CHAPTER 2

Computer Software
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this class, students should be able to:

◦ Explain the significance of software

◦ Define and describe the types of system software
 SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE
 The analogy between computer programs and TV programs is
a good illustration on the significance of software.

 Software is to a computer what programs are to a TV set.

◦ What is the use of having a TV if no programs are
broadcast?
◦ The same is true for the computing world: the computer
and its peripherals are useless without a wide array of
programs to make them useful.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE
1. A world of diversity
◦ Software aimed for different peoples and is used for a
variety of purpose.
◦ For example a personal accounting package, a browser, or
integrated management software which gives real-time
information to decision makers in an organization.
◦ The fields of activity and issues solved by computer
programs are as wide ranging as can be imagined.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE
 2. A structuring resource
◦ Supports users as they manipulate data, gathering and
saving it in databases or files.
◦ Having easy access to large quantities of information,
decision makers can act with greater confidence.
◦ Organization has the essential tools to perform in a
constantly changing environment.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE
 3. Communications

◦ Software packages govern the way in which we

communicate and interact on the vast medium we call
the Internet.

 4. In effect / Updated

◦ Software is a vital resource for the good functioning and

evolution of modern societies.
 SYSTEM SOFTWARE
 Handles technical details
 Works with end users, application
software and computer hardware
 Three types of programs
◦ Utilities
◦ Device drivers
◦ Operating system
 Utilities
 Specialized programs to make computing easier.
 A type of computer software.
 A program that performs a very specific task, usually
related to managing system resources.
 Specifically designed to help manage and tune the
computer hardware, operating system or application
software, and perform a single task or a small range of
tasks.
 Types of utilities
 Most essential utilities

◦ Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs

◦ Antivirus programs
◦ Uninstall programs
◦ Backup programs
◦ File compression programs
 Types of utilities
 Most essential utilities
◦ Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
 Recognize and correct problems
◦ Antivirus programs
 Guard computer system against viruses or other damaging
programs
◦ Uninstall programs
 Allow users to safely and completely remove unneeded
programs and related files from hard disk.
◦ Backup programs
 Make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or
damaged.
◦ File compression programs
 Reduce the size of files
 Windows Utilities
 Backup
 Disk Cleanup
 Disk Defragmenter
 Backup
 Utility program included with
many Windows versions
 Makes a copy of all files or
selected files that have been
saved on a disk
 Helps prevent against disk failure
Disk Cleanup

 Identifies and eliminates

nonessential files

Frees up valuable space

 and improves system
 performance
 Disk Defragmenter
 Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments.
 Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize
operations.
 Speeds up file access.
 Utility Suites
 A group of several utility programs bundled for sale.
 Buying the package is economical .
 Examples of popular suites:
◦ McAfee Office
◦ Norton System Works
◦ V Communications
SystemSuite
 Device Drivers
 Specialized programs that allow communication
between a device
and the computer.
 Loaded into memory each
time a computer is started.
 When a new device is added,
new device drivers must be installed.
 For a Plug and Play device, operating system
automatically configures new devices as you install
them.
◦ Example of Plug and Play device: flash drive
 Operating Systems (OS)
 Coordinates computer resources.
 Provide an interface between the users and computer.
 Runs applications.
 A collection of programs that handle technical tasks.
 Every computer has an operating system.
 OS often called software environment or platform.
Functions of an Operating System

 Performs three types of functions

1. Manages computer resources

 Coordinate memory, processing storage, and
printers
 Monitor system performance
 Provide security
 Start-up the computer
Functions of an Operating System
2. Provides user interface
 Command-line interface
The user interacts with the operating system by typing
commands to perform specific tasks. An example of a
command line interface is DOS (disk operating system).
 Graphical user interface (GUI)
The user interacts with the operating system by using a
mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example
of a graphical user interface is Windows Vista, Windows
7,Windows 8.
Functions of an Operating System
3. Runs applications
 Multitasking
 Foreground & background applications
The foreground contains the applications the user is
working on, and the background contains the
applications that are behind the scenes, such as
certain operating system functions, printing a
document or accessing the network. Users may find
all sorts of programs running in the background that
they are not aware of.
Features of an Operating System

 Booting
◦ Warm boot
 Occurs when the computer is already on and
users has to restart it without turning off the
power.
◦ Cold boot
 Starting a computer that has been turned off.
 Features of an Operating System
 Features in common with application software
◦ Icons
◦ Pointers
◦ Windows
◦ Menus
◦ Dialog boxes
◦ Help
 Categories of Operating Systems
 Three basic categories
1. Embedded operating systems
• Used for handheld computers and smaller device.
2. Network operating systems
• Used to control and coordinate computers that are
networked and linked together.
3. Stand-alone operating systems
• Also known as desktop operating system.
• Control a single desktop or notebook computer.
 Types of Operating Systems

 Operating systems commonly used by individuals

◦ Windows – most widely used
◦ Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
◦ UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
◦ LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web
 Windows
 The most popular microcomputer operating system –
over 90 percent of the market
 Comes in a variety of different versions
 Windows 8 is the latest version
 Mac OS
 An operating system designed to run on Apple
computers
 Not used as widely as Windows
 Other examples of newer MAC OS versions are:
◦ Mac OS X
◦ Leopard
 UNIX and LINUX
 UNIX operating system
◦ Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network
◦ Used by powerful microcomputers

 LINUX is a version of UNIX

◦ Not proprietary
 computer software not licensed
under exclusive legal right of its
owner.
◦ Open source