BOLDSTEPS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, NYANYA-ABUJA

SS1 FIRST TERM

COMPUTER PROJECT

TITLE:
COMPUTER SOFTWARE

BY:
MUSA RUKAYYA ABDULSALAM

DATE:
5TH OCTOBER, 2023.

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to God Almighty who whose infinite love, grace and wisdom has
guided me in the accomplishment of this task and to my ever loving parents Mr. /Mrs.
Abdulsalam Musa Adam for their support and encouragements during the course of
this project.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I thank God Almighty to whom nothing is impossible.

I want to specially acknowledge my amiable computer teacher Mr. Halifax who avail
himself to be used as God’s instrument in contributing, encouraging, impacting
positively upon our lives and especially for equipping us with the tools to face the future
with courage, and who ensure that I am well equipped and trained in character and
learning. I also record my appreciation to the entire staff of Boldsteps International
School Nyanya, FCT, Abuja.

I would like to express my profound gratitude to my beloved Parents Mr. /Mrs.

Abdulsalam Musa Adam for their encouragements and overwhelming support to
accomplish this project.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page…………………………………..…………..…...…………………………………………….1
Dedication…………………………………………………………...…..………………………...….….2
Acknowledgement ……………………………………….……………………..…………..……..……..3
Table of contents……………………………………….……..………………….………………………4
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction…………………………………...……………………..………………………….………..5
Definitions for computer software……..……………………….…..…….………………..……………..5
History of computer software…………………………………...…...…………………………………..5
Characteristics of computer software………………………………………………...…………………..5
Functions of computer software………………………………………...………………………………..5
Classification of computer software………………………………………………………….………….6
CHAPTER TWO
Operating System…………………………………...…………………………………………….……...7
Functions of operating system……………………………………………………………………………7
Types Of operating System ……………………...…………..………………………………….……….7
Unser interfaces………………………………………………..…..……………………………….…….7
Command line interface………………………………………...……………………………….….……7
Graphic user interface ……………………..……………..………………………………………..…….8
Factors to consider when choosing an operating system……………………………………………….11
CHAPTER THREE
Functions of utility programs ……………………………………………………..……………………12
Common utility programs……………………………….……………………….……………………..12
Differences between operating system and utility programs ……………………………….....……….14
CHAPTER FOUR
Application software……………………………………….………..…………………….……………13
Classification of application software…………………………………….…………………………….13
Off-the shelf software……………………………………………………….…………………………..13
Bespoke/customised application software………………………..…………….……………….………13
Differences between system and application software…………………………………….……………16
Some terminologies used in computer software………………………..……………………………….16
Software piracy………………………………………………………………………………………….17
Types of software piracy…………………………………………………...………….………………..17
CHAPTER FIVE
Software suites………………………………………………….…………..…………………………..18
Advantages of software suites …………………………………………………….……..……………..18
Software acquisition ……………………………………………………………..…..…………………18
Open source software……………………………………………………...……………..……………..18
Advantages of open source software……………………………….……………...……………………18
Disadvantages of open source software………………………………………………..……………….19
Proprietary software……………………………………………………………………...………..……19
Advantages of proprietary software……………………………………………….………...………….19
Disadvantages of proprietary software………………………………….………………...…………….19
Programming languages……………………………………………..……………………….…………19
Factors to consider before buying a computer program………………………………..……………….20
CONCLUSION………………………………...……………………………………………………….21
REFERENCE ………………………………...……...…………………………….…………………..21

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 CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
The functioning of the computer is not dependent on hardware alone. So, what else is required?
It requires a set of instructions that tells the computer what is to be done with the input data. In
computer terminology, this set of instructions is called a program and one or more programs are
termed as software.
Definitions for computer software
Software is the detailed instructions that control the operation of a computer system. It can be defined as
a set of instructions that tell the hardware how to work.
Software is a collection of programs that control the working of the computer hardware.
A program is a set of instruction arranged in a logical way that a computer can run
Hardware is tangible whereas software is intangible, i.e. it cannot be touched

I. “Computer software, or simply software, is that part of a computer system that consists
of encoded information or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from
which the system is built. The term is roughly synonymous with computer program, but is
more generic in scope.”
Resource: Wikipedia-

II. “Software is a generic term for organizing collections of computer data and
instructions, often broken into two major categories: system software that provides the
basic non-task-specific functions of the computer, and application software which is used
by users to accomplish specific tasks.”
Resource- www.openprojects.org

HISTORY OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

An outline (algorithm) for what would have been the first piece of software was written by Ada
Lovelace in 1843, for the planned Analytical Engine, Designed by Charles Babbage in 1827, but it
never came into operation.
CHARACTERISTIC OF GOOD SOFTWARE
• Good software should provide the required functionality.
• Good software should be usable even by the inexperienced users.
• Good software should be reliable and dependable.
• Good software should function efficiently.
• Good software should have a "life-time" at least measured in years.
• Good software should provide an appropriate user interface
• Good software should be accompanied by complete documentation
• Good software should be "easily" maintained
FUNCTIONS OF SOFTWARE
1. Manage the computer resources of the organizations.
2. Provide tools for people to take advantage of these resources.
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3. Act as an intermediary between organizations and stored data and information.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer software is mainly based on the purpose the software serves. This can be broadly classified
into two categories i.e. Systems and Application software
 System software refers to programs that control the operations of a computer and its devices.
 System software also serves as the interface between the user, the application software and
hardware. There are three categories of systems software.
Three categories of system software are;
⚫ Operating system,
⚫ Programming languages
⚫ Utility programs.

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 CHAPTER TWO
THE OPERATING SYSTEM
 An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that co-ordinate all the
activities among computer hardware devices.
 The operating system so much relies on the
 Device driver to communicate with each hardware device.
 NB. A device driver is a small program that tells the OS how to communicate with the device.

FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM

To provide basic working environment/user interface on a computer.
To control the use of peripherals (both input and output).
To control the loading and running of application programs.
To manage allocation of memory
To manage booting process of a computer. To manage files
To protect hardware and software.
To manage the process of connecting devices to work with a computer (configuring devices)
To manage the processor e.g. Multitasking and time sharing.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

There are different types of operating systems. These are as follows:

Real-time Operating System: It is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time
applications.
Distributed Operating System: An operating system that manages a group of independent
computers and makes them appear to be a single computer is known as a distributed operating
system.
Embedded System: The operating systems designed for being used in embedded computer systems
are known as embedded operating systems.
Single-user, single task: This is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively
do one thing at a time.
Single-user, multi-tasking: This allows a single user have several programs in operation at the
same time. Multi-user operating system: enables two or more users to run a program
simultaneously.
Multitasking operating system: allows a single user to work on two or more applications that
reside in memory at the same time.
Multiprocessing operating system: can support two or more CPUs running programs at the same
time.
USER INTERFACES
This is the environment given by the OS to control how a user enters data and instructions and how
information is displayed. There are two types of user interfaces;
Command line interface (CLI)
This is the type of an interface in which users enter data and instructions by typing key words or
pressing special keys.
Advantages a CLI
Takes little memory space

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Does not require very fast processors.
Operations are fast since command are entered using the keyboard.
Many commands can be sent together as a batch file for repetitive tasks.
Disadvantages of CLI
Commands have to be learnt and memorized. It is not user friendly
The interface may vary from one application to the other.
Graphical user interface.
This is a type of interface in which users use menus and visual images (icon) to enter command into the
computer.
Advantages of a GUI
It is user friendly
No need to type or memorize any command language the interface is similar for any application.
Disadvantages of a GUI Requires more memory requires very fast processors.
It is difficult to automate functions for expert users.
Occupies more disk space to hold the files for all the different applications
Basic Components of a GUI
Pointer: A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and
commands.
Pointing device: A device, such as a mouse or trackball that enables you to select objects on the
display screen.
Icons: Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer to the
icon and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the icon into a window.
Desktop: The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop
because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.
Menus: Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a
menu.
Examples of GUI Operating Systems
 Microsoft Windows:

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 Windows 10

Android OS

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 Macintosh OS

Linux OS

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 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN OPERATING SYSTEM

Hardware specifications of the computer

Processor type and memory of the computer
Application software intended for use on the computer
Ease of installation and use of the OS
The cost of the OS against the budget
The network and data security provided by OS
Number of processors and users supported by the OS
Available documentations

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 CHAPTER THREE

UTILITY PROGRAMS

Utility programs are special programs are used to enhance performance of the computer system.

They help to manage, maintain and control computer resources. These programs include: File viewers,
File compression utility, backup utilities, antivirus, screen savers, etc

FUNCTIONS OF UTILITY PROGRAMS

Scan and fix computer viruses.
Help in file back up.
Compress files of disks.
Partition disks into individual logical drives.
Perform tasks on files (move files, delete files, etc)
Diagnose computer problems.
COMMON UTILITY PROGRAMS
Personal computers come loaded with utility programs designed to help resolve issues and maintain
optimum performance. These utilities are easily accessed through “Advanced Settings."
Data Back Up
⚫ Backing up data is the process of creating copies of your data and keeping them in a separate
and secure place.
Backup software
This is software designed to duplicate important data in the event of a hard drive failure, user error,
disaster or accident. Backup software help to back up your data automatically.

REASONS FOR BACKING UP DATA

i. In case your laptop or personal computer gets lost or stolen
ii. In case of hard disk failure. Hard disks do break down from time to time. The hard disk is where
data is stored permanently on the computer system.
iii. We back up data due to virus attacks. Without backup files, you may never see that information
again.
iv. Electrical power failures.

Ways to ensure efficient back up of data

 Making regular backups
 Backing up work on removable storage (secondary) media

 Keeping backup media in a different location from that of the computer

 Setting up of automatic backup intervals

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 Some commercial Backup software

 System Restore
"System Restore" resets the computer to an earlier setup. For example, let's say a computer begins
functioning poorly after a new software program is installed, and the problem persists even after
removing the program. "System Restore" sets the machine to a state prior to the installation of the
program, often solving the issue.

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 Disc Defragmenter
"Disc Defragmenter", also called "defrag," enhances computer performance by consolidating file fragments.
Locating requested files affects a computer’s speed, and by consolidating incomplete files, "defrag" makes the
process faster.
 Scheduled Tasks
"Scheduled Tasks" accesses a wizard, setting selected programs to run automatically at a chosen time and
frequency. For example, if a software program backs up files, the Schedule Tasks function can schedule that
program to run daily at 3 a.m.
1. Hardware Diagnostics
Under the Device Manager you can see hardware that is working improperly, because it will have a warning icon
next to it. Right-click that device and choose to troubleshoot. This will bring up the device troubleshooting
utility that will often try to update the driver or fix an existing driver.
 Disk partitions Divides an individual drive into multiple logical drives.
 Disk space analyzers
To get the size for each folder/sub folders and files in folder or drive. Showing the distribution of the used space.
 Screen savers: These are designed to prevent phosphor burn-in on LCD and plasma computer monitors.
 Sorting utility: For organizing files and folders on a storage media.
 Data Recovery: Enables the user to get back all the data that might have been deleted or lost by a virus from
the computer.
 Debuggers: helps to find out the error in computer program and fix it.
 Uninstall utility: It enables the user to remove an application program and its associated attributes from the
system.
 Registry cleaners: Clean and optimize the Windows registry by removing old registry keys that are no longer
in use.
 System monitors: For monitoring resources and performance in a computer system.
 Disk storage utilities: Ensures that data is stored and files arranged in order of ascending. It also helps the
computer to re-arrange data files.
 System Profilers: Provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the
computer.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPERATING SYSTEMS AND UTILITY PROGRAMS.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

These are programs designed to meet user- specific needs.

The primary function of application software is to apply the computer to users solve problems and
accomplish specific tasks.

Application software, such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, database, and Web browser, can
help you perform tasks such as creating documents, analyzing finances, sending messages, organizing
data, and viewing pages on the World Wide Web respectively.

CLASSIFICATION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software can be classified into 2, that is Off- the shelf software and Custom
written/Bespoke/In-house developed software.

OFF- THE SHELF SOFTWARE

This is software designed and packaged for sale. A user will find it readily available in shops for sale.
Off-the -shelf is further subdivided into 2:-
1. General purpose software
2. Special purpose software.
General purpose application software
General purpose application software is a type of software that can be used for a variety of tasks.
It is not limited to one particular function. For example a word processor could be classed as general
Purpose software as it would allow a user to write a novel, create a restaurant menu or even make a
poster.
Special purpose application software
Special purpose application software is a type of software created to execute one specific task.
For example a camera application on your phone will only allow you to take and share pictures.
Another example would be a chess game; it would only allow you to play chess, web browsers,
calculators, media players, calendar programs etc.

ADVANTAGES /REASONS OF USING OFF-THE-SHELF SOFTWARE

It is relatively cheap, especially when compared to custom written software
It is easily available from most computer shops
It will have been thoroughly tested so there won’t be any serious problem or bugs
There is lots of user support i.e. books, user guides, online help and discussion forums on the internet
BESPOKE/CUSTOMIZED APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Bespoke application software is tailor made for a specific user and purpose. For example a factory
may require software to run a robot to make cars, however, it is the only factory making that car in the
world, so the software required would have to be specially build for the task.
Other examples might include software for hospitals and medical equipment, software being written
inside banks and other financial institutions.
Advantages Customized /Bespoke Application Software
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1. The company will get the exact software they need.
2. The software will work exactly how they want it to work.
3. The software will only have the features that they specifically need in their business.

The Main Disadvantages of Customized/Bespoke Application Software Include;

1. It costs a lot of money to develop such a software
2. It may take some time to develop the software, when off- the-shelf software could be brought
straight away
3. The company may need to develop a team of people such as business analysts, programmers,
testers etc.
4. Unlike off- the-shelf software, there is unlikely to be any internet forums or websites to help
users. For example popular spreadsheet applications have dozens of online help sites run by
users and professionals
5. The software is more likely to be buggy as it probably won’t have thousands of clients using
and testing it.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE.

Some terminologies used in computer software:

Firmware
Is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device. It provides instructions
on how that device should operate.
Unlike normal software, firmware cannot be changed or deleted by an end-user without the aid of
special programs and remains on that device regardless if it's on or off.

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Software License
A software license is a legal instrument that governs how the software can be used and distributed.
When you download or install software, you are asked to agree to the terms of a license before you
proceed with the installation.
1. A license does not mean you have to pay for the software because even free software is
licensed.
Software copyright
2. It is a law used by proprietary (commercial) software companies to prevent the unauthorized
copying of their software.

SOFTWARE PIRACY
This is the act of illegally using, copying or distributing software without ownership or legal rights.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE PIRACY INCLUDE:

Soft lifting: Borrowing and installing a copy of a software application from a colleague.
Client-server overuse: Installing more copies of the software than you have licenses for.
Hard-disk loading: Installing and selling unauthorized copies of software on refurbished or new
computers.
Counterfeiting: Duplicating and selling copyrighted programs.
Online piracy: Typically involves downloading illegal software from peer-to-peer network, Internet
auction or blog.
Packaged software:
1. Is commercial software, which is copyrighted and designed to meet the needs of a wide variety
of users.

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 CHAPTER FIVE
SOFTWARE SUITES
A software suite, also known as application suite or productivity suite, is a software package that
has several applications that work well together because they have related functions, features and user
interfaces, and are able to interact with each other.

Business applications often come in suites, e.g. Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, and iWork, which
bundle together a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, presentation graphics,
database and e-mail applications, etc.

Advantages of software suites

It is easy to transfer data from one component of the application to another.

Integrated software takes up less disk space than individual packages.
The user can move faster from one application to the next.
It is usually easier to learn how to use the applications in a software suite because the user interface for
choosing commands is similar for all applications.
A software suite tends to be more powerful and versatile than individual applications.
A software suite is less likely to crash and contains fewer errors (bugs), since it has been widely tried
and tested.
1. The producers of software suites often offer after-sales services (e.g. online help facilities);
users can also get support from user groups and magazines.
SOFTWARE ACQUISITION

Computer software can be acquired in three main ways:- freeware, shareware, and commercial
software
1. Freeware : this refers to free software but with copyright restrictions. (Does not require any
payment from the user.)
1. Public domain software: This is free software with no restrictions.
1. Shareware: It refers to a type of software that is given to the users to use freely for a certain
period(trial), but when that period ends a user must pay in order to continue using the software.
2. Commercial software: Refers to software that requires payment before it can be used.
Commercial software programs typically come in a physical box, which is what you see
displayed in retail stores, while others are available as downloads over the Internet.

OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE

Open source software is:
1. Software provided for use, modification and redistribution.
2. Software that any programmer can download from the Internet for free and modify with
suggested improvements. The only qualification is that changes can't be copyrighted,
Why is it popular? Because any programmer can make improvements which can result in better
quality software.
Examples: Linux

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 ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
The source codes are available to users and they have the rights to modify them. This will allow
improvements to the software without having to invest large sum of money in research and
development.
The modified and improved source codes can be freely redistributed.
The open source software is created according to industry demands but allows for upgrades to take
place freely when the need arises. Therefore, if bugs in the codes are found, they can be fixed by
anyone interested and capable.
The software can be used in any way and for any legal purposes. There is no restriction in a unilateral
way on how the software could be used.
DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
The codes are too complicated for beginner to understand.

There is no particular official monitoring the works of a programmer improving the codes. This is
because anyone is free to use, modify or even distribute the codes.

Since nobody in particular is responsible for the codes, there is no exact knowledge and assurance on
when the codes are going to be fixed if there a bugs in it.Thus, users will have to use the problematic
software until someone rectifies the problem.

PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE

Proprietary software is also called closed source software. The closed source software or proprietary
software offers a stable system with support if the software fails or malfunctions.

ADVANTAGES OF USING PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE

The software offers a stable system support if it fails or malfunction.

The software is safe and guaranteed to be safe from dubious threats like programming bugs and viruses
thus providing ease of mind for the user.
The software is easier to install and used as the production is planned and extensive research is carried
out to ensure users purchase only the best.
Furthermore, free updates and latest information on the software are usually provided to the user.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE
Users need to spend a long time downloading and installing security patches to fix bugs announced by
the manufacturer.
Any improvements would usually require a cost, which is often expensive.
Users are not allowed to describe and share the software as they are licensed.
Customizing the software is impossible because when users buy proprietary software, they will not
receive the code as the code is the manufacturer’s trade secret.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
A programming language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a
computer to perform specific tasks. This is usually categorized into low-level (Assembler and
machine) and high level (e.g. FORTRAN, C and PASCAL) languages

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 LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES
Low-level languages are designed to operate and handle the entire hardware and instructions
set architecture of a computer directly. Programs and applications written in low-level
language are directly executable on the computing hardware without any interpretation or
translation. For example; developing new operating systems or writing firmware codes for
micro-controllers.
MACHINE LANGUAGE is a collection of binary digits or bits that the computer reads and
interprets.
ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE implements a symbolic representation of the machine code needed
to program a given CPU architecture.
HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE (HLL)
High-level language is any programming language that enables development of a program in
much simpler programming context and is generally independent of the computer's hardware
architecture.
High level languages are designed to be used by the human operator or the programmer. They
are referred to as "closer to humans." In other words, their programming style and context is

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 easier to learn and implement, and the entire code generally focuses on the specific program to
be created.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A COMPUTER PROGRAM
Cost of software against buyer’s budget.
Usability of the program.
Requirements of available hardware.
Type of program needed.
Needs of the organization.
Personnel to use the program.
Functionalities of the program.
Free from computer bugs.
Software support and call centers.
Type and quality of software developer.

Summary
Software is the detailed instructions that control the operation of a computer system. It can be defined as
a set of instructions that tell the hardware how to work.
Software is a collection of programs that control the working of the computer hardware.
A program is a set of instruction arranged in a logical way that a computer can run
Hardware is tangible whereas software is intangible, i.e. it cannot be touched
There are mainly two types of software.
System Software e.g. operating system, utility software and translators
Application software e.g. Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft access, etc.
Characteristics of Good Software

• Good software should provide the required functionality.

• Good software should be usable even by the inexperienced users.
• Good software should be reliable and dependable.
• Good software should function efficiently.
• Good software should have a "life-time" at least measured in years.
• Good software should provide an appropriate user interface
• Good software should be accompanied by complete documentation
• Good software should be "easily" maintained

Functions of computer software

Manage the computer resources of the organizations.
Provide tools for people to take advantage of these resources.
Act as an intermediary between organizations and stored data and information.

CONCLUSION
Through this project I have gained some comprehensive knowledge of computer
software. I encourage everyone who comes across this material to study and digest its
contents for better understanding of computer software.

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 REFERENCE

(2016, 04 27). Retrieved from http://threeemusketeers.weebly.com/:

http://threeemusketeers.weebly.com/uploads/1/8/5/5/18550310/5681354_orig.jpg

Wikipedia. (2016, 04 27). System software. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_software

Computer Studies of Senior Secondary Education by Hiit Plc

compnote.blogspot.com

inspire.education.gov.ng

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