ICT FUNDAMENTALS
SOFTWARE
What is a software?
• It is a set of instructions or programs used to
operate a computer or perform specific tasks
Types of Computer Software
• SYSTEMS SOFTWARE
• APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• systems software consist of Operating systems,
Utility software and development software
• Application software include Microsoft Office suite
Systems Software
• System Software is an essential layer of software
that controls and manages computer hardware and
provides a platform for other software to run.
• Systems software run in the background ensuring
smooth functioning of a computer
Types of System Software
• Operating system (OS) manages hardware and
software resources. It provides user interface and
system services. Its key features are memory and
process management, file and device control, security
and multi tasking
• Utility Software performs maintenance tasks to
optimize system performance. Key features: disk
cleanup and defragmentation, antivirus and backup
tools, data recovery
CONT...
• Development software helps programmers write,
test, debug code
• Includes compilers, interpreters, IDEs, Code
optimization and syntax checking
Examples of System Software
• Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux,
Android, iOS
• Utility Software: Cleaner, WinRAR and 7Zip,Windows Defender, Avast, Disk defragmenter,
backup and restore tools
• Development software: visual studio, eclipse, turbo
C, Xcode
Application Software
• Application software are programs designed to help
users perform specific tasks on a computer
• You can write documents, edit photos using
application softwares
• Examples include Word processing software,
spreadsheet, database, presentation, desktop
publishing and multimedia application software
Word Processing Software
• Used to create, edit, format and print text based
documents
• Examples are Microsoft Word, Google documents,
WPS Word
• You can write reports and essays, create letters,
resumes and memos
• They allow you to spell check and correct grammar
• They allow text formatting
Spreadsheet Processing Software
• Used for calculations, data analysis and financial
modeling
• Examples are Microsoft Excel, Google sheets
• You can create budgets and financial forecasts
• Use formula for automatic calculations
• Visualise data on charts and graphs
• Organise data, sorting and filtering
Database Processing Software
• Used to store, manage and retrieve large amounts
of structured data
• Examples are Microsoft Access, MySQL, Oracle
• You can create and manage customer records, track
inventory or sales
• Run queries to extract specific data
• Generate reports from stored data
Presentation Application
• Used to design and display visual presentation
• Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google slides
• You can design slides for public speaking and
teaching, you can add multimedia
• You can use transitions and animations to engage the
audience
• You can collaborate and present remotely
Desktop Publishing Application
• Used to create professional quality layouts for
printed and digital media
• Examples are Adobe InDesign and Microsoft
Publisher
• You can design brochures, flyers and magazines
• You can integrate graphics and styled text into
complex documents
• You can prepare layout for commercial printing and
publish ebooks and newsletters
Multimedia Applications
• Used to create, play, or manipulate different types
of media like audio, video, animation and graphics
• Examples: Adobe Premiere, VLC media player,
Windows media player
• You can edit videos and audios, create music or
podcasts
• You can view movies and animations
Sources of Software
• This is where software comes from
• The sources are off-the-shelf software, in-house
software, freeware, shareware and outsourcing
Off-the-shelf software
• It is available for public use and is developed for
that for example Microsoft Office and Adobe
photoshop, you can buy their licence online
Advantages
Disadvantages
Quick to acquire and use
Limited customisation
Reliable and well tested
May include features not
needed
Support and updates available
Can be expensive
In-house software
• It is custom built software developed by an
organisation IT team. It is a tailored made for the
company eg inventory management system for a
retail chain
Advantages
Disadvantages
Fully customised
Time consuming to build
Full control over development and
updates
Requires skilled developers
Align closely with business
processes
Ongoing maintenance costs
Freeware
• Software is available at no cost and is typically
developed by hobbyists or small teams for example
VLC, Skype
Advantages
Disadvantages
Free to use
May lack support and
documentation
Easy to download and install
Can have security or updates
limitations
Limited features compared to paid
versions
Shareware
• Software offered for free initially but requires
payment for full features or continued use eg
WinRAR and versions of antivirus programs
Pros
Cons
Try before you buy
Full features locked behind
payment
Used l for short term or trial
projects
May stop working after trial ends
Sometime lacks professional
support
Outsourcing Software Development
• Hiring external developers to build and maintain
your software eg, a company in Harare engaging a
firm in India to make their company application
Advantages
Disadvantages
Access to global expertise
Less control over development
Can be cost effective if managed
well
Communication or timezones
issues
Scales based on projects need
Risk with quality and timelines
Software Source summary
• Comparison of software sources
Source
Cost
Customisati
on
Control
Support
Off the shelf Medium
Low
Low
High
In house
High
High
High
Internal
Freeware
None
Low
Low
Low
Shareware
Low
Medium
Medium
Medium
Outsourcing
Varies
High
Medium
Varies
Where best can we use each
source?
• Off the shelf: common tasks like word
• In house: organisations with unique needs or
proprietary processes
• Freeware: small tasks with budget constraints,
individual use
• Shareware: testing software before investing fully
• Outsourcing: large specialised projects with limited
in-house resources
Criteria for selecting Application
Softwares
• Functionality and suitability: does the software
meet the specific tasks you need to perform?
• Compatibility: Can your hardware handle the
software?
• Cost: Is the software within your budget?
• User-friendly; Is the interface easy to use
• Security and privacy: does it have strong protection
against data breaches and unauthorised access?
CONT...
• Updates and Support; is the software actively
maintained with regular updates?
• Customisation and Scalability; can you modify and
scale it as your organisation grow?
• Reliability and Performance; does it operate
smoothly without frequent crashes or bugs?
• User reviews and recommendations; what are
others saying about it
• Reputation of the vendor; what is the track record
of the developers making the software?
THANK YOU