Introduction to Computing

Introduction to Computing

Chapter 4
Software

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Introduction to Computing

Software

Introduction

The functioning of the computer is not dependent on hardware alone. So, what else is required? It
requires a set of instructions that tells the computer what is to be done with the input data. In computer
terminology, this set of instructions is called a program and one or more programs are termed as a
software.

Computer software is anything that can be stored electronically. The term is used to contrast with
computer hardware (the physical objects); unlike hardware, software cannot be touched. Hardware
and software require each other and neither has any value without the other.

Definitions for Computer Software

Computer software, or simply software, is that part of a computer system that consists of encoded
information or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from which the system is
built. The term is roughly synonymous with computer program, but is more generic in scope.
“Resource: Wikipedia “

Software is a generic term for organizing collections of computer data and instructions, often broken
into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non-task-specific functions of the
computer, and application software which is used by users to accomplish specific tasks. “Resource-
www.openprojects.org”

Firmware
Firmware is software that has been permanently stored in hardware. It is typically not user accessible
and usually contains the basic software programming of the device. Firmware such as the BIOS
(Basic Input / Output System) of a personal computer typically contains only elementary basic
functions and allows the computer to run more complicated software.

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Software Classification
Computer software can be put into categories based on common function, type, or field of use. There
are three broad classifications:

1. System software

System software is a generic term referring to the computer programs used to start and run computer
systems including diverse application software and networks.
System software is the basic software needed for a computer to operate (most notably the Operating
System) including: DOS, Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS, etc.

2. Application software

Application software is the general designation of computer programs for performing tasks. The
application software may be general purpose (word processing, web browsers) or have a specific
purpose (accounting, truck scheduling.)
Application software is all the software that uses the computer system to perform useful work beyond
the operation of the computer itself. Examples of common applications are: word processor,
spreadsheet, database, Internet browser, email, games… etc.
Data is all the documents and files that are created or manipulated by application software, including
documents, spreadsheets, pictures, movies… etc.

3. Computer programming tools

Computer programming tools, such as compilers and linker, are used to translate and combine
computer program source code and libraries into executable RAMs.

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System Software
Systems software is a computer software designed to provide services to other software. Examples
of system software include operating systems, computational science software, game engines,
industrial automation, and software as some service applications.
The line where the distinction should be drawn isn't always clear. All operating systems bundle
application software. Such software is not considered system software when it can be uninstalled
usually without affecting the functioning of other software. Exceptions could be e.g. web browsers
such as Internet Explorer where Microsoft argued in court that it was system software that could not
be uninstalled. Later examples are Chrome OS and Firefox OS where the browser functions as the
only user interface and the only way to run programs (and other web browser cannot be installed in
their place), then they can well be argued to be (part of) the operating system and then system
software.
Another borderline example is cloud based software. This software provides services to a software
client (usually a web browser or a JavaScript application running in the web-browser), not to the user
directly, and is therefore systems software. It is also developed using system programming
methodologies and systems programming languages. Yet from the perspective of functionality there
is little difference between a word processing application and word processing web application.

Operating Systems
The operating system (prominent examples being Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux), allows
the parts of a computer to work together by performing tasks like transferring data between memory
and disks or rendering output onto a display device.
It provides a platform (hardware abstraction layer) to run high-level system software and application
software. An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and
software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is
a component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an
operating system to function.

What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to
communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an
operating system, a computer is useless.
provides a user interface

The operating system's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.
Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they

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all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The
operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs. You can
watch this video to understand more about operating systems. (https://youtu.be/fkGCLIQx1MI)

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating
system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating
systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows,
macOS, and Linux.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets
you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the
screen using a combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating
system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy
to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows
The original Microsoft operating system was called DOS (Disk Operating System) and was replaced
by a pretty, mouse controlled Graphical User Interface (GUI) that Microsoft called Windows. Microsoft
created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many different versions
of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012),
Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which
helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

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Apple macOS
The macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes
preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include Big sur (2020),
Catalina (2019), Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).
According to Stat. Counter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of global operating
systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One reason for this
is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer the look and
feel of macOS over Windows.

Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be
modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like
Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that
it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.
According to Stat. Counter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating
systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

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Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop
computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from
desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile
devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop
and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do
a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.

Application Software
An application program (app or application for short) is a computer program designed to perform a
group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user. Examples of an
application include a word processor, a spread sheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a
media player, an aeronautical flight simulator, a console game or a photo editor. The collective noun
application software refers to all applications collectively. This contrasts with system software, which
is mainly involved with running the computer.

What is an application?
You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly
does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks.
Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those
for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time,
you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.
App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded
inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.
You can watch this video to understand more about applications. (https://youtu.be/3gMOYZoMtEs)

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Desktop Applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full-
featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar
app). Below are just a few examples of applications you might use.

 Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many
other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

 Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come
with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples
of browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

 Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to
use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

 Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card
games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing
power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

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Mobile Applications
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also
download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile
apps). Below are just a few examples of mobile applications you might use.

 Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's
available for Android and iOS devices.
 Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's
available for Android and iOS.
 Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn
new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

Types of Application Software

There are millions of different pieces of application software available for almost every conceivable
need. The four basic types of applications are:

1. Commercial software comes prepackaged and is available for purchase from software stores and
through the Internet.
2. Shareware is software developed by individual and small companies that cannot afford to market
their software worldwide or by a company that wants to release a demonstration version of their
commercial product. You will typically have an evaluation period in which you can decide whether
to purchase the product or not. Shareware software often is disabled in some way and has a notice
attached to explain the legal requirements for using the product.
3. Open Source software is created by a collaboration of programmers working together. Open
source programs are often open for anyone to contribute to and the end products of open source
projects are commonly released for public use. Open Source software is not public domain in that
the company or individual that develops the software retains ownership of the program but the
software can be used freely. Many popular Open Source applications are being developed and
upgraded regularly by individuals and companies that believe in the Open Source concept. There
is usually a copyright notice that must remain with the software product and is similar to freeware.
4. Freeware is created by generous programmers and developers and released is distributed freely,
usually accompanied a copyright notice and terms of service that must remain with the software
product. Freeware is generally free for anyone to use and distribute so long as the copyright notice
and terms of service remain with the software.

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Files, Folders and Directories

On the computer’s storage disk, data is stored in files and organized into directories (or a collection
of folders). Directories can have sub-directories and sub-sub-directories many levels down. The
directory immediately below the current directory is called the child directory. The directory
immediately above the current one is called the parent directory. The top of the directory structure is
called the root directory – creating an (upside down) directory tree.
When a user adds or installs a new program on the computer, the installation process will usually
create a new directory or folder to store the application’s files. When saving a document created by
an application, the program will typically try to save to a default directory.
Users can create and delete directories or folders as the need arises. You can also easily move files
from one folder (or directory) to another using menu commands (cut, copy, paste) or by using a mouse
to drag and drop. It is important to understand your computer’s directory structure as a file can be
misplaced if it is saved in the wrong directory.
As we discussed before, the work that is produced using an application or program is also software
(data) and is usually referred to as a file or a document. Files can be manipulated in a myriad of
ways. They can be opened, closed, edited, saved, printed, backed up, etc.

Saving Files or Documents

In order to save a new document or file you must first choose the Save command. Most modern
software applications place this command in a menu. Each file must be given a filename so it can be
found easily the next time it is needed.
Many modern software programs (applications) add their own extension to filenames. These
extensions allow operating systems to recognize certain filenames and associate (match) them to the

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program that created it. Typically, they are in a three-letter (sometimes four-letter) format following a
period at the end of the file name.
As well as choosing a filename, users must choose a directory and/or disk to store the file in.
Remember: make sure that you are consistent and use a logical structure – the default option is often
not the best one for you.

Common File Types and Extensions

Common file extensions that are good to know, organized by file format.

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Compression and Decompression

Most software you buy download is compressed. Computers store information in bytes, which are
made up of on and off signals. The software applications that use these files need to have all the on
and off signals (bytes) in place. However, when the file is stored or downloaded, it can be modified
to take up less space on the storage disk. There are many commercial and free programs that will
compress and decompress files for you. The most popular forms of data compression are zip or rar
but there are others as well.

What is Data Compression?

Data Compression is also referred to as bit-rate reduction or source coding. This technique is used
to reduce the size of large files. The advantage of data compression is that it helps us save our disk
space and time in the data transmission.

There are mainly two types of data compression techniques as follows:

1. Lossless Data Compression

2. Lossy Data Compression

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Lossless data compression

Lossless data compression is used to compress the files without losing an original file's quality and
data. Simply, we can say that in lossless data compression, file size is reduced, but the quality of data
remains the same. The main advantage of lossless data compression is that we can restore the
original data in its original form after the decompression. Lossless data compression mainly used in
the sensitive documents, confidential information, and PNG, RAW, GIF, BMP file formats.

Lossy data compression

Lossy data compression is used to compress larger files into smaller files. In this compression
technique, some specific amount of data and quality are removed (loss) from the original file. It takes
less memory space from the original file due to the loss of original data and quality. This technique is
generally useful for us when the quality of data is not our first priority. Lossy data compression is most
widely used in JPEG images, MPEG video, and MP3 audio formats.

Note: The human eye does not measure the loss of data.

Difference between lossless and lossy data compression

As we know, both lossless and lossy data compression techniques are used to compress data form
its original size. The main difference between lossless and lossy data compression is that we can
restore the lossless data in its original form after the decompression, but lossy data can't be restored
to its original form after the decompression.

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