Computer Software

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Objectives

• Describe the software components of a typical software package

• Describe the way an operating system manages each computer resource

• Describe key features of popular software• List types of software available• Explain how to install and uninstall software• Describe rights associated with software: for

users and programmers

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Software

• Software is the instructions and associated data, stored in electronic format, that direct the computer to accomplish a task.

• Software includes– 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

– Main executable file– Support module– Data module

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Programmers and Computer Languages

• Computer programmers write the instructions for the computer programs

• Software publishers distribute the software, they specialize in packaging, marketing, and selling commercial software

• A computer language provides the tools that a programmer uses to create software– Source code– High-level languages

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Programmers and Computer Languages

• A compiler translates all of the instructions in a program as a single batch

• The resulting machine language instructions are called the object code

• An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter, that converts one instruction at a time while program is running– Scripts

• JavaScript• VBScript

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software Types

• 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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Operating System

• 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.

• An operating system manages resources (any component that is required to perform work)

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OS manage processor resources

• It ensures the microprocessor doesn’t spin its wheels waiting for input while it could be working on other processing tasks

• Ideally, the OS is able to help the microprocessor switch tasks so that everything seems to be happening at the same time

• The OS also must ensure that the microprocessor does sit idle

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OS keep track of storage resources

• The OS acts as a filing clerk

• It remembers the names and locations of all your files and keeps track of empty spaces where new files can be stored

• OS controls peripherals to ensure input and output proceeds in an orderly fashion

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User Interface

• A user interface can be defined as the combination of hardware and software that helps people and computers communicate with each other– Graphical user interface (GUI)– Command-line user interface

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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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Operating System Types

• Single-user operating system• Multi-user operating system• Network operating system• Multitasking operating system• Desktop operating system

– Windows, – Mac OS, – Linux, – Unix, and – DOS

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Application Software

• Word processing software is used for producing reports, letters, papers, and manuscripts.

• Desktop publishing software helps you use graphic design techniques to enhance the format and appearance of a document.

• Web authorizing software helps you design and develop customized Web pages

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Application Software

Accounting and Finance, Mathematical Modeling, and Statistical Software

– Accounting and finance software• Personal finance software

– Tax preparation software– Small business accounting software– Statistical software– Mathematical modeling software

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Application Software

• Data management software helps you to store, find, organize, update, and report information– File management software– Database management software

• Graphics Software: a software you do need to work with drawings, photos, and other pictures?

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Application Software

• Graphics – refers to any picture, drawing, sketch, photograph, image or icon that appears on your computer screen

• Graphics Software– Paint software– Photo editing software– Drawing software

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Application Software

• Music Software– Audio editing software – lets you make your own

digital voice and music recording• MP3• MP3 Player• CD ripper• MP3 encoding software• Ear training software• Notation software• Computer-aided software• Midi sequencing software

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Application Software

• Video Editing Software– Video editing software provides a set of tools for

transferring video footage, editing video, adding special effects, and adding a sound track

• Educational and Reference Software– Educational software – helps you to learn and

practice new skills• MindTwister Math• 3-D Froggy Phonics• SAT• GMAT• LSAT

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Application Software

• Reference software – provides you with a collection of information and a way to access that information– Encyclopedias

• Microsoft Encarta• Grolier’s encyclopedia• Comptons encyclopedia• World Book • Britannica

– Dictionaries

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Application Software

• Entertainment Software– Computer games

• Role-playing games• Action games• Adventure games• Puzzle games• Simulation games• Sports games• Strategy games

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Application Software

• Business Software– Vertical market software– Horizontal market software

• Payroll software• Accounting software• Project management software

– Groupware

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Why is it necessary to install software?

• When you install software, the new software files are placed in the appropriate folders on your computer’s hard disk– Copy files from distribution disk– Uncompress files – Analyze computer’s resources– Analyze hardware components and peripheral

devices– Look for any system files and players– Update necessary system files

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Software Installation Issues

• A setup program guides you through the installation process

• Following the program will make installation easy

• Sometimes files are zipped, so they must be unzipped

• Other types– Self-installing software– Self-executing zip file– Manual download and install

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• Uninstall routine deletes the software’s files• 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• 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