1. Chapter 3: Software Solutions for Personal and Professional Gain
Succeeding with Technology: Second Edition

2. Succeeding with Technology
Objectives
Discuss the importance and types of software
Discuss the functions of some popular programming languages
Describe the functions of system software and operating systems
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3. Objectives (continued)
Describe the support provided by application software
Discuss how software can be acquired, customized, installed, removed, and managed
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4. An Overview of Software – System and Application Software
Two basic types of software
System software
Coordinates hardware activities
Application software
Consists of programs written to
Solve problems
Help people and organizations achieve their goals
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How Software Works
Software
Usually consists of a number of files, ranging from a few to dozens or more
At least one file is an executable file with an .exe extension
Text file typically has a .txt extension
Word processing files have a .doc extension
Important: Change your defaults to see “registered” extensions and avoid opening “bad” files (e.g. pif, vbs, …)
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6. Programming Languages
Primary tool of computer programmers
Program code
Set of instructions that signal the CPU to perform circuit-switching operations
Programming language standard
Set of rules that describes how programming statements and commands should be written
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8. Newer Programming Languages
Languages beyond the fourth generation include
Artificial intelligence languages
Visual languages
Object-oriented languages
Fifth-generation languages (5GLs)
Used to create artificial intelligence or expert systems applications
Sometimes called natural languages
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9. Newer Programming Languages (continued)
Visual languages
Use a graphical or visual interface for program development
Object-oriented programming languages
Visual Basic .NET, C++, and Java
Allow the creation and interaction of programming objects
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12. Programming Language Translators
Converts a statement from a high-level programming language into machine language
Source code
High-level program code
Object code
Machine-language code
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13. Programming Language Translators (continued)
Interpreter
Language translator
Converts each statement in a programming language into machine language
Executes statements one at a time
Compiler
Translates complete program into complete machine-language program
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16. System Software – Operating Systems
Set of computer programs
Runs or controls the computer hardware
Acts as an interface with application programs and users
Combinations of operating systems, computers, and users include
A Single Computer with a Single User
A Single Computer with Multiple Users
Multiple Computers
Special-purpose Computers
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18. Controlling Common Computer Hardware Functions
Starting the computer, often called booting
Inputting data from a keyboard, a mouse, or some other input device
Reading data from and writing data to disk drives
Outputting or writing information to the computer screen and printers
Formatting floppy disks and other disks
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19. Succeeding with Technology
Managing Memory
Operating system
Controls how memory is accessed
Maximizes use of memory and storage
Logical view of data
The way a programmer or user thinks about data
Physical view of data
Includes the specific location of the data in storage
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21. Operating Systems (continued)
Processor Management
OS controls the operation of all processors within the computer system
OS makes sure that one program does not interfere with the operation of another program
Managing Input, Output, Storage, and Peripherals
OS must manage and coordinate the use of
Input and output devices
Storage devices
Other peripheral equipment
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22. PC Operating Systems Today
Older Operating Systems
Command based
Used such instructions as COPY, RENAME, and FORMAT
Windows
Originally designed to provide a GUI when used with DOS
Apple Computer Operating Systems
Apple computers typically use a proprietary Apple operating system and Motorola processors
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23. PC Operating Systems Today (continued)
UNIX
Powerful operating system developed by AT&T for minicomputers
Portable operating system
Linux operating system
Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991
Open-source software package
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Operating Systems for Servers, Networks, and Large Mainframe Computer Systems
Some operating systems
Designed specifically for larger computer systems or
Computer systems that require a server
Network operating systems
Windows Server 2003
UNIX, Linux, Novell NetWare
Sun Microsystems Solaris
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28. Operating Systems for Handheld Computers and Special- Purpose Devices
Embedded operating systems
Operating systems for handheld devices and other small devices that contain computers
Microsoft
Has developed operating systems for small computers and devices
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Utility Programs
Used to
Merge and sort sets of data
Keep track of computer jobs being run
Perform other important routine tasks
Often come installed on computer systems
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30. Utility Programs (continued)
Popular utility program features
Virus detection and recovery
File compression
Spam and pop-up-ad guards
Hardware and disk utilities
Disk backup
Transferring files
Search utilities
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32. Application Software - Productivity Software
Word-processing Applications
Most highly used application software for individuals
Microsoft Word
Most popular word-processing program
Available on both PCs and Macintosh computers
Features include
Easy entry of text and formatting
Spelling and grammar checking
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33. Productivity Software (continued)
Spreadsheet Applications
Support complicated numerical analysis and calculation
Contain numbered rows and lettered columns
Have built-in functions for
Science and engineering, statistics, and business
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34. Productivity Software (continued)
Presentation Graphics software
Supports formal presentations
Database Management Programs
Used to store, manipulate, and manage data
Personal Information Managers
Helps individuals store useful information
Software Suites
A collection of application software packages placed in a bundle
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38. Additional Application Software for Individuals
GarageBand
Macintosh software that allows people to create their own music
Pro Tools
Software program used to edit digital music
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40. Application Software for Groups and Organizations
Can be used to
Process routine transactions
Provide information to help people make better decisions
Perform a number of specialized functions
Routine Transaction Processing Software
Can be developed or purchased
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41. Software Issues and Trends - Acquiring Application Software
Customized Application Software
In-house developed software
Can also be obtained from external vendors
Advantages
Software usually meets user requirements
Software has more flexibility
Disadvantages
Organization must acknowledge the time it takes to develop required features
Can be very expensive to develop
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43. Acquiring Application Software (continued)
Off-the-Shelf Application Software
Software programs developed for a general market
Advantages
Lower costs
Less risk
High quality
Less time
Fewer resources
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44. Succeeding with Technology
Installing New Software, Handling Bugs, and Removing Old or Unwanted Software
To install most software
Check the documentation
Place the CD that contains software in the computer’s CD drive
Follow installation instructions
Register software once installed
Check for updates
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45. Handling Software Bugs
To overcome pesky software bugs
After you install software, check the readme files
Register software with the software maker
Check the Web site of the software vendor often
Check with popular PC magazines and journals
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46. Removing (Uninstalling) Software
Most operating systems
Have an Add/ Remove Program feature
Trying to remove program files and icons manually
Can be a problem with some programs and operating systems
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48. Shareware, Freeware, Open Source, and Public Domain Software
Software distributed under a “try before you buy” business model
Freeware
Software made available to the public for free
Examples: Thunderbird, Adobe Reader, WinPatrol
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Shareware, Freeware, Open Source, and Public Domain Software (Continued)
Open-source software
Makes the source or machine code available to public
Can be modified by public
You can develop your own software that integrates with the open-source software
Linux
An example of an open-source operating system
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Summary
Software consists of programs that
Control the workings of the computer hardware
All software programs
Written in coding schemes called programming languages
Programming languages
Have gone through several generations
Each generation makes writing software easier and faster (sic)
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Summary (continued)
System software
A collection of programs that interacts with hardware and application software
Organizations can
Customize application software
Buy existing programs off the shelf, or
Use a combination of customized and off-the-shelf application software
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Summary (continued)
Software issues and trends include
Acquiring software
Installing new software
Handling software bugs
Removing software
Copyrights and licenses
The use of shareware, freeware, and open-source software
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