the Internet
Purchase a retail package of the software and install it by the CD-ROM
Maintaining security software
Security software should auto update
During installation, the auto update and scan should default to “enabled.” Use this setting.
When security software is being updated afterwards, there will be a pop-up window to let you know about the update.
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18. Security Software
Downloading security software (Some security applications are free)
Click to download or purchase the software.
On completion of download, open the download folder where the download was saved.
Double click the installer icon or executable (Exe.)
Follow onscreen prompts and accept the (EULA).
The software should run a complete scan of the computer’s hard drive once it is installed.
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19. Security Software Installing security software (CD-ROM) Insert disk.
Double click the install icon on the desktop and again if necessary when the installer window appears.
Follow the on-screen prompts and accept the (EULA).
The software should run an updater for current security definitions and perform a complete scan of the computer’s hard drive.
Eject the disk.
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20. Independent or Group Work
Get into your groups.
Obtain one of the boxes that contains the various software applications and notecards describing 5 different computer hardware specifications.
Match the notecard with the software application that would be best suited to run that software.
Once complete, all the groups will review their matches with the teacher.
Take detailed notes on each group’s research as it is being presented.
Individual
Log into the demo computer in the classroom. You will have the choice of downloading a free anti-virus program or installing it by CD-ROM. Install the antivirus program and run a complete scan of the computer’s hard drive. When you are finished, raise your hand for the teacher to come and inspect your work.
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21. Exam Preparation
An exam will be given over the material presented in this lesson.
Make sure to review your class notes and these slides.
Questions will be multiple choice and true or false.
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