Download SOFTWARE

Software refer to all the programs that can be
run on the computer.
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example, your favorite
computer game is a program. In
order for your computer to know
how to play that game, you (or
your parents) must first install the
program from the game software
- usually a CD.
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There are many different types of programs
for the computer. They are grouped
according to the tasks that they perform.
Here are some types and examples of their
uses:
Word processing - letter writing, essays, writing stories
Database - address books, mailing lists
Spreadsheets - storing financial information
Research - encyclopedias, informational programs
Entertainment - games, music/video programs
Education - skill practice games, tutorials, how-to
programs
Desktop Publishing - creating birthday cards and
newsletters.
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Application SoftwareThese are programs that are designed to
perform specific tasks or solve a particular
problem.
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Systems Softwareis a term for the programs that handle the
running of your computer's hardware.
Without systems software your computer
cannot function. The two main categories are:
1)operating systems
2) utility programs
An operating system is a program
designed to run other programs on a
computer. A computer’s operating
system is its most important program.
 Types of Operating Systems:
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◦ Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
◦ Android, IOS  mobile devices
◦ Windows 95, 98, 2000 (Older…obsolete)
◦ Linux
◦ Unix
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'App' is short for 'application' - which is
another name for a computer program.
Normally, when people talk about apps they
are almost always referring to programs that
run on mobile devices, such
as smartphones or tablet computer
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Apps are downloaded from an online shop
run by the makers of the phone or tablet's
operating system. In the case of the iPhone
and iPad, it's simply named the 'App Store'.
On Android phones it's the ‘Play Store', on
Windows Phone the 'Windows Marketplace'
and on Nokia phones it's the 'Ovi Store'.
Class Exercise
1) Application Software can be placed into 3
groups. What are the 5 groups?
2) Name the different types of operating
system software?
3) What are utility programs?
4) List 3 types of utility software
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All operating systems must handle the same
basic tasks. These functions can be divided
into three groups:
Allocating System Resources
The operating system directs the traffic inside the computer,
deciding what resources will be used and for how long.
Monitoring System Activities
The operating system monitors:
System Performance
and
System Security
File and Disk Management
Keeping track of what files are where is a major job. So an operating
system comes with basic file management feature which allows a user
needs to copy, move, delete, and rename files.
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User InterfaceThe Operating System also provides a user
interface. A user interface describes the way a
user communicates with the computer system.
Types of user interfaces include:
1. Command-line: the user provides the input by typing a
command string with the computer keyboard and the
system provides output by printing text on the computer
monitor.
2. Menu-driven Interface :
This type of interface allows you to use either a
mouse or the cursor movement (arrow keys) to
make a selection from a menu. Menus contain
commands like Print, Save , Format and so on.
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Menus are easier to use than command driven
interface because you do not have to remember
commands.
3. Graphical User Interface (GUI)This user interface is also called WIMP (Windows,
Icons, Menus and Pointing devices). It is the
easiest interface to use. It allows you to use
graphics (images) as well as menus to perform
various functions.
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Jan 2010
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May 2010 (Teacher will distribute this)