SoftwAre..

Software...

          All of us know what does software is and how big is its contributions in our computers.

What is Software?

-Programs that make a computer run.

-Sets of instructions which tell the computer what to do to come up with the desired result.

Concept

-The hardware needs the software to be useful; the software needs the hardware to be useful.

-When the user needs something to be done the computer, he/she gives instructions in the form of software to computer hardware.

-These instructions need to be written in a language that is readily understood by the computer and that language is called the machine language.

Machine Language

-A language that is easy to understand for the uPs.

-Though readily understood by microprocessors, it is very difficult to write in for human programmers.

-Language translators were invented to overcome this problem.

Language translators

-Human programmers write programs in a language that is easy to understand for them.

-They use language translators to convert that program into machine language. 

Types of Software..

System Software

          -programs that work automatically once you open or boot your computer.

          -their task include loading and running programs, checking and protecting computers and controlling hardware.

          -it is the control software that operates the hardware and allows the application to run.

          *Operating Software (OS)

                   -perform its work invisibly to control the internal functions of a computer.

                   -interacts directly with the computer hardware.

Examples:

          Windows XP- home and business

          Windows 2000- business network use

          Mac Operating System- GUI, graphics

          OS/2 Warp- commercial work

          UNIX- general purpose, mainframe

          Linux- alternative to windows

          Dos- command driven

         

*Operating System

                    -run in the background without the users being aware of it.

                    -controls the inputs, outputs, interrupts, and storage of files as                          requested by the applications software.

Application Software

          -programs installed in the computer.

          -enables the user to do different tasks.  

          -used for a specific purpose or application.

·        Word processing

·        Numerical analysis and storage

·        Recording of data

·        Designing and graphics

·         Image processing

·        Presentations

·        Desk top publishing

·        Web design

Word Processors

            -Used in creating letters, memos, reports and other write- ups.

            Examples:

                               WordStar    MS Word        WordPerfect 

Electronic Spreadsheet

            -software that are equipped with rows and columns where data may be entered and processed automatically or tabulated.

            Examples:

                             VisiCalc          Quattro             Lotus 123

                            Supercalc        Ms Works        Excel

                             *VisiCalc- the first Spreadsheet      

Database

            -programs that can be use to organize data in a customized way.

            Examples:

                             Ms Access       Foxbase          Oracle

                             Dbase              MySQL           Lotus Approach                     

Utility Programs

·        Virus checking and cleaning.

·        Security using identification and passwords.

·        File and hard disk management for efficiency and storage.

·        Customizing the computer to the user’s requirements.

·        Setting peripheral devices to the user’s requirements.

Utilities

            -computer programs that perform a particular function related to computer system management and maintenance.

            Examples:

1.     Anti-virus Software

2.     Data comprehension Software

3.     Disk optimization Software

4.     Disk backup Software

5.     Disk cleaner

Entertainment Software

            -specially designed for fun and relaxation.

            Examples:

                             Real Player         WinAmp         QuickTime

                             Windows Media Player              VLC Media

Multimedia, Desktop and Image Editing Software

            -used to create graphics and publications and to edit images.

            Examples:

                             Adobe Photoshop            Adobe Pagemaker

                             Corel Draw                      Publisher

            Now, we already understand how important the software is, so without it, our computers will not be able to run and operate,