1. Practical PC, 7th Edition Chapter 3: Getting Started with Software

2. Getting Started FAQs Technology: User Interfaces
How do I know which software will work on my computer?
How do I install local software?
What about software upgrades and updates?
How do I remove local software?
How do I get started with Web apps?
What about apps for mobile devices?
What’s the significance of software copyrights and licenses?
Technology: User Interfaces
Practical PC, 7th Edition

3. How do I know which software will work on my computer?
Check the software’s systems requirements
Will specify the operating system and minimum hardware capacities necessary for software to work correctly.
Located on the software product box, on the software’s download page, or in its apps store description
Operating system
Check Windows version and bit specs
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4. How do I know which software will work on my computer?
Storage
Will specify how much space is needed to store the software on the permanent storage device.
Mobile devices
Not all apps work on all mobile devices. Read the app store description before purchasing.
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5. How do I know which software will work on my computer?
Practical PC, 7th Edition

6. How do I install local software?
Software installed on user’s computer is called local software
Two types of software do not have to be installed: portable apps and Web apps
Portable apps are designed to run from removable storage devices such as USB flash drives and CDs
Web apps run from a Web server and are accessed using a browser
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7. How do I install local software?
When software is installed:
Some or all of the program modules are downloaded (copied) to PC’s hard disk
Software’s name is added to Start screen
The program is added to the All Programs menu
The program is added to the Windows Registry, which keeps track of installed hardware and software
Practical PC, 7th Edition

8. How do I install local software?
Usually a setup program is run that triggers the step-by-step installation process
Download software’s files
Find the download
Extract software
Set up software
Configure software
Access software
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9. How do I install local software?
Figure 3-3
Practical PC, 7th Edition

10. How do I install software?
Many software applications have to be installed on your computer before you can use them. When you install software:
Some or all of the program modules are copied to your PC’s hard disk
The program is added to the All Programs menu
The program is added to the Windows Registry, which keeps track of installed hardware and software
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11. How do I install software?
The software installation process is automated by a setup module
Two categories of software:
Web applications run on a remote Web server
Portable applications are designed to run from a removable storage device
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12. How do I install software ?
Practical PC 6th Edition

13. How do I install software ?
Downloading software is transferring the software from the Internet to your PC
The installation process is usually very similar to installing programs from a CD
You run a setup program that triggers the step-by-step installation process
Practical PC 6th Edition

14. What about software upgrades and updates?
Types of software upgrades include:
New versions
Version number
Usually requires fee payment
Software patches, which replace part of the program code
Practical PC, 7th Edition

15. What about software upgrades and updates?
Software upgrades are usually free and provided over the Internet
The software’s Preferences or Options menu gives options for handling updates:
Manual
Notification
Automatic
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16. What about software upgrades and updates?
Practical PC, 7th Edition

17. What about software upgrades and updates?
Types of software upgrades include:
New versions
Version number
Software patches, which replace part of the program code
Service packs, which correct problems
Some software provides an automatic update option
Practical PC 6th Edition

18. What about software upgrades and updates?
Practical PC 6th Edition

19. How do I remove local software?
Uninstall utility should be used to remove software
Handles the complexities of removing the program modules behind the scenes
When software is removed, it is deleted from:
The hard disk
The All Programs menu
The Registry
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20. How do I remove local software?
Practical PC, 7th Edition

21. How do I get started with Web apps?
Software accessed with a Web browser
Program code runs on a remote computer
Sometimes referred to as Cloud computing
Some Web apps, such as Facebook and Gmail, require no installation at all on the local computer
Device must have a Web browser and must remain connected to the Internet while using the apps
Some apps offer a local version that can be installed and used when internet connection is not available, i.e., Google Docs
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22. How do I get started with Web apps?
Some Web apps are free
Some require a one-time registration fee or ongoing monthly fee
Companies supplying software that runs from the Internet are referred to as application service providers (ASPs)
Process of deploying fee-based software over the Internet is called Software as a Service (SaaS)
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23. What about apps for mobile devices?
Mobile apps are designed for handheld devices
Sold through an online app store
Many are free or cost just a few dollars
Most handheld devices can use both Web apps and mobile apps
Mobile apps must be downloaded and installed
Web apps run on a remote computer
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24. What about apps for mobile devices?
Installing a mobile app:
Visit desired app store, log in, select app, and pay for it, if necessary
Touch the download button and app is automatically installed
Download updates by accessing the Update button on the app store screen
Deleting a mobile app
Process varies by device
Practical PC, 7th Edition

25. What about apps for mobile devices?
Figure 3-7
Practical PC, 7th Edition

26. What about apps for mobile devices?
iPads, iPhones, and iPods are only allowed to download apps from the iTunes store
Other apps are available but require an unauthorized change to the device’s software
This change is called a jailbreak
Android devices are not limited to a single app store
Practical PC, 7th Edition

27. What’s the significance of software copyrights and licenses?
A copyright is a form of legal protection for the author of an original work
Grants author an exclusive right to copy, distribute, sell, and modify that work
Purchasers do not have this right
Purchasers can:
Copy software from distribution media to a computer’s hard disk for installation purposes
Make an extra (backup) copy in case the original is erased or damaged
Copy and distribute sections of a software program for use in critical reviews and teaching
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28. What’s the significance of software copyrights and licenses?
Software licenses
A legal contract that defines how user may use a computer program
EULA (end-user license agreement) is displayed on screen when software is first installed.
Must agree for software installation to be completed
Legal perspective
Public domain software is not protected by copyright
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29. What’s the significance of software copyrights and licenses?
Proprietary software has restrictions on it based on copyright, patent, or license agreements
Commercial software
Demoware
Shareware
Freeware
Open source software
Unauthorized use of applications
Vendors commonly use a registration key to activate software
Practical PC, 7th Edition

30. Technology: User Interfaces
Audio, visual, and mechanical tools used to interact with a computer or hand-held device
Keyboard
Mouse
Touchpad
Touchscreen
Originally computers used a command line interface (text based)
Practical PC, 7th Edition

31. Technology: User Interfaces
Figure 3-9
Practical PC, 7th Edition

32. Technology: User Interfaces
Today most computers use a graphical user interface (GUI)
Icons represent an application, file, or hardware device which can be displayed on the desktop
Can be incorporated into buttons or tiles on the Start screen, toolbars, or taskbars
Figure 3-10
Practical PC, 7th Edition

33. Technology: User Interfaces
Toolbars, taskbars, docks, menus, and ribbons
Buttons and icons can be grouped together to keep them organized
Called taskbars and docks when they are part of the operating system’s desktop
Generally located at the bottom of the screen
Figure 3-11
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34. Technology: User Interfaces
Toolbars, menu bars, and ribbons are strips of icons and buttons in application windows
Select desired command from the list
All command choices are valid; therefore, it is impossible to invoke invalid commands that generate errors
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35. Technology: User Interfaces
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36. Technology: User Interfaces
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37. Technology: User Interfaces
Explicit user interface
Provides clearly labeled control
All are accessible using a standard access method, such as clicking a menu tab
Every command is linked to an object on screen
Implicit user interface
Calls for some experimentation on user’s part
Sometimes how to use it is not obvious, i.e, the Charms menu.
Can be frustrating to use at times
Practical PC, 7th Edition

38. Technology: User Interfaces
Tips for using an implicit user interface
Try clicking, double-clicking, and/or right clicking the mouse
Be aware of the mouse pointer shape
When it changes, an object on screen can usually be manipulated in some way
Swiping touchscreen from the side, top, or bottom often reveals a set of controls
Hold or double-tap screen objects
Often reveals list of commands or options
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39. Technology Tips, continued Watch demo, if available Check Help
Check out online user groups
Practical PC, 7th Edition