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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND OPERATIONS
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LECTURE 3: SOFTWARE
Software – is the non-physical components of the computer that are intangible in nature. This is consists of a
set of instructions that instruct the hardware what to do is called program.
Program – serve as an interface between the hardware and peopleware for the computer system operations.
Categories of Software
1. System Software
 is generalized software that directs the overall operation of the computer.
 Refers to the programs that assist in the computer operations in general, thereby facilitating
the execution of application programs.
Types of System Software
a. Operating System

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refers to a group of related programs that supervise the execution of an application
program. It is considered as the ‘master control program’, ‘executive processor’ and
‘controller system’.
When computer is turned on it searches for a set of instructions in the memory.
Popular Operating System:
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows 2000
- Windows M.E. (Millennium Edition)
- Windows XP (Experience)
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
Offers of OS / Characteristics of OS
 GUI (Graphical User Interface), use of small pictures or icons.
Example: My Computer (icon), My Documents (icon)
Capabilities of Operating System
a. Single Tasking – one program only
b. Multi-Tasking – many programs
Classified into Capabilities
On a single user computer
- control the IO operations
- control of the file systems
On larger multiple user
- can control the computer system
- controlling access to the system (security / password)
- controlling shares resources (web cam, printers, scanner)
- keeping accounting data (time watcher)
b. Operating Environment – refers to programs that sit on top of OS.
c. Utilities - a single term for all types of programming aids.
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d. Programming Languages – these are by themselves programs but used to write other
programs.
e. Language Processors – otherwise termed as Translator used to convert source program into
a form suitable for execution.
Examples: Compilers, Assemblers, and Interpreters
2. Application Software
 is concern with application and implementation.
- analogy of the world of hardware would be the relationship of the light bulb: under of
electrical systems.
 The user programs designed to solve problems such as those used in business, engineering
and scientific research.
Types of Application Software
a. Package Programs – commonly called ‘application package’ which are use to several users.
Types of Package Programs:
a.1. Word Processing Software (Examples: MS Word, Wordpad, Wordstar, Worperfect)
a.2. Desktop-publishing Software (Examples: Adobe , Pagemaker)
a.3. Spreadsheet Software (Examples: MS Excel, Lotus 123, Quatro, Symphony, VisiCalc)
a.4. Database Management Systems (DBMS) (Examples: MS Access, Foxbase, Dbase
IV)
a.5. Graphics Software (Examples: MS Paint, MS PowerPoint, NewsMaster, Printshop)
a.6. Communication Software (Examples: MS Netmeeting, Smartcom, Global Chat,
Freetel, CrossTalk, PC Dial, PC Talk)
a.7. Integrated Software – not only allows the user to create spreadsheets, databases
and graphs, but also include communication capabilities.
Examples: MS Office, SmartSuite, Perfect Office
a.8. Groupware – it is a software that is used on networks of computer users working
together on the same project.
Examples: Lotus, MS-Works
a.9. Software Suites (Examples: MS Office, SmartSuite, PerfectOffice)
a.10. Desktop Accessories (Examples: Electronic tools such as Calendar, Clock,
Calculator, Notepad, and Card File; Sidekick)
a.11. Personal Information Manager (PIM) – provide software tools that helps organize
personal information such as addresses and telephone numbers.
Example: MS Outlook
a.12. Project Management Software – it is used to monitor large-scale projects’
schedules, resources and people.
Examples: Harvard Project Management, PS-Project for Windows, SuperProject
a.13. CAD Software – allows engineers and architects to design products using this
software prior to manufacturing.
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Examples: AutoCAD, Orcad, Supervision
a.14. Multimedia Software – program that allow the use of text, graphics, animation, video
and sound.
Examples: Multimedia Works, Multimedia Toolbox, Autoware
b. Custom Programs. Specifically written for an organization or a single user using any
programming language like Pascal, C, Foxbase, and others. These are tailor-made or userdeveloped programs.
Examples: Grading System, Enrolment System, Accounting System, Registration System,
Election System
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