CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers
2. Basic Software and
Its Evolution
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What is a Computer Program?
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A computer program is a set of detailed,
step-by-step instructions that tells a
computer how to solve a problem or carry
out a task.
The steps in a computer program are written
in a language that the computer can
interpret and process.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Source Code example
An example
of a computer
program
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
How do businesses acquire
software?
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Today, however, most organizations
purchase commercially written programs to
avoid the time and expense of writing their
own.
Working as a computer programmer for a
government agency, business, or software
publisher is a challenging career.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Software versus data
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Software is the
instructions and
associated data, stored
in electronic format, that
direct the computer to
accomplish a task.
An example
of computer
software
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
I have a CD burner, can I just copy
a friend's software CD?
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Just like books and movies, most computer
software is protected by a copyright.
A copyright is a form of legal protection that
grants the copyright owner exclusive rights
to copy the software, to distribute and sell it,
and to modify it.
Software pirates illegally copy, distribute,
and modify software which is referred to as
pirated software.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What is a software license?
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Computer software is often protected by the
terms of a software license.
A software license is a legal contract that
defines the ways in which you may use a
computer program.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
When is a software license
granted?
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Floppy disks, CD ROM, and/or DVD in the
package are usually sealed in an envelope
or plastic shrink wrapping.
Opening the wrapping signifies your
agreement to the terms of the software
license, thus the term shrink-wrap license.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
How many licenses do I need?
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A single-user license limits the use of the software
to only one user at a time. Most commercial
software is distributed with a single-user license.
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.
A site license allows the software to be used on all
computers at a specific location.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What is shareware/freeware?
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Shareware is copyrighted software
marketed under a “try before you buy”
policy.
The policy of “try before you buy” allows you
to use the software for a specified amount of
time. If you want to continue using it, you
must pay a registration fee.
You are allowed to make copies of the
software and distribute them to others.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Public domain freeware
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A software author has the right to abandon
all rights to a particular software title.
Public domain software, is owned by the
public rather than the author and may be
freely copied, distributed, and resold.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Types of software products
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System software helps the computer carry
out its basic operating tasks.
 DOS,
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Application software helps the human user
carry out a task.
 word
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Windows, and Mac OS
processing, entertainment, and business
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Why do I need an operating
system?
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An operating system (OS) is the master
controller for all of the activities that take
place within a computer.
 Microsoft
Windows, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX, and
DOS
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The operating system also interacts with the
next functional layer called application
software.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
The guardian of the hardware
OS interacts
with application
software and
computer
hardware
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Operating System services
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An operating system provides external services
that help users start programs, manage stored data,
and maintain security.
An operating system provides internal services to
ensure that the computer system functions
efficiently.
A system resource is any part of a computer
system.
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disk drive space, memory capacity, or processor time
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Types of operating systems
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Operating systems can be classified into two
categories.
A server operating system is designed for
computers that provide centralized storage
facilities and communications capabilities for
networks and Web sites.
A desktop operating system is designed for
a single-user microcomputer.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Microsoft's operating system
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Microsoft Windows is the most popular
operating system because it supports a vast
array of application software and peripheral
devices.
 provides
icons, buttons, and other on-screen
controls
 gets name from the rectangular work areas
visible on the screen
 working on more than one project at a time is
called multitasking.
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Microsoft's current release
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Windows 2000 Professional is designed for
the desktop.
 offers
increased security, greater reliability
 ability to support some specialized software
 cannot run some software or support all of the
peripheral devices designed for Windows 98
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Apple Computer systems
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In 1984, Apple Computer
introduced the
revolutionary Lisa
computer.
The Macintosh
computer, with its
graphical user interface,
Mac OS, was a major
factor contributing to its
success.
The iMac
computer
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What is (was) DOS?
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DOS stands for disk operating system.
 has
been incorporated into Windows
 operates behind the scenes so Windows users
do not have to memorize and type complex
commands
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
A DOS screen example
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Are servers different?
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Two of the most popular server operating systems
are Microsoft Windows NT Server and Windows
2000 Server.
Novell NetWare is a server operating system
designed specifically for microcomputer networks
UNIX has become popular for network and Web
servers of all sizes.
Linux is a server operating system for
microcomputers and minicomputers and is available
as freeware.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What are utility programs?
Why are they important?
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Utilities are a subcategory of system software
designed to augment the operating system.
 let
the user control the allocation and use of
hardware resources
 can be purchased from software publishers and
vendor
 Encryption, retrieving data from damaged disks, and
virus protection are some examples of utilities
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What does a device driver do?
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A device driver helps the computer control
peripheral devices.
Peripheral devices come with installation
instructions.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What are programming languages?
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A computer programming language allows a
programmer to write a program using Englishlike instructions.
BASIC, Visual Basic, C, C++, COBOL, and
JAVA are a few computer programming
languages.
Most computers do not come with a computer
programming language.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What are groupware, suites, and
productivity software?
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Productivity software is designed to help you work
more effectively. Examples of productivity software are:
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Word processing
Spreadsheet
Data managemen
Office suite refers to a number of applications that are
packaged together and sold as a unit.
Groupware provides a way for more than one person
to collaborate on a project.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
How do I connect to the Internet
and other network-based systems?
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Connectivity software connects your
computer to a local computer network
and includes
 Communications
software
 Remote control software
 E-mail software
 Web browsers
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Educational software
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There is educational and
training software for
people of all ages to help
with ABCs, to the SATs.
An example
of education
software
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Entertainment software
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An example
of
entertainment
software
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Worldwide computer and
video game software
sales annually exceed
$10 billion.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Financial software
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Personal finance software is geared towards individual
finances. It helps with:
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Some packages also support online banking which
help with:
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bank accounts
investments
credit card balances
Bill
downloading transactions
transferring funds
paying bills
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Horizontal versus vertical market
software
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Horizontal market software is a
generic software package that can be
used by many different kinds of
businesses.
Vertical market software is designed
to automate specialized tasks in a
specific market or business.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What is multi-media?
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Multimedia is an integrated collection of
computer-based media including:
 text
 graphics
 sound
 animation
 photo
 video
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images
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What does multi-media require?
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Multimedia requires sound and graphics
capability.
 fast
processor chip and CD-ROM drive or DVD drive
also desirable
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A Sound card gives the computer capability to
record and play sound files and video tracks.
 connect
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speakers, headphone, microphone
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
Why is a graphics card important?
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A Graphics card takes signals from the
processor and uses them to “paint” images on
the screen.
 installed
inside computer
 provides connection for monitor’s data cable
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A fast processor can handle huge amounts of
digital data quickly.
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
A typical multimedia computer
system
An example
of a
multimedia
system
How is this different from your personal computer?
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ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
What does software compatibility
mean?
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To be compatible, software must be:
 written
for the type of computer you use
 written for your computer’s operating system
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System requirements specify operating
system and minimum hardware capacity
 listed
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outside software package
ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2
How to chose software
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Make sure software is written for PC or Macintosh.
Make sure software will work with your operating
system.
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Operating systems are typically downward
compatible, meaning you can use software designed
for earlier versions of the software, but not later.
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higher number = more recent version
This is not always true!