CHAPTER
Section A Software Basics
PARSONS/OJA
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Computer
Software
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Section A Software Basics
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Exactly what is software?
 Software: instructions that direct the computer to
accomplish a task.
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How does a high-level language relate
to the microprocessor’s instruction set?
 A compiler translates all of the instructions in a
program as a single batch
 The resulting machine language instructions are
called the object code
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How does a high-level language relate
to the microprocessor’s instruction set?
 An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter, that
converts one instruction at a time while program
is running
 Scripts
• JavaScript
• VBScript
Click to start
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Application Software and System
Software: How is software categorized?
 Software is categorized as either application
software or system software
 Application software is designed to be used
for a purpose such as drawing designs,
creating documents, etc.
 System software is designed to help the
computer carry out the basic operating
functions
• Operating systems, utilities, and drivers
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How is software categorized?
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Chapter
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Section B Personal Computer
Operating Systems
Operating System Overview: What
does an operating system do?
 An operating system (OS) is the master
controller for all of the activities that take place
within a computer.
 Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX
 The operating system also interacts with the next
functional layer called application software.
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Operating Systems
What does an operating system do?
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Chapter
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Section B Personal Computer
Operating Systems
What does an operating system do?
 An operating system manages resources (any
component that is required to perform work)
 An operating system also influences the “look
and feel” of your software
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Operating Systems
Why does an operating system need to
manage memory?
 The OS must ensure that instructions and data
don’t “leak” into an area allocated to another
program
 If it fails, data can get corrupted, programs can
“crash” and your computer will display error
messages
 Should you leave all the programs you have
opened running until you turn off the
computer???
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Section B Personal Computer
Operating Systems
Where is the operating system?
 The OS’s small bootstrap program resides in
ROM and provides the instructions to load the
core parts into memory when system boots
 This component is called the kernel
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Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office XP and
Microsoft Office XP Pro
 Microsoft Office XP
 Common features
• Menus, wizards, etc.
• Reduces learning curve
 Pro: includes Access
 Educational version
 Microsoft Works
 “Lite” version of Microsoft Office XP
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Document production software
 How does Autocorrect work????
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Spreadsheet Software: What is a
spreadsheet?
 Spreadsheet - numerical model or
representation of a real situation
 To use spreadsheet software, you:
 According to textbook, enter numbers.
 You should enter ….
 Spreadsheet software is particularly useful for
what-if analysis
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What happens when I modify a
worksheet?
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Data Management Software: What is
data management software?
 Data management software helps you to store,
find, organize, update, and report information
 File management software
 Database management software
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What’s the difference between file management
software and database management software?
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How do I use data management
software?
 A file structure is somewhat like a fill-in form that
contains a list of fields and their data types
Click to start
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How do I locate specific data?
 Information that needs to be accessed quickly is
usually stored as a structured database.
 stored in a field
 A query by example (QBE) helps users search
structured databases.
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Music Software: Why would I need
music software?
 Audio editing software – lets you make your own digital
voice and music recording
 MP3: compresses audio files using algorithms
 MP3 Player
 CD ripper
 MP3 encoding software
 Ear training software
 Notation software
 Computer-aided software
 Midi sequencing software
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Entertainment Software: What’s the
best-selling entertainment software?
 Over $6 billion of computer and video games are
sold each year in the U.S. alone
 97% by people 18 and under
 13% by people over 50
 43% by women
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Section D Software Installation
and Copyrights
Installation Basics: What’s included in a
typical software package?
 The key ingredients necessary to install new
software are the files that contain the programs,
support modules, and data modules
 Usually supplied on distribution disks
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How do I know if a software program
will work on my computer?
 System requirements specify the operating
system and minimum hardware requirements for
a software product to work correctly
 Is it advisable to have the minimum system
requirements?
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Installing from a Distribution Disk or CD: How do
I install software from a disk or CD?
 Should you always select a full installation?
 A setup program guides you through the
installation process
 Following the program will make installation easy
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Is installing a software upgrade
different from installing a full version?
 Installing an upgrade is similar to installing a full
version
 Update provides a setup file that checks to make
sure that your computer contains a valid version
of software to upgrade and will guide you through
the upgrade process
 Should you use the automatic update feature of
Windows XP?
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and Copyrights
Uninstalling Software: How do I get rid
of software?
 Uninstall routine
deletes the
software’s files
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Section D Software Installation
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Software Copyrights: Is it legal to copy
software?
 A copyright is a form of legal protection
 Purchaser has right to copy software to a
computer’s hard disk in order to install it
 Purchaser can make a backup copy
 Purchaser is allowed to copy and distribute
sections of a software program for use in
critical reviews and teaching
 Most software displays a copyright notice
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Software Licenses: What is a software
license?
 A software license is a legal contract that
defines the ways in which you may use a
computer program
 A shrink-wrap license goes into effect as soon
as you open the packaging
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Are all software licenses similar?
 Commercial software – typically sold in
computers or a web site
 Shareware – copyrighted software that you “try
before you buy”
 Freeware – copyrighted software available for
free
 Public domain software – not copyrighted, and
in public domain
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Pirated software
 illegal copies of software
 U.S.: 28% of all software
 China, Indonesia and other third world
countries: 90%
 Internet has increased problem of pirated
software
 Encryption keys
 July 4th
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