Software

Software• Application Software

performs useful work on general-purpose tasks such as word processing and data analysis. The user interacts with the application software.

• System Software Enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware. The operating system is the most important system software.

System software

• System software deals with the complexities of the computer hardware.

• System software consists of four kinds of programs:– Operating systems– Utilities– Device drivers– Language translators.

• Operating systems operate the computer by coordinating computer resources, provides interface, runs applications

• Utilities (service programs) manage computer resources to help identify problems, locate lost files, and back up data

• Device drivers are designed to allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the computer

• Language translators convert programming instructions into computer actions

Operating System Software

Operating systems manage . . .• Resources: coordinate all computer resources,

including mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, storage devices, and memory.

• User interface: most operating systems provide a windows-like graphical user interface (GUI) in which graphical objects (icons) are used to represent commonly used features.

• Applications: load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most support multi-tasking, or the ability to run more than one application at a time.

Microsoft Windows

• Designed to run with Intel-compatible microprocessors

• Variety of versions: 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP• Named from rectangular window-like boxes

used to display information and run programs

• Multiple windows can be open at the same time for easy multi-tasking

Windows interface is called the desktop.

Desktop has two basic views: classic desktop view

Web page desktop view

Utilities• Troubleshooting programs recognize and correct

problems, ideally before they become serious.

• Antivirus programs guard against damaging virus programs that can invade the computer.

• Uninstall programs allow user to safely remove unneeded programs.

• Backup programs make copies of files in case originals are lost or damaged.

• File compression programs reduce the size of files so they require less storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet

Windows Utilities (System Tools)

• Backup allows user to create backup for hard disk

• Disk Cleanup helps identify and eliminate nonessential files to free up disk space and improve performance.

• Disk Defragmenter locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments, rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize performance

Utility Suites

• Anti-virus programs

• Clean-up suites

• Crash-protection programs

• Web-service monitors

• Best known are McAfee and Norton.

Application Software

•“End-user” software

•Tasks are controlled by the user to affect useful operations that generate production of some kind.

•Basic applications

•Specialized applications

Basic Applications• Word Processor – prepare written documents• Spreadsheet – analyze and summarize numerical

data• Database management system – organize and

manage data and information• Presentation graphics – communicate a message

or persuade other people• Browser – navigate, explore, and find information

on the Internet• Information manager – maintain electronic

calendars, address books, and to-do lists• Voice recognition – hands-free operations and

writing

Specialized Applications• Multimedia – integrate video, music, voice, and

graphics to create interactive presentations• Web publishers – create interactive multimedia

Web pages• Voice Recognition – dictate wording for

document preparation• Graphics programs – create professional

publications: draw, edit, and modify images• Virtual reality – create realistic three-

dimensional virtual or simulated environments• Artificial intelligence – simulate human thought

processes and actions• Project managers – plan projects, schedule

people, and control resources

MS Word MS Excel

MS Access

MS PowerPoint

Browser

Information Manager

• Spreadsheet, word processing, presentation graphics are examples of __________ software.

• Software that enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware is called ________ software.

• Programs that protect and manage computer resources are called __________.

• The basic interface (work area) that Microsoft Windows utilizes is called the ___________.

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