computer software

Microsoft account
s.k [Company address]
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
 Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and
related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do
and how to do it.
 Software are programs, with instructions which guide the computer to
performing tasks that are associated with using and controlling hardware
 A software is one of the major intangible components of any information
technology systems; ◦they are created to aid us in performing tasks using the
computer as well as using hardware features
SOFTWARE IS CATEGORIZED

▪ SYSTEM SOFTWARE
(Acts as a means of communication) between the user, the applications, and the
hardware of a computer system, consists of all the programs that enable the
computer and its peripheral devices to function smoothly, Enables application
software to interact with the computer
Categories of system software’s:
1. The Operating System (OS)
 Is The principal component of system software must be installed
before application software example Microsoft window, Linux, macos
and android
 Management of the resources of a computer are performed by the
computer’s operating
 The coordination of the functions of a computer’s hardware is the
prime responsibility of the operating system
Five Primary functions of OS
 Starts the computer

 Manages applications
- Single-task operating systems from the past were only able to run
one application at a time.
- Multitasking operating systems permit more than one application
to be used at a time.  The foreground application is the active
one.  Background applications appear inactive.
 Manages memory
- The operating system attempts to allocate memory, RAM, to each
program being run without interference.
- Through the use of virtual memory, where a portion of the hard
disk is used as an extension of RAM, additional memory is
available.
 Handles input and output device
- The operating system uses drivers, programs containing
information regarding specific computer input and output devices,
to communicate with those devices.
 Provides a user interface for communication
- The user interface allows the user to: ◦ Start application programs ◦
Manage storage devices ◦ Safely shut down the computer properly
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 - There are three types of user interfaces:
- – Graphical user interface (GUI) The graphical user interface (GUI)
uses graphics called icons, small images that represent various
computer resources, to initiate actions.
- – Menu-driven user interface provides text-based menus, which
display appropriate user options that are available.
- – Command-line user interface

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

Classification according to type of computers and applications they support
i. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)-- Used to run computers embedded in
machinery, robots, scientific instruments and industrial systems e.g. QNX,
Real-time Linux
ii. ii. Single-User, Single Task--OS designed to manage the computer so that
one user can effectively do one thing at a time MS-DOS
iii. iii. Single-User, Multi-Tasking--Most Modern (Popular) Operating Systems.
Used by most of PCs and Laptops • Lets a single user interact with several
programs, simultaneously Example: Windows, Mac OS, Linux 3
iv. iv. Multi-User--A multi-user OS allows many users to take advantage of the
computer's resources, simultaneously Example: MVS, OPENVMS, UNIX
Some hardware requires specific OS
 ➢Macintosh computers run Macintosh OS
 ➢PCs run Microsoft Windows, Linux and Unix System

2. UTILITY PROGRAMS
 System utilities (utility programs) are system software programs that are
essential to effective management of the computer system
Practical Utility programs perform the following tasks
  Virus protection
  Data compression
  Disk scanner & disk cleanup
  Backup
  Data recovery 42
System Utilities e.g. quick heal, Smartdag, Norton etc.

Utility software Used to support, enhance, or expand existing programs in the

computer e.g. Anti-virus software’s

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 Application software consists of programs designed to make users more
productive and/or assist with personal tasks
Uses of application software
 ▪ To make business activities more efficient
 ▪ To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
 ▪ To support home, personal, and educational tasks
 ▪ To facilitate communications 4
Application software is the general designation of computer programs for
performing tasks. The application software may be
1, general purpose (word processing, web browsers.)-- General-purpose
applications are the programs that enable users to complete common tasks.
Examples: word-processing, spreadsheet programs
2, specific purpose (Accounting (Tally), truck scheduling etc.)---
3, communication software’s--Communication software is an application or
program designed to pass information from one system to another. Popular
Internet software –Examples ➢Google Chrome ➢Mozilla Firefox ➢Safari
➢Microsoft Edge ➢Internet Explore
How System Software supports Application Software?
➢ System Software Programs that control the operations of the computer.
➢ serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the
computer’s hardware

BUSINESS SOFTWARE
Business software is application software that assists people while performing
business activities

Productivity software- are those that enable people to simplify work

1. Word processing software, allows users to create and manipulate documents
2. Clip art is a collection of electronic drawings, photos, and other images
3. Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in rows and columns and
perform calculations, excel
4. Presentation software allows users to create visual aids for presentations to
communicate ideas, messages, and other information to group, PowerPoint
5. Database software allows users to create, access, and manage a database.acess