1. Allexa Mitchels IBCC Sets of instructions which hardware follows in order to perform tasks. Software

2.  Platforms: Combinations of hardware and software. Example: MacOS X on Apple hardware.  Also called “system software”  Responsible for managing and controlling all of the computer’s hardware.  The OS software is loaded into your computers RAM Operating Systems USER APPLICATION SOFTWARE OPERATING SYSTEM HARDWARE

3.  Microsoft Windows: the most common type.  MacOS 10: Apple’s OS for Mac computers is based on Unix ( a system designed around security).  Unix: Developed in 1970. Known for security, stability, and scalability.  Linux: a ‘Unix-like’ OS which is free software. Many different versions of this called Fedora and Ubuntu.  SymbianOS: popular OS for mobile phones,managed by Nokia.  Andriod: based on Linux and developed by Google. Common Operating Systems

4.  Sometimes called “productivity software”  Allows the user to perform tasks to solve problems, such as creating documents, managing finances, or editing images.  Examples: Word Processing Software, Presentation Software, and Spreadsheet Software. Application Software

5.  Graphics Software: used to create or edit digital images.  Audio Software: used to record, edit, and mix digital audio.  Video Editing Software: allows images, sound, and video to be combined.  Multimedia Software: used to create graphical presentations, as might be found on some websites.  Accounting Software: helps manage finances.  Note taking Software: designed for users who frequently attend lectures, classes, or conferences. Types of Software

6.  Software included within an OS to perform common ‘housekeeping’ tasks to help manage the computer.  Disk Defragmentation: optimizes hard disk performance.  Backup programs: used to compress and back up files  Encryption: secure files, folders, and disks.  System monitoring: monitors system resources  Anti-virus software: used to detect and remove malicious software. Utility Software

7.  Commercial software: licensed or sold by profit.  Shareware: distributed for no cost and free to use for a limited period of time.  Freeware: can be distributed for no cost but copyright is still maintained by the author.  Public Domain: software for which the creator has relinquished all rights.  FOSS: Free and Open Source Software. Users have freedom to use software as they please. Software Licenses

8.  Takes a different approach on the availability of software  Uses a web browser to access web-based software.  Google Docs Cloud Computing

9.  GUI uses visual buttons, menus, icons, and windows to represent different parts of the computer, including the hardware, software, and data.  Considered easier for people with limited computer skills. (old folks)  Command Line Interface: the user interacts with the computer solely by typing commands.  Menu-Driven Interface: let the user make selections from a series of predetermined options. Graphical User Interface