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Introduction to Computer
Topic 2 – Computer Software
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Computer Software
Topics covered
1.0 Computer software basics

Numeric Analysis Software

Computer Programs

Data Management Software

Computer Software

Information and Reference Software

Copyrighted Software

Connectivity Software

Licensed Software

Education and Training Software

Shrink-wrap Licenses

Entertainment software

Licenses for More Than One User

Accounting and Finance Software

Shareware

Business Software

Public Domain Software

Software Categories
2.0 System Software
4.0 Multimedia

Multimedia Roots

Multimedia Applications.

Operating Systems

Hypertext and Hypermedia

Microcomputer Operating Systems

Multimedia Equipment

Utilities

Device Drivers

Computer Programming Languages
3.0 Application Software

Software Jargon

Document Production Software

Graphics Software

Presentation Software
5.0 Installing Software

Software Compatibility

Determining Compatibility

Software Setup
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1.0 Computer software basics
1.1 Computer Programs

A computer program is set of detailed, a step-by step instruction that tells a computer how to solve a
problem or carryout a task. Some computer programs handle simple tasks, such as converting feet
and inches to centimeters. Longer and more complex computer programs handle very complicated
tasks, such as maintaining the accounting records for a business.
1.2 Computer Software

A set of statements or instructions to be used directly or indirectly in a computer in order to bring
about a certain result. This definition implies that implies that computer software is essentially the
same as a computer program. Software is a plural noun, so there is no such thing as “software’s” or
“one software”
1.3 Copyrighted Software

A Copyright is a form of legal protection that grants certain exclusive rights to the author of a program
or the owner of legal protections that grants certain exclusive rights to the author of a program or the
owner of the copyright. The owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to copy the software, to
distribute or sell the software, and to modify the software.
1.4 Licensed Software

A software license is a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer
program.
1.5 Shrink-wrap Licenses

Shrink-wrap licenses. When you purchase computer software, the disks or CD_ROM in the package
are usually sealed in an envelope or plastic shrink-wrapping. A notification, such as the one in Figure
2-5 states that opening the wrapping signifies your agreement to the terms of the software license.
1.6 Licenses for more than one user

A single-user license limits the use of the software to one user at a time.
A multiple-user license allows more than one person to use a particular software package.
A concurrent-use license allows a certain number of copies of the software to be used at the same
time. For example, if an organization with a computer network has a concurrent-use license for five
copies of a word processor, at any one time as many as five employees may use the software. A site
license generally allows the software to be used on any and all computers at a specific location, such
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as within a corporate office building or on a university campus. A site license is priced at a flat rate,
for example, $5,000 per site.
1.7 Shareware

Shareware is copyrighted software marketed under a “try before you buy” policy.
1.8 Public Domain Software

Program available without restriction. Such software, referred to as public domain software, is owned
by the public rather than by the author. Public domain software may be freely copied, distributed,
and even resold. The primary restriction on public domain software is that you are not allowed to
apply for a copyright on it.
1.9 Software Categories

System software helps the computer carry out its basic operating tasks. Application software helps
the human user carry out a task.
2.0 Systems Software
2.1 System Software

System software is the category of software containing programs that perform tasks essential to the
efficient functioning of commuter hardware. System software includes the programs that direct the
fundamental operations of a computer, such as displaying information on the screen, storing data on
disks, sending data to the printer, interpreting commands typed by users, and communicating with
peripheral devices.

Four subcategories of system software: operating systems, utilities, device drivers, and computer
programming languages.
2.2 Operating Systems

An operating system is the software that controls the computer’s use of its hardware resources such
as memory and disk storage space. You might be familiar with the names of the most popular
microcomputer operating systems: Microsoft Windows, DOS, OS/2, and Mac OS. Minicomputer and
mainframe operating systems include UNIX, VMS, and MVS.

Operating systems for micro, mini, and mainframe computers perform many similar services. These
services can be classified either as “external” or internal.”
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The operating system provides external services that help users start programs, manage stored
data, and maintain security. You, as the computer user, control these external functions.
The operating system provides internal services “behind the scenes” to ensure that the computer
system functions efficiently. These internal services are not generally under your control, but instead
are controlled by the operating system itself. The operating system controls input and output,
allocates system resources, manages the storage space for programs and data, and detects
equipment failure without any direction form you.
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Control Basic input and output

An operating system controls the flow of data into and out of the computer as well as the flow of data
to and form peripheral devices. It routes input to areas of the computer where it can be processed
and routes output to the screen, a printer, or another output device you request.
Detect equipment failure

The operating system monitors the status of critical computer components to detect failures that
affect processing. When you turn on you computer, the operating system checks each of the
electronic components and take a quick inventory of the storage devices. For example, if an electrical
component inside your computer fails, the operating system displays a massage identifying the
problem and does not let you continue with the computing session until the problem is fixed.
Allocate System Resources

A system resource is any part of a computer system, such as a disk drive, memory, printer, or
processor time that can be used by a computer program; the operating system allocates system
resources so programs run properly.

For example, search program instruction takes up space inside the computer and each instruction
requires a certain an out of time to complete. The operating system ensures that adequate space is
available of reach program that is reining and makes sure the processor quickly performs each
program instruction.

The operating system also manages the additional resources required for using multiple programs or
for providing services to more than one user at the same time. Froe example, if you want to run two
or mare programs at the same time, a process called multitasking, the operating system ensures
that each program has adequate space and tat the computer devotes an appropriate amount of time
to the tasks prescribed by each program multitasked.

To accommodate more that one user at a time, an operating system must have multi-user
capabilities. You typically find multiuser operating system on mainframe and minicomputer systems,
where users each have their own terminal but share than processing capability or a single main
computer multi-user operating system typically provides speedy service so user each thing they are
the only ones using the computer,
Manage Storage Space

The operating system keeps track of the date stored on disks and Drums. Think of your disks as filling
cabinets, your data as papers stored in file folders, and the operating system as a filling clerk. The
filling clerk takes care of filling a folder when you finish using it when you need something from your
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filling cabinet, you ask the filing clerk to get it, The filing clerk knows where to find your folder. On
your computer system, the operating system stores your data at some Locating on a disk, although
you might not know exactly where yore data is stored on the disk, when your need the data again,
you online to ask the operating system to retrieve it.
Maintain Security.

The operating system also helps maintain security for the data on the computer system for example;
the operating system might not allow you’re to access the computer system unless you have a user
ID password.
2.3 Microcomputer Operating Systems

Today’s popular operating systems for the PC platform include DOS, Windows, and OS/2. The
Macintosh operating system is called Mac OS. UNIX is available for both PCs and Macintosh
computers. Versions of UNIX and Windows are also available for minicomputers and main forms.

DOS and MS-DOS. Both PC-DOS and MS-DOS wren developed DOS, which stands for Disk
operating system, is marketed under the trade names PC-primarily by ‘Microsoft Corporation and are
essentially the same operating system. DOS was introduced in 1981 with IBM’S first personal
computer. Since the first Version of DOS appeared, this operating system this gone through six
major versions. DOS has been replaced by the Windows operating system on most of today’s
computers.

Microsoft took a more graphical approach to operating systems when it designed Windows.
Microsoft Windows 3.1 provides icons that you can directly manipulate on the screen using a
pointing device, and pull-down menus you can use to easily issue a command.

In 1995, Microsoft introduced Windows 95, an operating system that offered better operating
efficiency that Window 3.1 in 1998; Microsoft introduced Windows 98 to add enhanced Internet
features. The Windows 95 and Windows 98 interfaces are similar. They use icons to represent
objects such as computers, disk dries, and documents. These operating systems run software
designed of windows 3.1 and DOS. In addition, the support multitasking, networking, and Internet
access.

In 1984, Apple Computer, Inc. took a revolutionary step when it introduced the Apple Lisa computer
with a new operating system bas3ed on a graphical user interface featuring pull-down menus, icons,
and a mouse. The Lisa computer was not a commercial success, but Apple’s next product, the
Macintosh compute, was very successful and defined a new direction in operating system user
interfaces that become an industry standard.
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The Macintosh operating system is usually referred to by, its version number, For example, version
eight of the operating system is called Mac OS8, the Macintosh operating system has multitasking
capability and offers network support.

UNIX is an operating system that was developed at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories in 1969. UNIX was
originally designed for minicomputers, but is now also available for microcomputers and mainframes.
UNIX features a command-line user interface, but you can purchase add-on software that provides a
graphical user interface with direct object manipulation and pull-down menus. UNIX is a multi-user
operating system, which means that may user can run programs on a single computer at the same
time. UNIX also supports multitasking. INIX is popular with companies that provide information on
the Internet.
2.4 Utilities

Utilities are a subcategory of system software designed to augment the operations system by
providing a way for a computer use to control the allocation and use of hardware resources. Some
utilities are included with the operating system; they perform tasks such as preparing disks to hold
date, providing informing about the files on a disk, and copying date form one disk to another.
Additional utilities can e purchased separately form software publishers and vendors. For example,
Norton Utilities, published by Symantec, is a very popular collection of utility software. It retrieves
data form damaged disks, makes your data more secure by encrypting it and helps your troubleshoot
problems with your computer’s disk drives. You can also purchase utility software to protect your
computer form viruses that could damage or erase your data. One of the important tasks performed
by an operating system, utility is formatting a disk.
2.5 Device Drivers

When you purchase a new peripheral device, such as a CD_ROM drive or mouse you often need to
install software that tells your computer how to use that device. The system software that helps the
computer control a peripheral device is called a device driver.
2.6 Computer Programming Languages

A computer programming language allows a programmer to write programs using English like
instructions. To day some of the most popular is programming languages ar BASIC, Visual Basic,
C,C++, COBNOL, Ada, and FORTRAN. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES SUCH AS java,
JAVASCRIPT, J++, VBSCRIPT, CGI, AND Purl are optimized to provide additional interactivity and
animations on Web pages.
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3.0 Application Software
3.1 Application Software

Software categorized as application software helps you accomplish a specific task using the
computer. Application software helps you produce documents, perform calculations, manage
financial resources, create graphics, compose music, play games, maintain files of information, and
so on. Application software packages are sometimes referred to simply as applications.
3.2 Software Jargon

Productivity software helps you work more effectively. Used by individuals, businesses, or
organizations, the most popular types of productivity software include word processing, spreadsheet,
data management, and scheduling. The term suite or office suite refers to a number of applications
that are packaged together and sold as a unit. A typical suite includes software you would use to
write documents. Work with numbers, create graphics, and keep track of data. GroupWare provides
a way for more than one person to collaborate on a project. It facilitates group document production,
scheduling, and communication. Often it maintains a pool of data that can be shared by members of
the workgroup. Connectivity software is sometimes referred to as communications software.
3.3 Document Productions Software

Document production software as the term implies, assists you with composing, editing, designing,
and printing documents. The three most popular types of document production software are wordprocessing, desktop [publishing, and Web authoring software.

Word-processing software has replaced typewriters for producing documents such as reports
letters, papers, and manuscripts. Today’s best-selling word-processing software includes Microsoft
Work, Claris WordPerfect, and Lotus Word Pro.

Desktop publishing software takes work-processing software one-step further by helping you use
graphic design techniques to enhance the format and appearance of a document. Desktop publishing
software provides more sophisticated features to help you produce professional quality output for
newspapers, newsletters, brochures, magazines, and books. Adobe PageMaker, Corel Ventura, and
Microsoft Publisher

Web page authoring software helps you design and develop customized wed pages that you can
publish electronically on the Internet. Now, Web page design software helps authors avoid HTML by
providing tools to compose the text for a Web page, assemble graphical elements, and automatically
generate HTML tags best selling software in this category includes Claris Home Page and Microsoft
Front Page.
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3.4 Graphics Software

Graphics software helps you create, edit and manipulate images. Although best selling graphics
packages such as adobe illustrator, CorelDraw, and micrografx Graphics suite handle more then one
toy of image, few graphics packages handle all image types.

Photos editing features of graphics software help you crop photos, modify colors, remove red eye
combine elements form more than one photo and apply special effects.

Paintings, yours be working with a bitmapped image. Painting feature allow you to create and edit
bitmapped images on screen

Drawings and 3-D objects. Images compassed of lines and filled shapes are called vector graphics.
Their advantage is the relatively small amount of storage space they require.

Animations and videos. Animation software streamlines the process of creating a series of still
frames that produce an animated sequence. You can use graphics software to capture videos forms
your television, camcorder, or VCR. The software helps you edit the video by cutting out unwanted
footage and adding a sound task. The process of converting videos into a format that can be stored
on a computer disk is called digitizing.
3.5 Presentation Software

Two of the most popular applications are Microsoft PowerPoint and Lotus Freelance Graphics.
Presentation software provides all the tools you need for combining text, graphics, graphs,
animations, and sound into a series of electronic slides like the one shown in Figure 2-20. Most
presentation software includes collections of graphics and sounds that can enhance your
presentation. After you create your slides, use the presentation software to organize them into a
compelling visual story for your audience.

You can output the presentation as overhead transparencies, paper copies, or 35mm slides. You can
display the slides on a color monitor for a one-on one presentation or run the slide show for a group
using a computer projection device.
3.6 Numerical Analysis Software

Numeric analysis software simplifies tasks such as constructing numeric models of physical and
social systems, then analyzing those models to predict trends and understand patens. Numeric
analysis software includes spreadsheets, graphing packages, and statistical packages.

Spreadsheet software performs calculations based on numbers and formulas that you enter.
Spreadsheet software also allows you to create graphical views of your data. Spreadsheet software
is frequently used by financial analysts to examine investment opportunities, by manages to create
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budgets, and even by educators to keep track of student grades, and by individuals to track
household budgets, analyze retirement investments, and balance checkbooks.

Graphing software transforms complex data into meaningful graphs that allow you to visualize and
explore data.

Statistical software helps you analyze large sets of data to discover patterns and relationships. It is
a helpful tool for summarizing survey results, test scores, experiment results, or population data.
3.7 Data Management software

Data management software helps us store, find update, organize, and report information. A flat file
stores information in records similar to the 3 *5 cards or Rolodex cards. File management software
helps you organize these records, find records that match specific criteria, and print lists based on the
information. File management software is ideal for working with simple lists of information such as
holiday card addresses, doctor visits, and household inventory.

Unlike a single flat file, a database is a collection of related files. Database management software
or database software provides a flexible way to join and summarize the information in more than one
file.

Database software is probably used more frequently by business, government, and education than by
individuals probably use data base software more frequently. Microsoft Access, Lotus Approach, and
Claris File Maker Prepare popular examples of data base software for microcomputers. If you’re
using a database on mainframe computer, it is likely to be Oracle 7 or IBM’s DB2

A search engine helps you find information. File management and database software both include a
search engine capable of finding any record you specify in a fraction of a second. You can also
purchase separate search engine software that is designed specially to help you find information form
the huge pool of documents on the Web. Search engine software that runs on your computer is
sometimes dubbed a personal search engine to distinguish it form the search engines that are
provide at Web sites. (Figure 2-23) Popular personal search engines include Forefront, Web seeker,
and Symantec Fast find.
3.8 Information and Reference Software

Information and reference software provides you with a collection of information and a way to access
that information. The fact that this software includes massive amounts of data distinguishes it form
data management software, which contains no data. The information and reference software
cat4gory spans a broad range of applications form encyclopedias to medical reference, form map
software to trip planner, and form cookbooks to telephone books. The options are as broad as the full
range of human interests.
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The most popular software in these category encyclopedias contains text, graphics audio and video
on a full range of topics form apples to zenophobia. Best sellers include Microsoft’s Encarta, IBM’s
World book encyclopedia Grolier’s encyclopedia Compton’s encyclopedia, and Britannica’s CD. All
these titles contain the standard information you would expect form an encyclopedia articles written
by experts on various topics, maps, photographs, and timelines.
3.9 Connectivity software

Connectivity software connects your computer to a local computer network or the Internet and
provides you with tools to take advantage of the information and communications they offer.
Connectivity software includes basic communications software remote control software, e-mail, and
Web browsers.

Communications software interacts with your computer’s modem to dial and establish a connection
with a remote computer. Basic communications software is now built into most microcomputer
operating systems and is sometimes classified as system utility software. Popular remote control
applications include ProComm Rapid Remote, pcANYYWHERE, Reach Out, Lap link, and Remotely
Possible.

The preferred e-mail software with over 10 million users is Eudora form Qualcomm, but Microsoft
Internet Mail and Lotus Notes are popular alternatives.

To access information on the Web, you need communications software and an additional software
package called a Web browser. Web browser software allows you to view Web pages and manages
the links that you use to jump form one document to the next. The two leading Web browsers are
Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
3.10 Education and Training Software

Education and training software helps you learn and perfect new skills. For the youngest ages,
educational software such as the learning Company’s Reader Rabbit and Math Rabbit, teach basic
reading and counting skills Instruction is presented as games that children can play, and different
levels of play adapt to the child’s age and ability.

For older student and adults, software is available to help learn languages, learn how to play the
piano prepare for standardized tests, improve keyboarding skills, and even learn about managing in a
diverse workplace. Exam preparation software is available for standardized tests such as the SAT,
GMAT, and LSAT. Although little reaches is available on the effectiveness of this software, experts
believe the result s should be similar to those of in-person coaching courses that improve composite
SAT scores by about 100 points

In 1996, entertainment and education software titles accounted for about 60 percent of all software
sold. Experts expect the entertainment industry to grow to $8 billion worldwide by the year 2000
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3.11 Entertainment Software

What is entertainment software? It includes games of all sorts, software toys, simulations, and
software designed to help you enjoy hobbies and leisure activates.

Generally, game software is divided into six main categories action, adventure role-playing, classic
puzzle, simulations, and strategy/war games. Many of the most popular games are available in
multiple formats. You can play them alone on your PC in multiplayer environments via the Internet, or
on a stand-alone game console such as Sega or Nintendo.
3.12 Accounting and Finance Software

Accounting and finance software keeps a record of monetary transactions and investments. In this
category, personal finance software is geared toward indiviual finances by helping you keep track of
bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and your bills. Some packages support online banking a
way to use your computer and modem to download transactions directly form your bank, transfer
funds among accounts, and playbills. The best selling personal finance software program is Intuit’s
Quicken.

Small business account software a can be a real asset. This software helps you invoice customers
and keep track of what they owe. It stores additional customer data such as contact information and
purchasing history. Investor functions keep track of the product you carry. Payroll capabilities
automatically calculate wages and deduct federal, state, and local taxes.
3.13 Business Software

Business software is divided into two categories Horizontal market software and vertical market
software. Horizontal –market software is any generic software package that can be used by many
different kinds of businesses. Much of this software comes form other software categories. Such as
accounting and finance payroll software is a good example of horizontal market software.

Vertical market software is designed for specialized tasks in a specific market of business. For
example, tasks in the construction industry include estimating the cost of labor and material for a new
building and providing the customer with a bid or estimate of the price for the finished building. Other
examples of vertical market software include the software that tracks the mount of time attorneys
spend on each case.
4.0 Multimedia
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Consumer electronic inventions radio telephone, photography, sound recording, television, video
recording, and computers have merged to create a new technology called multimedia.
4.1 Multimedia’s Roots

Today, multimedia is defined as an integrated collection of computer-based media including text,
graphics, sound animation, photo images, and video. Most multimedia applications are shipped on a
CD_RUM because the graphics, sound and video require large amounts of storage space.
4.2 Multimedia Applications.

You can use multimedia computer-aided instruction to learn a foreign language. You’ll watch and
listen to a short foreign-language video segment and view a synchronized translation. Then you can
practice your pronunciation by speaking into a microphone so the computer can compare your
pronunciation with a native speaker’s pronunciation.

You can even create multimedia applications of your own using multimedia authoring tools such as
Macrormedia Director or Micro Medium Digital Trainer Professional. This software helps you create
lessons or reference books that include text, videos, animations, and sound tracks.
4.3 Hypertext and Hypermedia

The term hypertext was coined by Ten Nelson in 1965 to describe the idea of documents that could
be linked to each other. Linked documents make it possible for a reader to jump form a passage in
one document to a related passage in another document. Then 1987 Apple shipped a software
product called HyperCard. It provided a way to create the electronic equivalent of a stack of note
cards. Each card could contain text, graphical images, and sounds. Also, the cards could be linked to
each other. Users jumped form one card to another by clicking buttons, underlined links, or specially
marked hot spots in the text or graphics. The HyperCard-style implementation of hypertext
developed over the next 10 years and become an important element of online help; computer based
leaning systems, multimedia applications, and the Web.

The links in today’s applications often involve graphics, sound, and video, and well as text. The type
of multimedia hypertext is referred to as hypermedia.
4.4 Multimedia Equipment

Today’s multimedia applications require a computer system that can display graphic images, run
video clips and play sound. Multimedia has become so popular that many of today’s computers have
a Pentium processor with special multimedia enhancements called Intel MMX technology. This chip
speeds up multimedia features such as sound and video. However, only specially written software
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can take advantage of the special multimedia features on the chip. The MMX logo shown in figure 236 on a software package indicates that the software is optimized for the Intel MMX technology.
5.0 Installing Software
5.1 Software Compatibility

Before you install software or a multimedia application, you must make sure it is compatible with your
computer system. System requirements specify the operating system type and minimum handware
capacity needed for a software product to work correctly. The system requirements are usually listed
on the outside of a software package. Operating systems are usually downwardly compatible.
5.2 Determining Compatibility

Operating systems are usually downwardly compatible,
5.3 Software setup

During the installation process, programs and data for the software are copied to the hard disk of your
computer system.

When you install non-multimedia applications such as word-processing or accounting software the
computer copies all the program modules form the distraction disks or CD_ROM to the hand disk of
your computer. You do not need to insert the disk or CD_ROM every time you want to use the
program because everything you need is on your hand disk. For multimedia applications, this is not
always the case. You generally copy only a small startup program to your hand disk, leaving most of
the multimedia images, videos, and sounds on the CD-ROM.
______________
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