COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer software (otherwise, software) is a collection of computer instructions and related data
that tells the computer how to perform a task.
Computer software is also a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a
computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.
Software is the general name given to all the programs (sets of instructions) that computers use to
perform different task.

CLASSIFICATION (TYPES) OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

1. System Software
2. Application Software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System Software is a set of programs that help run the computer and coordinate instructions
between application software and the computer’s hardware devices.
System Software is designed to provide a platform to other software. Examples of System Software
are:
• Operating Systems
• Utility Programs
• Device Drivers
• Language Translators
Operating System (OS)
OS is the main software that controls how a computer system functions and manages the
computer’s hardware including processor, memory, and storage devices as well as peripheral
devices.
OS provides a consistent means for applications software to work with the CPU and it is
responsible for the management, scheduling, and coordination of tasks as well as system
maintenance.
Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.
Examples of Operating Systems
• Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• macOS
• Ubuntu Linux
• Google android (phones & tablet)
• iOS (for iPhone & iPad)
• Chromium (Chromebook), etc.

Types of Operating Systems

a. Single user (Personal user) Operating System

It is an operating system designed for one user to use a computer at a time and that works on
desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device. E.g., Windows 7,8,10,
MacOS, Linux, etc. It allows multi-tasking means can run more programs simultaneously that is
same time. For instance, a user can launch and work on Word application and at same time work
on PowerPoint or even play game.

b. Multi-user Operating System

Multi-user O.S allows multiple users on different computers or terminals to access a single system
with one OS on it. It ensures that the requirement of various users is balanced and that each of the
programs they are using has sufficient and separate resources so that a problem with one user
doesn’t affect the entire community of users. E.g., UNIX, PC-MOS (Multi-User Operating
System), Linux.

c. Network Operating System (N.O.S)

N.O.S runs on a server and provides the server the capability to manage data, users, groups,
security, applications, and other networking functions. N.O.S primary purpose is allow
communicating and sharing resources such as files, printers, etc. among multiple computers. E.g.,
NetWare, Windows Server 2003/2008, Solaris, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, etc.

d. Single programming O.S

SPOS allows only one program to run at a time.

e. Multi-programming O.S
MPOS execute multiple programs on the system at a time. The CPU in MPOS never get idle,
because multiple programs. It executes on the system and users can interact with the system.

f. Distributed O.S
Distributed OS manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer. The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with
each other gave rise to distributed computing.

g. Real-Time O.S
RTOS is defined as data processing system in which the time interval required to process and
respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment. RTOS must have well-defined, fixed
time constraints, otherwise the system will fail. E.g., scientific experiments, medical imaging
systems, industrial control systems, robots, air traffic control, etc.

Functions of the Operating System

The functions of an operating system depend on the size and complexity of the computer system.
It may also depend on whether the system is a single user system such as a PC or a Multi-Access
System such as mainframe or network.
A multi-access system is one where the terminals and the computer are linked interactively.

Roles or functions of the Operating System

a. Management of the Processor
Operating System is responsible for managing allocation of the processor between the different
programs using a scheduling algorithm. The type of scheduler is totally dependent on the operating
system, according to the desired objective.

b. Management of the Random Access Memory

The operating system is responsible for managing the memory space allocated to each application
and, where relevant, to each user. If there is insufficient physical memory, the operating system
can create a memory zone on the hard drive, known as "virtual memory". The virtual memory
lets you run applications requiring more memory than there is available RAM on the system.
However, this memory is a great deal slower.

c. Management of Input/Output
The operating system allows unification and control of access of programs to material resources
via drivers (also known as peripheral devices or input/output devices). Or helping to coordinates
and manipulates computer hardware, such as computer memory, printers, disks, keyboard, mouse,
etc.

d. Management of Execution of Applications

The operating system is responsible for smooth execution of applications by allocating the
resources required for them to operate. This means an application that is not responding correctly
can be "killed".

e. Management of authorizations
The operating system is responsible for security relating to execution of programs by guaranteeing
that the resources are used only by programs and users with the relevant authorizations.

f. File Management
An operating system contains file management programs that provide the ability to create, delete,
enter, change, ask, and access of files of data. They also produce reports on a file. It monitors and
organizes files on a variety of storage media, such as floppy disk, hard drive, compact disc, digital
video disc, and tape.

g. Information Management
The operating system provides a certain number of indicators that can be used to diagnose the
correct operation of the machine. That is by managing hardware errors and the loss of data.

h. User Interface
It is a function of an operating system that allows users to interact with a computer. A user interface
program may include a combination of menus, screen design, keyboard commands. A well-
designed user interface is essential for an operating system to be popular. Because of the function,
users can load programs, access files, and accomplish other tasks.

Overview functions of the Operating System

a. Starting a computer
b. Providing a User Interface
c. Managing Programs (Computer Resources)
d. Managing Files and Memory
e. Scheduling Jobs
f. Configuring Devices
g. Establishing an Internet Connection
h. Monitoring Performance

Utility Software
Utility software is a kind of system software designed to help analyse, configure, optimize and
maintain the computer.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility or tool. Utility software has long been
integrated into most major operating systems. Utility Programs are used for the management of
computer systems and also perform maintenance types tasks.
Examples of Utility Programs and their Uses

Utility Program Uses

File Viewer It used for viewing and managing files in a computer system. Example

Windows Explorer.

File Compressor It used to shrink the size of files. The compressed file is sometimes
called a Zipped file.

Diagnostic Utilities It used to detect problems of hardware and software.

Disk Scanner It used to detect the physical and logical problems of a disk.

Antivirus It used to prevent, identify and eliminate viruses from the computer.

Examples McAfee, AVG Antivirus, Norton Antivirus, and Doctor

Solomon’s Antivirus

Disk Defragmenter It used to recognize the files on the disk. It also manages the unused
space on the disk so that the OS may use data more quickly.

Backup Utility It used to make the backup of data and files.

Data Recovery Utility It used to restore the data that has been damaged or corrupted.

Device Driver
A device driver is a software or program that links a peripheral device (hardware) to the operating
system. It acts like a translator between a device and the applications that use it. In other words,
device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer.
There are device drivers for printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, diskette drives, video adapters,
network cards, sound cards and modems, etc.
NB: OS can include device drivers for basic components, like the mouse and keyboard, while
peripheral manufacturers often provide discs with drivers for users to install with their hardware.

Language Translator
It is another system software which convert the high-level language to machine level language
for the purpose of machine understanding.
The Machine can only understand the machine level language or binary language 0's & 1’s. The
language translator rectifies the errors within the program through different ways.
There are 3 types of language translator:
a. Compiler - a computer program that converts another program from a high-level language
into machine language.

b. Interpreter - a computer program that translates instructions in a program written in a high-

level computer language into machine language and executes them.

c. Assembler - a computer program that converts assembly language into machine language.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
An application software (app or application for short) is a computer software designed to perform
a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user.
Application software is also known as end user software. They are normally designed to solve a
particular problem, to perform useful work on specific tasks or to provide entertainment.

Examples include
• Word processing software like Microsoft Word, WordPad, etc.
• Spreadsheets like Excel or Lotus 123,
• Presentation Software
• Educational application,
• Web browser
• Desktop publishing, etc.

Types of Application Software

1. Productivity – Word Processing, Spreadsheet etc.
2. Education/Reference – e-books, e-libraries etc.

Functions of Application Software

a. Word Processing Software

This software enables the users to create, manipulate text and edit documents. The most popular
examples are MS-Word, WordPad, Notepad and some other text editors.

b. Database Software
Database is a structured collection of data organized in such a way that a program can quickly
select piece of data. A computer database relies on database software to organize the data and
enable the database users to achieve database operations. Database software allows the users to
store and retrieve data from databases. Examples are Oracle, MS Access, etc.

c. Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software is application in which data is arranged in the rows and columns of a grid
and perform calculations. They simulate paper worksheets by displaying multiple cells that make
up a grid. Examples are Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Apple Numbers, etc.
 d. Educational Software
These are software designed for educational purposes.
 It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress.
 It also has the capabilities of collaborative software.
 It is often used in teaching and self-learning
Examples are Encarta Encyclopaedia, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Longman multimedia
dictionary, Typing Tutor, etc.

e. Presentations Software
The software that is used to display information in the form of a slide show is known as
presentation software. This type of software includes three functions, namely, editing that allows
insertion and formatting of text, methods to include graphics in the text and a functionality of
executing the slide shows. Examples are Microsoft PowerPoint, Impress, etc.

f. Entertainment Software
These are software designed for playing games (Solitaire, Pinball, Grand Theft, FIFA, etc.), video
(VLC, Cyberlink Media Player, Windows Media Player, etc.), music (AIMP, Virtual DJ, Windows
Media Player, etc.), etc.

g. Web Browsers
They are software that enable you to browse (surf) or go through the internet and view websites.
Some common browsers include Opera, Internet Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla Firefox.

h. Authoring Software
Authoring software are special programs used to create multimedia presentations. Some of the
common authoring software include Dreamweaver and FrontPage.

i. Graphic Design Software

Include Corel Draw, Freehand and Adobe Illustrator. These can be used to create graphics and
colourful designs.

j. Desktop Publishing Software

Include Adobe PageMaker or QuarkXPress. These are used for making and designing books.