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6 +Computer+Software

Computer software can be categorized into three main types: 1. System software includes operating systems and device drivers that interface with computer hardware. 2. Programming software consists of tools like compilers and debuggers that assist programmers. 3. Application software allows users to perform tasks like word processing, gaming, and data management.

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61 views22 pages

6 +Computer+Software

Computer software can be categorized into three main types: 1. System software includes operating systems and device drivers that interface with computer hardware. 2. Programming software consists of tools like compilers and debuggers that assist programmers. 3. Application software allows users to perform tasks like word processing, gaming, and data management.

Uploaded by

Bonvi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Computer Software

Nov 17, 2009


What is Software?
• A collection of computer programs, procedures,
and documentation used to complete some task
on a computer
• Programs are instructions written in
programming languages, such as C and C++
and are known as the source code
• Procedures are algorithms (flow charts) or finite
sequences of instructions for solving a problem
• Documentation is written text and diagrams
explaining the use of software as well as its
architecture and design
Types of Software
• System software – e.g. operating system
and device drivers which interface with the
hardware
• Programming software – e.g. compilers
and debuggers
• Application software – e.g. word
processors, video games, etc.
Relationship between Hardware
and Software
System Software
System Software
• System software helps run the computer
hardware and computer system
• Examples: Windows XP, Linux and Mac
• A combination of
– Device drivers
– Operating systems
– Servers
– Utilities
– Windowing systems
Device Driver
• A program that determines how a computer will
communicate with a peripheral device
• In other words, it controls a particular type of
device attached to your computer
• There are device drivers for printers, displays,
CD-ROM drives, diskette drives, and so on
• Some device drivers come with the operating
system however, when you attach a device the
operating system does not recognize you will
have to install the new driver in order to use that
device
Operating System
• An interface between hardware and user, which
manages the resources and acts as a host for running
application programs
• Almost all computers (including handheld computers,
desktop computers, supercomputers, video game
consoles) and domestic appliances (dishwashers,
washing machines), and portable media players use an
operating system of some type
• Users can interact directly with the operating system
through a user interface such as a command language
(command line interface) or a graphical user interface
(GUI)
Server
• A computer program that delivers a service to
clients
• The server and client programs are usually, but
not necessarily, running on different computers
communicating over a network
• Example: A web server delivers a web page
when requested by a web browser (client)
• The predefined way a server and client
communicates is called a protocol, e.g. HTTP
(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is the protocol
used between a browser and a web server
Utility Software
• Utility software or service programs are
software designed to help manage and
tune the hardware, operating system, or
application software
• Most of these programs are integrated into
operating systems
• Examples: Disk cleaners, disk
defragmenters, disk compression utilities,
anti-virus utilities, etc.
Windowing System
• A component of GUI or desktop
environment, which supports the
implementation of window managers and
pointing devices like mice
• The mouse cursor is also generally drawn
by the windowing system
• A windowing system enables the computer
user to work with several programs at the
same time
KDE Desktop
Programming Software
Programming Software
• These programs provide tools to assist a
programmer in writing computer programs
• Examples:
– Compilers
– Debuggers
– Interpreters
– Linkers
– Text editors
Application Software
Application Software
• Application software allows users to accomplish
one or more specific tasks
• Also known as software application or simply
applications or apps
• An application can manipulate text, numbers,
graphics, or a combination of these
• Examples:
– Word processors
– Spreadsheets
– Media players
– Database applications
Types of Application Software
• Enterprise infrastructure software (e.g. database
management system)
• Content access software (e.g. electronic media software
like media players and web browsers)
• Information worker software (e.g. word processing and
accounting software)
• Educational software (e.g. learning management
software)
• Simulation software (e.g. scientific or battlefield
simulators)
• Media development software (e.g. sound editing
software)
Some Terms Related to Software
• Firmware – a combination of hardware and
software, computer chips that have data or
programs recorded on them (e.g. ROM)
• Freeware – computer software available for use
at no cost, freeware usually does not come with
help files or any other type of support
• Adware – free software that also includes ads
so that the developer may make money (ad-
sponsored freeware)
• Shareware – computer software that requires a
payment if it is to be used past a trial date
Viruses and Spyware
• Malware – a general term covering all types of
“malicious software” including viruses, worms, spyware,
and trojans
• A virus is a piece of malicious software code written to
cause some kind of damage to a computer system
• Viruses spread automatically
• Spyware is like adware but it is more harmful as it is
designed to steal something from your computer
• Spyware can often be hard to remove as it can
continually recreate itself and hide somewhere on your
hard drive
• How to be safe: install spyware checker (e.g. Spybot
Search & Destroy) as well as some anti-virus software
Cookies
• Cookies are small text files that websites leave
on your system so that when you return they can
count you as a returning visitor
• Cookies are harmless to your computer; in fact
most of them are useful as they store
information like items in your shopping cart and
login details
• Cookies are NOT spyware
• When browsing on a public computer it is
advisable to clear the cookies after you’re done
THE END

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