IT 231

Foundation of Information
Technology
 Unit 4

Computer Software

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 Software

Instructions that tell a computer what to perform.

Set of instruction or code use to execute task in
computers.
Computer Software is a collection of data or
computer programs that tell the computer how to
work.

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• A computer system consists of hardware and software. The 
computer hardware cannot perform any task on its own. It need to 
be instructed about the tasks to be performed. Software is a set of 
computer programs together with necessary, documentation, 
configuration files and setup files that instructs the computer
about  the tasks to be performed.
• Software is defined as a collection of programs, documentation
and  operating procedures. The Institute of Electrical and
Electronic  Engineers (IEEE) defines software as a 'collection of
computer  programs, procedures, rules and associated
documentation and data.
• Software controls, integrates, and manages the hardware 
components of a computer system. It also instructs the computer 
what needs to be done to perform a specific task and how it is to
be  done. For example, software instructs the hardware how to
print a  document, take input from the user, and display the
output.

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Classification of Software

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System Software
• It is a group of programs that direct the internal
operations of  computer system such as controlling
I/O devices, managing  the storage area within the
computer, etc
• The purpose of the system software is to make the use
of  computer more efficient and easier.
• It allows the users to communicate with hardware
system.
• It includes operating systems, and utilities for
managing  computer resources
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Type of System Software
• Operating System
• Utility Software
• Device Driver

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Operating System
• It
is a program that controls the execution of application 
programs and acts as an interface between the user of the 
computer and computer hardware
• It
is an integrated set of programs that is used to manage
the  various resources and overall operation of the
computer  system.
• It is the program running at all time on the computer.
• The primary objective of O/S are:
• Making computer easy to use
• Managing the resources of computer system
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 Cont..
• Operating System is a software, which makes a computer
to actually work
• It is the software the enables all the programs we use.
• It boots the computer, launches application software,  and
ensures that all actions requested by a user are valid  and
processed in an orderly fashion.
• Examples: Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS, etc.,

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OS Structure

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 Function of Operating System

Process Management
Memory Management
File Management
Device Management
Protection and Security
User Interface or Command Interpreter

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 Process Management

When a program stored in secondary storage device is loaded into

memory, it will be ready for execution and is termed as process.
Simply, we can say that a program in action is called process.
All these processes compete for CPU and some other shared
resources, and also need to communicate with each other.
OS does the following activities for process management.
 Process Scheduling
 Keeps status of processes
 Interprocess communication

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Memory Management

 It refers to management of Primary Memory or Main

Memory which provides a fast storage that can be
accessed directly by the CPU.
 For a program to be executed, it must be in the
main memory.
 OS does the following activities for memory
management.
 Managing free space
 Allocating and deallocating memory for processes
 Managing virtual memory

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File Management

 A file system is normally organized into directories

for easy navigation and usage.
 These directories may contain files and other
directories.
 OS does the following activities for file management.
 Naming files
 Defining file structure
 Defining file access methods
 Defining file attributes and operations
 Storing and handling files
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Device Management

 Hardware devices typically provide the ability to

input data into the computer or output data from
the computer.
 OS does the following activities for device
management.
 Handling input/output devices
 Monitoring the status of each device such as
printers etc.
 Handling errors

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Security and Protection

 OS is responsible for providing proper

authentication and authorization to computer
system and its resources.
 Authentication is the process of verifying identity
of users by means of passwords before allowing to
use computer system and its resources.
 Authorization is the process of providing access
rights or privileges for objects to users which is
implemented by using access control list or
capability lists.

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Command Interpretation

 As a user communicates with computer system

using a specified set of commands, any command
given by the user is first interpreted by the OS
then appropriate action is taken

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Types of OS

• The various types of OS areas follows:

1. Batch processing
2. Single user
3. Multi user
4. Multi tasking
5. Multi programming
6. Multi processing
7. Time sharing
8. Real Time

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Batch Processing

It is also known as off line or sequential or stacked

processing system.
In this OS, jobs with similar needs are batched
together by the operator and they are stored on
card and run as a group on a computer system.
Users did not interact directly with the computer
systems, but he prepared a job (comprising of the
program, the data, & some control information)
and submit it to operator. When output produced
is submitted to the appropriate user.
It is appropriate for executing large job that need
little interaction.
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Single User OS

 These OS allow only one user to operate at a time

i.e. DOS.
 These OS are mainly used on personal computers. In
DOS we cannot run another program at same time.
For this we will have to close the first program,
them only would be able to work on another
program.
 Windows 95, 98 are single user OS but they support
multi- tasking and multi-programming.

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Multi User OS

 A multi-user operating system is a computer operating

system (OS) that allows multiple users on different
computers or terminals to access a single system with
one OS on it.
 These programs are often quite complicated and must be
able to properly manage the necessary tasks required by
the different users connected to it. The users will
typically be at terminals or computers that give them
access to the system through a network, as well as other
machines on the system such as printers.
 A multi-user operating system differs from a single-user
system on a network in that each user is accessing the
same OS at different machines. Example: Linux, Unix
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Multi Tasking OS

 Multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming

system that supports multiple programs to run
concurrently. In multitasking more than one task are
executed at the same time. In this technique the multiple
tasks, also known as processes, share common processing
resources such as a CPU. You may write a report with one
program while another program plays a music.
 To do this work the OS directs the processor to spend a
predetermined amount of time executing the instruction for
each program at a time. Thus a small part of the first
program is being processed and then the processor moves
to the remaining programs one at a time , processing small
part of each program and it is repeated until the
processing is completed
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Multi Programming OS

 Multiprogramming is a technique to execute number

of programs simultaneously by a single processor.
 In Multiprogramming, number of processes
reside in main memory at a time and hence
memory is also utilized.
 The CPU picks and begins to executes one of the
jobs in the main memory. If any I/O wait
happened in a process, then CPU
switches from that job to another job.
 Hence CPU in not idle at any time.
 In this way a single CPU is in demand.

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Multi Processing OS

 Multiprocessor Operating System refers to the use of

two or more central processing units (CPU) within a
single computer system. These multiple CPUs are in
a close communication sharing the computer bus,
memory and other peripheral devices.
 Two possible approaches for multiprocessing are co-
processing and parallel processing. In co-processing
each of which handles a particular task. In parallel
processing several full-fledged processors work
together on the same tasks, sharing memory.

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Time sharing OS

A time sharing system allows many users to share the

computer resources simultaneously. In other words,
time sharing refers to the allocation of computer
resources in time slots to several programs
simultaneously.
The time sharing systems were developed to provide
an interactive use of the computer system. A time
shared system uses CPU scheduling and
multiprogramming to provide each user with a small
portion of a time-shared computer. It allows many
users to share the computer resources simultaneously.

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Time sharing OS

 The OS allocates a set of time to each user. When

this time is expired, it passes control to the next
user on the system. The time allowed is extremely
small and the users are given the impression that
they each have their own CPU and they are the sole
owner of the CPU.
 There are many tasks and activities that should be
run at the same time. Like in smartphones the
notification bar, games, songs, weather forecasting
are all running at the same time so time sharing
systems are more efficient to use

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 Real time OS

 The main objective of real time OS is their quick and predictable

response to events. Response time is major parameter for producing
the result.
A real time OS is considered to function correctly only if it returns the
correct result within any time constraint.
 Processing must be done within fixed time constraint
 Ifoutput must be produced on exact duration then it is said to be
hard real time OS which is used in air traffic control system. If output
can be produced on approximate duration and some 27deadline can be
missed then it is said to be soft real time OS.
Utility Software

 It is a computer program that performs a very specific

task, usually related to managing system resources. It is
also called system support software or service program
which provides useful services to the user of the
computer.
 It assists in maintaining, managing and protecting
computer system resources.
 Utilities are used to merge and sort sets of data, keep
track of computer jobs being run and perform other
important routine tasks.
 Utility programs often come installed on computer
systems; a number of utility programs can also be
purchased.
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Utility Software

 Disk Defragmentation and disk utilities: maintain files

on disk and arrange them in contiguous manner for fast
access.
 Backup utilities: safeguard files by creating backup
copies
 Security Software: search for and remove viruses and
spyware from computers and guard against attacks and
it must be update frequently.
 System restore: restore computer to a previous
state, if a problem occurs without loosing personal
data files.
 Spam and pop-up blockers: save users time by
eliminating unwanted junk mail and ads.
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Utility Software

 Compression utilities: output a shorter stream

or smaller file by compressing them.
 Network managers: checks network, log
events and check data transfer
 Windows Cleaners: remove unwanted
programs and leftover traces of program from
the system.
 Parental controls: filter internet content and
place restrictions on computer use for safety.

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Utility Software

 For managing and transferring files

 File management utilities: provide tools for copying,
deleting, renaming and organizing files.
 CD/DVD burners: copy and store files on CDs and DVDs
 File transfer utilities: move and share file across
networks
 Search utilities: find files
 Major utility software are:
 Device Driver
 Antivirus

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Device Driver

 The OS often provide complete programs for working

with special drivers such as printer, scanner, DVD
ROM, etc. These programs are known as Device
Driver as they allow the OS and other programs to
activate and use.
 A device driver or a software driver is a computer
program that allows higher-level computer programs
to interact with a hardware device.
 A driver communicate with the device through the
computer bus or communicates subsystem to which
the hardware is connected.
 Programs which wants to use the device invokes a
routine in the driver and the driver issues commands
to the device. Once the device sends data back to
the driver, the driver may invoke routine in the
original calling program.
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Device Driver

 Drivers are hardware dependent and OS

specific.
 The main purpose of device driver is to
simplify programming by acting as a
translator between a device and the
applications or OS that use it.
 Drivers are used for interfacing with
printers, image scanners, digital cameras
and many more.
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Application Software

 It is computer program that performs a specific

function directly for the users. It helps the user to
work faster, more efficiently and more
productively.
 They are designed to run on an OS for fulfilling
various purposes and functionalities.
 They are developed and supplied by software
companies as per the requirement.
 It can be categorized into two types:
 Customized or Tailored Software
 Packaged Software
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Customized or Tailored
SOftware

 It is the application software which is

designed to fulfill the specific
requirements of an organization.
 It is developed on the demand of a
customer by a software contractor.
Example: school billing system, hospital
management system, result processing
software, etc.

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Packaged Software

 It is generalized set of programs designed

and developed for the general purpose.
 Example: Microsoft Office, Adobe
package, accounting package, etc

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New Trends in software

 Low-code & no-code software development: Low-code and

no-code options can be utilized to complement software
development pipelines by allowing users to develop, deploy,
and manage some parts of software solutions and delivery
pipelines.
 Big data security: Big data and data science have become
the norm in the IT industry, with data the cornerstone of
any business. Software development has evolved to cater to
big data needs from collecting, storing, and analyzing data.
 Increasing reliance on artificial intelligence: AI has already
become a core component in most software, from simple
computer vision applications to enterprise-scale predictive
analytics.

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New Trends in software

 Growth in IoT: The Internet of Things is ever-

expanding, with billions of smart devices
powering many industries across the world,
ranging from simple home appliances to medical
devices. Thus, more and more software will be
developed targeting these IoT devices.
 Augmented reality (AR): This can be the most
widely used technology as it has applications
across most industries, from e-Commerce to
changing the way users shop to navigation with
AR- powered GPS apps.
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Programming Languages

 A program is a set of sequenced instructions to cause a

computer to perform particular operations or to solve a
given problem. Thus, a computer requires a program to
operate.
 The process of developing such program is called
programming.
 The language that is used to develop the program is called
programming language.
 A person who does programming is called programmer.
 A programming language or computer language is a
standardized communication technique for giving
instructions to a computer. It is set of syntax and semantic
rules used to define computer programs.
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Programming Languages

 There are many programming language among which a

programmer may select any one. But this program must be
translated to the computer understandable form.
 So, a language translator used to translate a computer program
written by a programmer into a machine understandable form.
 Some of the programming languages are:
 1. Machine Language or First Generation Language (1GL)
 2. Assembly Language or Second Generation Language 2GL)
 3. Procedural Language or Third Generation Language (3GL)
 4. Problem Oriented Language or Fourth Generation Language
(4GL)
 5. Natural Language or Fifth Generation Language (5GL)

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Machine Language

 A programming language in which every statement of the

program is written in terms of binary 0s and 1s, that is
directly understood by the computer without any
translation is called machine language.
 The entire circuitry of a computer is designed in such a
way that it understands the machine language instructions
and converts them into electrical signal required to run
the computer.
 They are the first generation language. An instruction
written in any machine language has two parts:
Operation Code (Opcode)
Operands

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Machine Language

 An opcode is a command word for an

operation such as add, compare, or jump.
The operand for an instruction specifies
the data or the address of the data for
the operation.
 Example: if 01100001 is a computer
instruction for ADD, then to add 2 and 3,
we have to write 01100001 (i.e. ADD)
00000010 (i.e.2) 00000011 (i.e. 3)

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Assembly Language

 When symbols are employed for the operation part and

address parts of the instruction code, the
representation is called an assembly language program.
 This is second generation language (2GL).
 Machine and assembly languages are referred to as low
level language since the coding for a problem is at the
individual instruction level.
 Each machine has got its own assembly language, which
is dependent upon the internal architecture of the
processor.
 A machine cannot execute program written in an
assembly level language, as it is not in binary form
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Assembly Language

 An assembler is a translator, which takes its

input in the form of an assembly language
program and produces machine code as output.
 The assembly language program is referred as
source program and the machine language
program is known as object program

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Low level Languages

 It is the computer programming language that is close to the

machine instruction.
 Low level languages are simple, but are considered difficult to
use due to difficulty in remembering the numerous technical
details.
 These are machine dependent programming languages such as
Binary (Machine code) and Assembly language.
 Since computer only understand the Binary language that
means instructions in the form of 0‟s and 1‟s (Signals - that
can be either High or Low), so these programming languages
are the best way to give signals (Binary Instructions) to the
computer directly. - Machine Code (Binary Language) does not
need a interpreter or compiler to convert language in any form
because computer understands these signals directly
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Low level Languages

 But, Assembly language needs to be converted in

equivalent Binary code, so that computer can
understand the instructions written in Assembly.
Assembler is used to convert an assembly code to
its equivalent Binary code. - The codes written in
such kind of languages are difficult to write, read,
edit and understand; the programs are not portable
to any other computer system.
 Low Level programming language programs are
faster than High Level programming language
programs as they have less keywords, symbols and
no need (less need) to convert into Machine Code
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High Level Languages

 These languages are called higher level languages because

their syntax is closer to human language than it is to
assembly or machine language code.
 These are generally problem oriented and machine
independent. It does not use mnemonic codes.
 These are using a set of word and symbols following some
rules similar to natural language such as English.
 The programs written in high level languages are known as
source code and these codes are converted into machine
code by using interpreter or compiler.
 To express computer operations, these languages use
operators such as plus or minus sign, that are familiar to
mathematics.
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High Level Languages

 Therefore, reading, writing and understanding

computer programs is easier with a high level
language, although the instructions must still be
translated into machine language.
 The languages like Java, .Net, Pascal, COBOL, C++, C,
C# and other (which are very popular now to develop
user end applications). These languages come under
the high level programming language category.
 High level programming languages have some special
keywords, functions and class libraries by using them
we can easily build a program for the computer

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Types of HIGH level
Languages
 Procedure Oriented Language(3GL)
 COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, etc
 Problem Oriented Language(4GL)
 SQL, Visual Basic
 Natural Language(5GL)
 PROLOG, etc

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Assignment

 Write short notes on :

 Translator
 Assemblers
 Compilers
 Interpreter

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