Objective: Define and describe the different kinds of software. The most important program on any computer is the operating system. An Operating System, or OS, is low-level software that enables a user and higher-level application software to interact with a computer’s hardware and the data and other programs stored on the computer. An OS performs basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as printers. Major Functions of Operating Systems Providing an interface to the user. Managing system resources. Managing security and access rights. Running applications Process Management Memory Management Extended Machine Mastermind Types of Operating Systems 1. SINGLE USER a. Single User – Single Task Designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. Example: The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers b. Single User – Multi Tasking Designed with a single user in mind but can deal with many applications running at the same time. This is commonly for PC’s and Laptops. 2. MULTI USER It allows many different users to take advantage of the computer's resources simultaneously or to access the computer system at the same time. Time Sharing system and Internet servers as the multi user systems Commonly used Operating System Different computer manufacturers use different operating systems, but the most common is Windows, which is developed by Microsoft Corporation. Windows makes the computer much easier and more fun to use. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers and services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, Microsoft Office suite, and Internet Explorer web browser. It is the world's largest software maker. It is also one of the world's most valuable companies. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975. 1. WINDOWS 98 Windows 98 includes Internet Explorer and many other Internet companion applications such as Outlook Express, Windows Address Book, FrontPage Express, Microsoft Chat, Personal Web Server and many more. It supports USB hubs, USB scanners and introduced USB mice, keyboards, force feedback joysticks etc.. 2. WINDOWS XP Windows XP was a major advance from the MS-DOS based versions of Windows in security, stability and efficiency. It was introduced the updated user account interface and graphical login screen. 3. WINDOWS VISTA Windows Vista include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Aero, a new search component called Windows Search, redesigned networking, audio, print and display subsystems, and new multimedia tools including Windows DVD Maker. 4. WINDOWS 7 Windows 7 was primarily intended to be an incremental upgrade to the operating system, intending to address criticisms faced by its predecessor, Windows Vista (such as performance improvements), whilst maintaining compatibility with hardware and software designed for Vista. 5. WINDOWS 8 Windows 8 was developed on the basis to provide user interface not only in PC but also tablets and mobiles. On its releases Microsoft started competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS. APPLICATION SOFTWARES Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application softwares, can run. The choice of operating system, therefore, determines to a great extent the applications a user can run. For example, the DOS operating system contains commands such as COPY and RENAME for copying files and changing the names of files, respectively. The commands are accepted and executed by a part of the operating system. COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATION SOFTWARE'S SYSTEM SOFTWARE'S Application software is all the computer software that causes a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the computer itself. A specific instance of such software is called a software application, application or app. Some examples of Application Software 1. WORD PROCESSOR A word processor helps you create professional looking documents such as letters, reports, newsletters, and brochures quickly and efficiently. You can write, edit, and format your documents to make them attractive. You can also insert pictures and create tables to organize information. You can also add colors and borders to enhance the appearance of your table . Son popular word processing programs are Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, and Lotus Word Pro. 2. SPREADSHEET A spreadsheet program helps you perform calculations, analyze data, and present information. It includes tools for organizing, managing, sorting, and retrieving data. It also allows you to visually represent data through charts and graphs. Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel are two of the popular spreadsheet programs. 3. PRESENTATION A presentation program is a software package used to display information in the form of a slide show. It has three major functions: an editor that allows text to be inserted and formatted, a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images, and a slide-show system to display the content. 4. DATABASE A database program helps you manage large collections of information. It is commonly used to manage mailing lists, telephone directories, and product listings. You can use a database program to keep large collections of organized and updated information. You can also perform calculations on the information in a database. You can then analyze the results to make quick, accurate, and informed decisions. Popular database programs include Microsoft Access, Borland dBase, and Microsoft FoxPro. 5. DESKTOP PUBLISHING A desktop publishing program helps you create professional documents by integrating text and graphics on a page. You can use desktop publishing program to create newsletters, brochures, flyers, advertisements, magazines, and books. Popular desktop publishing programs include Adobe PageMaker, Corel Ventura Publisher, and Microsoft Publisher. 6. MULTIMEDIA A multimedia can be used in the presentations to make the presentations more fun and interesting. The multimedia presentation has various viewing options such as the projector or a media player and the like. You can also download the multimedia presentation or can play it live or on demand, according to your needs. The multimedia can also be used in games by making the gaming experience all the more effective and fun. The multimedia games make use of various special effects to create a whole new experience for the gamers. Exercise 1 Identify the following application software. ____________________1. It helps you perform calculations, analyze data, and present information. It includes tools for organizing, managing, sorting, and retrieving data. ____________________2. It can be used in the presentations to make the presentations more fun and interesting. ____________________3. It helps you create professional looking documents such as letters, reports, newsletters, and brochures quickly and efficiently. ____________________4. It is commonly used to manage mailing lists, telephone directories, and product listings. ____________________5. It has three major functions: an editor that allows text to be inserted and formatted, a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images, and a slide-show system to display the content. ____________________6. It helps you create professional documents by integrating text and graphics on a page. Exercise 2 Match column A with column B. Write only the letter of the correct answer. B A ____1. Windows XP a. ____2. Windows 98 ____3. Windows Vista ____4. Windows 7 b. ____5. Windows8 c. d. e.
